Submerged Scraper Conveyors (SSC) play a vital role in handling hot, abrasive materials safely and efficiently across industrial operations. At RUD Australia, our advanced conveyor systems, built on decades of engineering innovation, deliver reliability, cooling performance and environmental compliance across demanding industries such as power generation, mining and waste-to-energy.

Submerged scraper conveyors (SSC) are the commonly used ash handling systems designed to move hot, abrasive bulk material through a water-filled trough. These systems are primarily used in coal based thermal power plants because they provide a reliable and environmentally friendly option for handling materials such as boiler ash. Unlike dry conveyors, the SSC operates in a water bath, a design that not only quenches the material but also suppresses dust. This mechanism enables safe handling of high-temperature materials while supporting compliance with environmental requirements.

How Submerged Scraper Conveyors Operate

A typical SSC uses a continuous wear resistant round case hardened steel link chain with scraper bars fitted with multilink attachments that travel along the floor of a steel trough filled with water. Ash is conveyed by an upper strand in the water filled tub. As the scraper bars move the ash toward the outlet, the trough’s inclined section raises the material out of the bath for discharge. Chains run over idlers, shafts and submerged overhung idlers (SOI). SOI are partly equipped with control facilities to monitor the operation and is a critical component in the system.

The water in the trough serves two primary functions: it rapidly cools the incoming ash and acts as a barrier to airborne dust. Once the scraper flights leave the submerged section, gravity allows excess water to drain from the conveyed material before it reaches the storage or processing area. The treated water is then either recirculated or disposed of in accordance with site water management procedures. Only the part of the conveyor above the intermediate bottom is filled with water, while the return strands run on dry wear rails.

Advantages of SSC Technology

Submerged scraper conveyors offer several advantages that are relevant in power generation and other high temperature applications.

• Material Handling: SSCs are built to transport hot, abrasive materials that would quickly wear conventional conveyors. Heavy-duty, wear resistant chain components and robust scraper flights deliver durable service and consistent performance under severe operating conditions
• Dewatering and Cooling: Conveying material underwater provides immediate quenching and facilitates dewatering as the material ascends the incline. This is important for bottom ash, which may leave a boiler at very high temperatures; prompt cooling reduces handling risk and manages the material for safe storage or onward processing
• Environmental and Safety Compliance: By keeping the material submerged in the horizontal portion and inclined, water drains off due to the slow speed of conveying until it reaches the discharge point. Thus, the SSCs reduce dust emissions of fine particulates, thereby improving on-site air quality and operator safety. This sealed handling method helps with environmental requirements and occupational safety standards
• Robust Construction and Lower Lifecycle Cost: SSCs are manufactured from abrasion resistant materials such as case hardened steel and are engineered for heavy duty cycles. Their straightforward mechanical design and component durability can translate into regular maintenance intervals and reduced lifecycle costs compared with more complex ash handling alternatives

Australian Applications

Australia requires efficient and safe bulk material handling solutions across power generation, mining and waste-to-energy projects. RUD Australia provides engineering, manufacturing and field support across the country to meet these needs.

RUD's CRATOS system is a full-service, end-to-end conveyor solution that includes technical consultation, engineering calculations and maintenance support to optimise system life and availability. Our system is built on decades of innovation, including the development of advanced chain grades with up to 28% improved breaking strength and superior wear resistance, which ensures reliability and reduces breakdowns.

Applications for SSCs in Australia

• Power Plants: Submerged scraper conveyors are commonly used for ash removal in coal-fired and biomass boilers. Their capacity to handle elevated temperatures and abrasive loads supports continuous plant operation
• Waste-to-Energy: In incineration facilities, SSCs handle ash and clinker, cooling residues and prepare them for recycling or disposal
• Industrial and Manufacturing: Facilities such as foundries, cement works and steel mills that produce hot, abrasive residues benefit from the sealed nature of submerged conveyors
• Other Bulk Materials: While core use is ash and clinker, SSCs can be adapted for some wet or slurry-like bulk materials as required by process demands

We are here to help

At RUD, we are committed to offering you the best solutions for your requirements. The RUD submerged scraper conveyor is a specialised material-handling system that combines cooling, containment and mechanical conveyance to manage hot and abrasive residues. Its robust construction and straightforward operation make it a dependable choice where dust control and thermal management are essential.

Do you want more information about our products? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or email us.

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