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.
The original article was modified from https://rudindia.com/ and is copyrighted.
In the challenging world of Australian heavy industry sectors, from construction sites in Sydney or Melbourne to remote mining operations in Western Australia, the safe and efficient operation of heavy material loads is critical. Companies use many products for lifting operations and the two primary ones among them are lifting and spreader beams.
This article delves into lifting and spreader beams, their technical differences and the benefits they add to the job site. We will also discuss how RUD, Australia’s leading lifting equipment provider, caters to clients such as Hulk Lifting and to companies in the crane industry.
What is the Difference between a Spreader Beam and a Lifting Beam?
While both lifting and spreader beams are designed to lift heavy loads, their principles and applications differ. Understanding this difference is key to selecting the right lifting beam or spreader beam for any task.
A spreader beam is a horizontal structure that distributes the weight of a load over multiple points, primarily by converting the lifting forces into compressive stress on the beam itself. The slings from the crane hook attach to the top of the spreader beam, while additional slings connect from the end of the beam down to the load. This ensures the lifting slings remain vertical, eliminating inward horizontal forces that could damage a long, flexible or fragile load. Spreader beams are ideal for lifting long objects like steel girders, pipes or precast concrete slabs, where a wide and stable lift is required to prevent the load from bending, buckling or shifting.
In contrast, a lifting beam is a simple device, typically with a single lifting point in the centre. The lifting beam is designed to withstand bending loads and is used for lifting compact or rigid objects. The load's slings are attached to the bottom of the beam, allowing the load to be lifted from a single overhead point. Lifting beams are useful in situations with low headroom, as their design minimises the vertical space needed for the lift. They are commonly used to lift heavy machinery components, large crates or engine blocks.
In summary, selecting one of the two depends on the load and the space available. A spreader beam is good to manage long, unwieldy loads by distributing forces, while a lifting beam provides a robust, low-profile solution for compact and heavy objects. For any project, consulting with a reputable spreader beam supplier or lifting beam manufacturer is crucial.
Enhancing Safety, Stability and Efficiency
The use of engineered lifting and spreader beams is beneficial beyond just getting the job done. Let’s have a look at the benefits.
Greater Safety: The most important benefit is safety. By distributing the load's weight evenly and preventing concentrated stress points, lifting and spreader beams reduce the risk of equipment failure, dropped loads and injuries. They keep slings from slipping and loads from tilting, creating a controlled and predictable lift. The robust design, in accordance with Australian Standards, provides operators with peace of mind
Increased Lifting Capacity: By spreading the load across multiple points, a spreader beam allows a lifting operation with higher capacity than a single-point lift. This is true for long loads, where the beam's design reduces the stress on the lifting equipment itself, allowing for safer handling of heavier items
Superior Load Stability and Protection: Spreader beams act as a stabilising force, preventing the load from swaying or rotating. This is critical when lifting delicate or irregularly shaped items, as it minimises the risk of damage to the load itself or surrounding equipment. For example, lifting a fragile glass panel or a high-value industrial component with a spreader beam ensures it remains level and secure throughout the entire process
Versatility and Adaptability: Many modern lifting and spreader beams are modular or adjustable, allowing them to be reconfigured for different loads and lifting angles. This versatility means that a single beam can be used for a wide range of jobs, reducing the need for multiple pieces of equipment and saving both time and money
RUD Australia: A Case Study in Engineering Excellence
For decades, RUD has been a global leader in lifting and lashing technology and this expertise is reflected in our Australian operations. Our state-of-the-art 6,000m² facility at 12 Commerce Place in Brisbane is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation. Our production area is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a SEVERT robotic welder, laser scanning capabilities and multiple test beds which allow us to design, manufacture and test custom lifting and spreader beams in-house.
The core of our success is our specialised engineering team, which utilises FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software to model and test every beam design before it is manufactured. This rigorous process ensures that each product is robust, optimised for weight reduction and certified. After fabrication, every beam undergoes a physical proof load test to guarantee its performance and compliance. This end-to-end flow in the design and manufacturing process minimises lead times and ensures reliability and safety for clients across the country.
A case study is our work with Hulk Lifting, a Brisbane-based company founded by industry veterans Ben Rose and Mitch Atkinson. We have partnered with Hulk Lifting since its inception in 2008, which is a strong endorsement of our solution-oriented approach. Our collaboration often results in customised lifting beams with specialised RUD lugs. Including a 31.5-tonne capacity W-ABA lug, which can meet specific lifting requirements. This partnership demonstrates how we use local manufacturing and global engineering knowledge to provide bespoke and safe lifting solutions.
Read our blog article on Hulk Lifting - https://www.rud.com.au/ruds-hulk-smash/, which was also published in the Cranes & Lifting Dec 2023 magazine edition.
The Right Choice for a Better Future
Both lifting and spreader beams are critical to safety and efficiency. By embracing technically superior, high-quality lifting equipment, businesses can achieve smoother operations, greater productivity and most importantly, a safer working environment.
For more information on our lifting and spreader beams, call us on 07 3809 1300 or click here to submit an enquiry.
Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Off-The-Road (OTR) tyres are critical for material transport by loaders and haul trucks in mining and quarrying sites. Mining and quarrying companies face many challenges in maintaining the longevity of the tyres because of operation in highly abrasive environments, which leads to a relatively short lifespan.
Tyres are exposed to sharp-edged rocks or metal debris. Even water is detrimental to a tyre because a dry tyre, when subject to water, is more susceptible to punctures (See the comparison pictures of a dry tyre that is hard versus a wet tyre that can be cut by a knife). All these contribute to unplanned downtime and loss of productivity. In addition, the disposal of end-of-life tyres is an environmental challenge, with Australia discarding over 130,000 tonnes annually.
Operational Impact of OTR Tyres
OTR E2 tyres possess a Shore A Hardness of approximately 60. They are designed to optimise flexibility, load distribution, and cushioning for heavy-duty applications. However, this softness renders them vulnerable to damage in the harsh conditions prevalent in Australian mines, from the Pilbara's open-cut iron ore mines to Queensland's underground coal seams. Tyre wear is influenced by operator skill, weather conditions, equipment maintenance, and haul road conditions.
The huge size of mining machinery, such as haul trucks capable of transporting hundreds of tonnes or front-end loaders with large buckets, also imposes stress on the tyres. A single OTR tyre can exceed four meters in height and can weigh several tonnes. Whether bias or radial construction, exposure to jagged rocks and abrasive surfaces can lead to rapid degradation.
A single OTR tyre costs tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. When a tyre is punctured or damaged, in addition to the immediate financial loss, unplanned downtime for repair or replacement impacts profitability. Common damage types include tread cuts, sidewall damage, chunking and bead failures, frequently aggravated by poor haul road conditions, overloading and incorrect inflation.
The Role of Tyre Protection Chains
Tyre Protection Chains (TPCs) are an ideal solution to protect tyres against damage and punctures. RUD manufactures TPCs from high-alloy, hardened steel, forming a close-mesh protective barrier that covers the tread and sidewalls. This robust mesh absorbs impacts from sharp objects and prevents catastrophic failure or premature wear.
RUD supplies 65% of the world's TPCs. By adopting new technology from long-established welding, forging and heat-treating methods, RUD has developed superior tyre protection and traction chains. The high-quality steel undergoes heat treatments and forging processes, enhancing wear resistance and durability. RUD TPC links ensure optimal grip and traction, even in challenging, wet, and slippery conditions. The additional chain weight is outweighed by the benefits of extended tyre life and improved machine uptime.
Benefits of Tyre Protection Chains
Implementing TPCs delivers measurable benefits for any mining or quarrying operation, positively impacting safety and reducing financial costs.
Enhanced Safety: RUD TPCs improve safety by providing superior traction and preventing machines from losing traction on loose or steep surfaces. They are a safety measure against sudden tyre failures (blowouts and rapid deflations), which can be catastrophic. Reduced tyre-related breakdowns also minimise personnel exposure during emergency repairs, aligning with Australian safety regulations on the site, particularly those identified in Recognised Standard 13
Reduced Operating Costs: Tyres represent a large operating expense. TPCs extend tyre life, translating into fewer tyre purchases, reduced disposal costs and decreased labour for maintenance and replacement. By safeguarding against damage, TPCs enable mines and quarries to achieve the full lifespan of OTR tyres
Increased Productivity and Machine Availability: TPCs impact productivity by reducing unplanned downtime. Tyre-related downtime for haul trucks or loaders can disrupt production. By ensuring machine availability and optimal performance, TPCs can minimise costly interruptions.
The Last Word
OTR tyres are fundamental to mines and quarries, but their potential for damage requires protection. TPCs are critical to safeguarding the tyres, enhancing safety and maintaining production. They are an investment that can reap benefits due to reduced costs, increased uptime, and a safer working environment.
For more detailed information, you can visit the RUD Australia website:
Interested in our tyre protection solutions? Call us on 07 3809 1300 or enquire here.
Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Who is RUD?
RUD is a leading German manufacturer of Tyre Protection Chains (TPCs), supplying 65% of the global market. With a strong focus on innovation, consistency, and quality, RUD sets the industry standard. Our reputation for excellence stems from our commitment to delivering top-quality TPCs designed to provide superior protection and traction in various on-site conditions.
What is a Tyre Protection Chain?
A TPC is a closed mesh of high alloy, hardened steel chains that protect the tread and sidewalls of tyres. These chains are flexible, allowing them to adjust to every deformation of the tyre. They have high levels of self-cleaning, preventing the tread mesh from becoming filled and clogged while providing the best possible protection and traction.
Why is a Tyre Protection Chain important?
All vehicle tyres in production sites face hazardous challenges such as sharp and jagged rocks, and muddy and slippery surfaces. Even if the tyres are new, such surfaces can result in punctures or blowouts which lead to equipment downtime, loss of productivity, and delays in projects. Also, specialised tyres are expensive and take time to source, which escalates replacement costs. Premature deterioration of tyres is a costly inconvenience that can be minimized using TPCs.
RUD is the major supplier of Tyre Protection Chains around the world.
RUD offers TPCs suitable for a wide range of tyre sizes, from as small as 21/7-R10 of an all-terrain Segway to the largest rubber tyre loader tyre on the market, the 70/70-R57 used for the Komatsu 2350 Loader. These chains are essential in hazardous environments such as mining, quarrying, construction, and scrap metal/recycling, preventing tyre damage, punctures, blowouts, and costly downtime. RUD provides TPCs for both open-cut and underground mining applications, as well as traction chains for slippery and boggy conditions.
With RUD’s TPCs, you can be assured of increased tyre lifespan, improved traction, reduced machine downtime, cost savings, and enhanced workforce utilisation. TPCs minimise the need for frequent tyre changes, saving time, money, and labour. With TPCs in place, scheduled work can proceed smoothly, avoiding unexpected failures and disruptions.
RUD's expertise goes beyond product supply. We provide a huge range of replacement parts and special tooling along with guidance, training, and regular service inspections to ensure optimal TPC selection, installation, and maintenance across Australia. To further enhance tyre protection and safety, additional solutions like tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), regular tyre inspections, and tyre rotation can also be employed.
Through RUD's recommendations, you can maintain tyre condition, extend their life, and minimise punctures, blowouts, and other issues. RUD's German heritage ensures a commitment to innovation, consistency, and quality, making us a trusted partner in tyre protection.
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors inadvertent or otherwise.
If you want to know how the team at RUD can help you with tyre protection chains, please call 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
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