How to Protect Transfer Points on Conveyors
Conveyor Belt

Transfer points are critical areas on conveyor systems where materials are loaded, unloaded, or transferred between belts. They are often the source of significant challenges, including spillage, wear, and system inefficiencies. Protecting transfer points ensures a smooth operation and minimizes downtime. Here are practical strategies to safeguard these vital areas.

  1. Install Skirting Systems

Skirting is essential for sealing transfer points and preventing material spillage. Skirt boards and rubber seals keep materials contained and reduce the risk of leakage during loading or transfer.

  1. Use Impact Beds

Impact beds absorb the energy from falling materials, reducing stress on the conveyor belt and minimizing wear. They protect both the belt and the transfer point from damage caused by heavy or sharp materials.

  1. Add Wear Liners

Wear liners shield the walls of chutes and transfer points from abrasion and impact damage. They are especially useful for handling abrasive materials like coal or aggregates.

  1. Optimize Chute Design

Proper chute design is crucial for directing materials efficiently onto the belt. Well-designed chutes reduce turbulence, control material flow, and prevent excessive wear and tear.

  1. Maintain Belt Alignment

Misaligned belts can cause material to spill or damage the transfer point. Use tracking systems and regularly inspect the belt alignment to ensure smooth operations.

  1. Install Dust Suppression Systems

Dust generated at transfer points can lead to material loss and environmental concerns. Installing dust suppression systems, such as spray bars or enclosures, helps contain dust and maintain a cleaner work environment.

  1. Use Flexible Seals

Flexible seals at transfer points adapt to belt movement, maintaining a consistent seal and reducing spillage. They are particularly effective for high-speed conveyors or uneven loading conditions.

  1. Inspect and Replace Components Regularly

Wear and tear at transfer points can compromise system efficiency. Regular inspections of liners, seals, and impact beds help identify and address issues before they escalate.

  1. Train Operators

Ensure operators understand the importance of transfer point maintenance. Proper training enables them to identify and mitigate potential issues early.

  1. Monitor Material Flow

Install monitoring systems to track material flow at transfer points. These systems can detect clogs, uneven loading, or excessive spillage, allowing for proactive interventions.

By focusing on these strategies, you can effectively protect transfer points, ensuring efficient operations and reducing downtime caused by material spillage, dust, or equipment wear.

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BEN DUCHESNE

Ben is a time serviced field service engineer in the busy waste and recycling sector, who’s career moved into to managing service teams and beyond. Originally beginning his career with a HGV repair and maintenance apprenticeship with IVECO, from there travelling and working in multiple countries moving towards waste processing shredders.

Ben joined the Hoverdale team in September 2024 seeking to apply his extensive knowledge to a new area. His values and ethics fit perfectly within the Hoverdale ethos.

He is happily married to Kristina, with 4 wonderful young children; 14, 11, 8 and 5. We the children he doesn’t get much spare time. He is a family man, who enjoys spending as much time with them as possible.

DAVID BARTER

David is an experienced leader, with a background covering Operations, eCommerce, Finance, Compliance, HR and IT. His career spans Banking, Retail and Engineering, spending the majority of his career working for ALDI as they grew to become 4th largest supermarket in the UK, including seven years on their UK board as Managing Director of IT and eCommerce.

David joined Hoverdale’s Senior Management Team in 2023 to seek a fresh challenge in a completely different industry sector. He has applied his approach to Process Improvement, Efficiency, Customer Service and Teamwork to great effect during Hoverdale’s sustained growth.

Married to Jane, with three adult sons between them, David volunteers on the board of the Nottingham Playhouse theatre as well as his local rugby and football clubs. Any spare time he spends enjoying walks with their Golden Retriever, Buzz, who is also regularly seen in the Hoverdale office.

MATT BEVERLEY

A time served Mechanical engineer Matt’s background includes many high-profile projects within the Automotive Industry: The Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Spyker Le-Mans racing teams, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Airbus A380. This history and knowledge of complex manufacturing and engineering projects have been transferred and further developed into the bulk material handling sector. Matt has work in Europe, North America, Indonesia, and China

He joined the bulk solids and bulk handling industry in 2019 as Managing Director of Hoverdale UK Ltd and subsequently completed a Management buyout in July 2020. The business has grown yearly, increased employment, its customer base, and worldwide reputation, and disrupted the market with groundbreaking innovative technology. Since Matt took over Hoverdale, the company has filed four patents for innovation; one was granted in 2023 for a design to improve bulk handling. The success had been driven by delivering tailored solutions to the waste recycling sectors that keep material flowing out and money flowing in.

Awards Include

  • 2024 – Shapa company of the Year
  • 2024- Shapa Innovation in Technology
  • 2024- MHEA Engineer of the year
  • 2021 – MHEA Innovation of the year
  • 2021- IMechE Innovation award

Current Positions Include.

  • Group Chairman Hoverdale UK Ltd
  • President (MHEA) Material Handling Engineers Association
  • Vice Chairman: IMechE Bulk Material Handling Committee
  • Council Member: (SHAPA) Solids Handling & Particle Association
  • Member: Chartered Management Institute

Matt has been happily married to Julie for 22 years and has 4 children, 3 of which are involved within the Hoverdale group of companies. He is an RFU level 2 qualified coach and referee having been in several head coaching roles at various age groups from under 6’s to adults for his local team Nuneaton RFC. He believes in the core values that rugby teaches of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship and try’s to carry this through in his day to day business activities. He is passionate at brining the next generation of young, diverse engineers into the sector through promotion of apprenticeship scheme and further education routes.