Part 2 of the 2-part article. Click here to read Part 1.

Apron feeders are reliable and efficient solutions for material handling. Their robust construction, versatility, and ability to handle a wide range of materials make them indispensable for maximising productivity and minimising downtime.

Advantages of RUD Apron Conveyors:

RUD's apron feeders increase efficiency and effectiveness for bulk material handling in high-temperature and high-abrasive applications.

Flexibility:

• Low overall height of feeder for low clearance applications.
• The design allows horizontal conveying and bunker-loading functions with an inclined section in one process.
• Suitable for use as a feeder conveyor for a secondary crushing cycle or controlled product delivery.
• Unique plug-in apron design for easy installation
• Rollers can be located at the edge of the pans to reduce friction when required.

Durability:

• Robust, simple and wear-resistant.
• The absorption of higher bunker loads and impacts.
• Components are made from heat-treated, high-strength, wear-resistant components to extend service life.
• Highly wear-resistant chains and components.
• No lubrication of the chain is required.

Reliability:

• Overlapping apron plates even at deflection and inflection areas.
• Highly calibrated and matched drive components and apron plates with high tolerances ensure accurate alignment and efficient movement of components and materials.

Market Growth and Future Trends:

The global apron feeder market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, fuelled by increasing demand in many industries.

The demand for efficient and reliable material handling solutions, particularly in industries like mining and construction, is driving this growth. As the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly material handling practices increases, apron feeders are well-positioned to meet these demands with their inherent efficiency and low spillage characteristics.

Conclusion:

Apron feeders are a testament to engineering ingenuity. They combine robust construction with precise control for efficient and reliable material handling. Their versatility, durability, and low-maintenance characteristics make them a crucial component in various industries worldwide. As demand for sustainable and efficient material handling solutions grows, apron feeders will continue to play an essential role in driving innovation and productivity in the future.

References:

• Market Research Future (MRFR): https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/apron-feeder-market-4708
• **ASME: ** https://www.asme.org/
• Mining Technology: https://www.mining-technology.com/
• Powder & Bulk Solids: https://www.powderbulksolids.com/
• Conveyor & Bulk Handling: https://www.conveyorbulkhandling.com/

If you want more details of our conveyor and drive systems, email us or call us on 07 3809 1300.

Article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is sourced from several references and is accurate at the time of publication. RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures may be shown for illustration only.

This is a 2 part article.

Apron feeders are crucial components of material handling in many industries. Their robust construction and precise control capabilities make them uniquely suited for transporting challenging materials, such as high-temperature materials, in demanding environments.

Understanding the Mechanics of Apron Feeders:

Apron feeders are conveyors in which material is carried on overlapping steel plates, known as "aprons," that travel over sprockets, rollers, and gears. These components are fabricated from high-strength steel and designed to withstand significant wear and tear. Motors and gearboxes power the feeder, enabling controlled movement of the aprons and the material they carry. RUD apron feeders are connected by conveyor chains driven by a calibrated toothed pocket wheel.

The overlapping design of the plates is critical because it ensures smooth and consistent material flow while eliminating spillage. This feature makes apron feeders ideal for handling materials that are difficult to transport, such as:

• Abrasive materials: Sand, gravel, crushed rock, and similar materials that can damage conventional conveyor systems.
• Sticky materials: Clay, cement, and other materials with high viscosity that tend to cling to surfaces.
• Hot materials: Molten metals, slag, and other materials requiring heat-resistant components.
• Lumpy materials: Coal, ore, and other materials with irregular shapes and sizes can clog conventional conveyors.

Advantages of Apron Feeders:

The unique design and construction of apron feeders offer several advantages, cementing their position as the preferred solution for material handling in various industries.

The benefits of apron feeders are:

• Precise Control: Apron feeders allow operators to precisely adjust material flow rate, ensuring efficient production and minimising waste.
• Minimal Spillage and Dust: The overlapping aprons effectively contain material, significantly reducing spillage and dust generation, improving worker safety and minimising environmental impact.
• Exceptional Durability and Low Maintenance: Apron feeders are built to last, with high-strength components capable of handling heavy loads and harsh conditions. This translates to minimal downtime and reduced maintenance costs.
• Adaptability: The design can be customised with different apron widths, lengths, and materials to cater to specific application requirements. This adaptability allows for effective handling of various material types and volumes.
• Preserving the Material: Apron feeders minimise material degradation when moving products.

Applications of Apron Feeders:

Apron feeders play an important role in many industries, such as:

• Mining: Transporting the ore, coal, and other minerals from the site to the processing plant.
• Cement and Aggregates: Handling raw materials like limestone, clay, and sand in cement plants.
• Power Plants: Transporting coal and other fuel sources to boilers.
• Metal and Steel: Moving raw materials and finished products in production.

Apron feeders are reliable and efficient solutions for material handling. Their robust construction, versatility, and ability to handle a wide range of materials make them indispensable for maximising productivity and minimising downtime.

To be continued ...

If you want more details of our conveyor and drive systems, email us or call us on 07 3809 1300.

Article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.

RUD’s apron conveyors are suitable for a wide range of applications, such as high-temperature materials, waste, aggregate, dry ash handling, mineral processing, and kiln applications.

RUD apron feeders increase the efficiency of bulk material handling in high-temperature and high-abrasive applications. They are extremely versatile and can convey bulk materials without causing spillage or degradation.

The advantages of a RUD Apron Feeder Conveyor are:

• Simple, robust construction with high strength, Quenched & Tempered plates.
• Permanently closed apron surface throughout the entire life cycle.
• Lower overall heights due to small chain Drive & Tail end wheel diameters.
• Highly efficient because all drive components are accurately calibrated.
• Sealed conveyor systems.

Project:

RUD Australia was tasked to design, build and install an apron feeder conveyor for an automotive recycling operation. The scope of the project was to offer a complete solution to solve issues around moving shredded auto parts.

Challenges:

The outdated handling process had individual aprons with rollers installed that required constant maintenance. The goal was to increase production and reliability while minimising maintenance and unplanned shutdowns.

Available data at the engagement stage:

• Collection of 24 cubic metres of recycled nonferrous material in a hopper.
• Providing a dump station for a WA500 wheel loader with a 3-bucket storage system.
• Transport the material over an inclined 70-degree slope as a tumble-back system.
• Provide a controlled feed rate into a post-process trommel and sorting equipment as the primary input conveyor system.

The RUD Solution:

RUD designed, manufactured and commissioned a workable solution as part of the improvement project. The RUD-engineered round steel chains proved to be a successful improvement over the plate and bushing pin-type chains.

The Result:

• 90 metres of 30 x 120 R100 Premium RUD Chain, PCD 614mm hubs and teeth on the drive and reversing tensioner wheel.
• 89 opposing type MEE-T attachments.
• RUD Australia designed and manufactured all rollers, frames and wear rails.
• RUD supplied a complete spare parts package with the commissioned system.

Comments:

• The fully commissioned technical and commercial reports were signed off as part of acceptance.
• This complete Apron Feeder system was manufactured in Brisbane.
• RUD Australia provided all Operating & Maintenance guidelines.

Technical Details:

If you want to know how the team at RUD can help you, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.