Success Story: Enhancing Performance with Conveyor Upgrades

Problem Summary

A pulp and paper facility in Canada was experiencing significant operational challenges due to old drag chain and paddle conveyors. The drag chain conveyor caused frequent chute pluggage from material carryback, which restricted flow and led to unplanned downtime. The paddle conveyor generated excessive fugitive dust and spillage and required a complex material flow path that made maintenance more difficult. Additionally, limited access around the drag conveyor further complicated routine inspections and servicing. The plant identified the need for strategic conveyor upgrades to improve material handling and system reliability.

Benetech Solution

To address these challenges, Benetech implemented a comprehensive set of conveyor upgrades during a scheduled outage. The outdated drag chain and paddle conveyors were replaced with a traditional 24-inch reversing belt conveyor designed to streamline material handling and improve access for maintenance.

Benetech products included, but were not limited to:

  1. MaxZone® Load Zone System — A belt enclosure system with easy-to-access internal wearliners that are adjusted from the outside, dust curtains designed to reduce air velocity within the enclosure to allow airborne dust to settle onto the belt, and Benetech’s patented rubber skirting seal system that prevents dust from escaping at the belt line.
  2. Inspection Doors — Dust-tight doors that contain airborne dust while also allowing access for service and maintenance.

Successful Results

The conveyor upgrades significantly improved reliability, safety, and maintainance. Material now moves along a more direct, efficient path with minimal carryback and reduced dust. Maintenance crews have benefited from improved equipment access, and the reversing belt provides bypass capability to keep operations running during maintenance events. By removing outdated equipment, the plant also simplified operations and reduced the potential for future breakdowns. Benetech is proud to support this facility with engineered solutions that enhance material handling performance and plant productivity.

  • Reduced Downtime: Eliminated chute plugging and improved material flow consistency.
  • Lower Maintenance Costs: Easier access and fewer mechanical components decrease labor and equipment service needs.
  • Improved Safety: Reduced fugitive dust and simplified layout enhance plant safety.
  • Long-Term Efficiency: Removal of obsolete conveyors and simplifying the material flow support reliable long-term operation.