Material Handling System Upgrades for Efficiency and Dust Control
SITUATION
The South American Steel Plant team was fighting daily with extreme dust and spillage in two mill areas. The result was a challenging working environment and an unstable material handling operation. In addition, the system they had in place was not maintenance-friendly and therefore experienced significant labor costs related to repairs, cleanup, and confined space requirements. Many different materials are processed in the mills, including:
- Ore Pellet
![Graphic of a conveyor belt]()
- Sinter
- Limestone
- Scrap Iron
- Aluminum
- Coke
- Manganese
Existing Problems
Elevated employee safety practices
- Respiratory Dust PPE
- Confined Space Protocol
- Excessive work environment inspection for material spillage
High Operating Costs
- Unstable System Availability
- The lost material percentage from spillage
- Extended repair and maintenance schedule
- Premature component wear
High Labor Costs
- A high volume of time for cleanup crews
- Extended maintenance time due to limited accessibility and confined space
- Unscheduled repair labor
The Benetech EPC Approach
Benetech provided the Design, Supply & Installation of a MaxZone® Modular Skirtboard System and new loading chutes for two mill areas. These new loading chutes help direct the material flow in the direction of belt travel, greatly helping loading and spillage issues. In addition, the Modular Skirtboard System provides consistent sealing and prevents material leakage at loading points.
Project Success
- Reduced dust emissions and spillage
- Increased plant safety
- Greater operating efficiency
- Reduced housekeeping and maintenance
