West River Conveyors’ hydraulic conveyor belt storage units offer a state-of-the-art design and robust, heavy-duty build to withstand rigorous mining demands and movement. Our engineers can configure them to fit any type of underground or above-ground mining operation.
We designed these units with versatility in mind, accommodating a wide range of belt widths. Additionally, they allow for multiple belt storage capacities, ranging from 40-50’ up to 400-800’ and beyond.
Our customizable designs offer a wide range of innovative features designed to minimize belt splicing and ensure seamless long-panel advancements. Sophisticated VFD starter tension control technologies control the tension based on the load cell reading.
The conveyor experts at West River Conveyors will work closely with you to design a custom configuration to meet your application and specifications. Click below for a quote.
A conveyor belt storage unit is an integral component in mining operations, serving a dual purpose as both a take-up for tensioning and a storage system for the conveyor belt. It’s specifically designed to facilitate the advancing and retreating of belts in a mine. The unit is composed of rails, a stationary section, a series of carriages, and a winch assembly.
A notable feature is its modular design, which is essential for easy relocation within the mining site. The conveyor belt is stored along the entire frame length and supported by drop-off carriages placed at specific intervals. When you remove the belt from the system, these drop-off carriages automatically revert to their collapsed positions.
It’s important to note that not every conveyor system requires a belt storage unit. Their implementation depends on the specific needs and configurations of the mining operation.
Unlock the full potential of your conveyor system with a belt storage unit. Explore how these dynamic components can streamline processes, enhance productivity, and minimize downtime.
Improved Efficiency—Belt storage units significantly reduce the amount of time spent on splicing belts, which directly contributes to operational efficiency. By having ample storage of belts readily available, the time-consuming process of splicing is less frequent.
Extended Belt Life—Protecting conveyor belts from damage is essential to prolong their lifespan. We designed our units with this in mind, safeguarding belts from excessive wear and reducing replacement costs.
Enhanced Safety—Safety is paramount in any operation. Belt storage units contribute to a safer work environment by reducing the risk of accidents that can occur during manual handling and splicing of belts.
Belt Splicing Table Option—For those looking to enhance the belt handling process even further, we can integrate a belt splicing table with power clamps into the basic storage unit design. This addition makes splicing operations more streamlined and efficient.
Multiple Lap Configurations—Multiple lap configurations are available. This flexibility ensures optimization for your specific needs.
Customization and Collaboration—Our team of engineers is ready to work closely with you to create custom units tailored to your preferences. Whether it’s specific dimensions or particular features, we’re dedicated to delivering a solution that fits your operations like a glove.
Wide Range of Sizes—From the most compact to the largest, our storage units come in an array of sizes to accommodate different operational scales and requirements.
Custom Guarding—To further ensure safety and compliance with regulations, custom guarding options are available to protect the equipment and personnel.
By incorporating these features and benefits, West River’ Conveyor’s belt storage units stand as an essential component in optimizing conveyor system performance, ensuring longer belt life, and promoting a safe working environment.
West River’s belt storage units are a versatile and efficient solution designed to meet the diverse requirements of mining operations. We offer many customization options to suit specific industry needs and preferences.
The modular design allows for easy relocation and reconfiguration. This proves to be especially beneficial in dynamic mining environments where adaptability is crucial, such as in longwall mining methods that demand mobility during panel moves.
The belt storage units also excel in terms of functionality. They consist of a series of carriages on rails with a winch assembly.
As the belt is used, drop-off carriages support it at specific intervals. When the belt is removed from the system, these carriages return to their collapsed positions automatically.
This automation reduces the need for manual labor while enhancing the safety and efficiency of the operations.
Storage units can store up to 1,000 ft. or more in some instances, depending on how long the advance/retreat requirement is, and we can configure them in various pulley wrap designs.
The unit’s configuration depends on factors such as height restrictions, transportation considerations, and overall conveyor design.
For instance, more pulley laps allow you to get the same amount of belt storage with less linear footage required in the rails. This is beneficial if there is ample roof height and transportation capabilities.
Another unique feature is the use of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) starters in tandem with load cells for precise tension control.
This combination ensures that the belt tension is continuously monitored and adjusted based on real-time data.
This is vital for preventing slack or over-tensioning that can lead to operational issues or damage to the conveyor belt.
In terms of mounting options, you can install a belt storage unit on either the floor or the roof, offering additional flexibility.
Costs can vary depending on the number of pulleys, belt width, tension requirements, winch specifications, and other factors.
Additional features like built-in splicing tables add to the expense. Generally speaking, the pricing starts at around $200,000.
West River offers custom configurations designed in collaboration with clients. For example, we recently engineered a custom roof-mounted hydraulic storage unit for a potash customer. It featured a belt storage capacity near 1,200 ft., featuring a compact, multi-pulley design.
Discover the innovative attributes that make our belt storage units a powerhouse of efficiency and reliability, such as:
Carriage frame construction—Moveable carriage frame construction allows separate movement or adjustment of one lower frame and two upper frames.
Customer Specified Pulley Design and Configurations – varying options for pulley sizing, configurations, lagging and pulley type.
“Back” Support for Roof Mount—We can apply a wide range of customizations to meet your needs, including a self-supporting frame mounted to the roof “back” support system.
Upper & Lower Frame—Made from heavy-duty structural steel, this unit is manufactured and assembled as separate upper and lower stationary frames. This design allows for easier installation and maintenance.
Load Compression Cell—Instruments used to measure force, called load cells (located under the pulley), assist in controlling belt tension. VFD starters will control tension based on load cell readings.
Selecting the appropriate conveyor belt storage unit is essential to ensure the efficiency and longevity of your conveyor system. Here are a few crucial factors that can guide your decision-making process:
Size—Conveyor belt storage units come in various sizes. Assess the volume of belts that your operation requires to be stored. It’s imperative to select a storage unit that can adequately accommodate the number of belts you will be using without over or underutilizing the storage capacity.
Type of Belt—Conveyor belts vary in materials and durability. As such, it’s vital to consider the kind of belts your operation utilizes. For instance, if you are using heavy-duty belts, opting for a storage unit designed to handle and protect these types of belts is crucial. Understanding the belt specifications will guide you in selecting a storage unit that complements them.
Budget—With a spectrum of options available, conveyor belt storage units also range in price. Set a realistic budget based on your operational needs and financial constraints. While it’s important to stay within your budget, it’s also wise to consider the long-term value and durability of the unit, as initial cost savings on a lower-priced unit might lead to higher maintenance and replacement costs in the long run.
Customization Options—Some operations have unique requirements. Check if the storage unit offers customization options that allow you to tailor its features and functionalities to your specific needs. This can include adjustable shelving, additional guarding, or specialized loading mechanisms.
Ease of Integration—Consider how seamlessly the storage unit will integrate into your existing conveyor system. Ensure that the storage unit is compatible with the layout and design of your conveyor system to avoid costly and time-consuming modifications.
Operational Environment—The environment in which the storage unit will be operating is also an important factor. For instance, if you use this unit in an underground mining operation, it should be robust and durable enough to withstand harsh conditions.
By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that will serve your operation efficiently and effectively.
At West River Conveyors, our commitment to excellence shines through our reliable products and unmatched customer service. Our dedicated team, spanning from engineers to sales representatives, strives to make your experience seamless and positive.
With nearly four decades of expertise in mining products, we focus on understanding your needs and delivering quality solutions efficiently and competitively. Our mission is to elevate industry standards, exceed customer expectations, and foster a nurturing environment for our employees and community.
Partner with us for a personalized, durable, and superior conveyor equipment solution.
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