Fenner Dunlop EP 630/4 4+2 RA (DIN Y)

Details

Type and specification of Fenner Dunlop belt supplied

Superfort Betahete 630/4 4+2 RA

Operating life of Fenner Dunlop belt

18 months +

Life of competitor’s belt

Less than 4 weeks

This soda ash plant recovers trona (a naturally occurring mineral) from surface deposits. The soda ash is obtained by washing and calcining the trona. The working environment is dirty and dusty, reaching ambient temperatures as high as 40C. The plant uses conveyor belts to transport the soda ash, which can reach temperatures up to 120 degrees, therefore requiring an ISO 4195 Class 2 specification belt. Due to particularly high levels of exposure to ultraviolet light, it was especially important that the belts have a high resistance to ozone and UV according to EN ISO 1431/1 procedure B test method.

Despite achieving a belt life of over 18 months by using Fenner Dunlop Superfort Betahete belts, the plant decided to fit a heat-resistant belt manufactured in India to try and reduce costs. The Indian belt lasted less than 4 weeks. The plant quickly decided that they should resume running only Fenner Dunlop Betahete heat resistant belts. A sample of the failed belt was laboratory tested. The tests revealed an almost non-existent resistance to heat, abrasive wear and ozone & UV degradation as well as other failings. When handed the results of the tests, the maintenance manager said
“Thanks for the detailed report. I will have it shared with the management team for review. This is an eye opener for the whole team.”