Innovative mine conveyor protection system

A protective system with the potential to save mining companies millions of dollars a year is triggering a major rethink in mining conveyor maintenance in Australia. The process, developed by Western Australian company Robil Engineering, is successfully prolonging the life of pulley bearings on iron ore, coal and salt conveyors by substantially reducing the effects of corrosion and ingress of abrasive particles. The life of pulley bearings can be extended by at least a factor of four, with the potential for even greater life.

The process, which involves encapsulating the bearing housing with a sprayable thermoplastic coating called Enviropeel, keeps out abrasive dust without interfering with the rotation of the bearing or causing heat build-up.

Enviropeel was originally developed to protect fittings on off-shore gas and oil rigs from corrosion caused by exposure in a salt-laden environment. Applying the same protection to the housing of moving parts was a world first. It has now been adopted at several Australian mines. For further information visit www.alocitgroup.com.