Situation

A North American pulp mill was having significant dust and spillage issues with old worn-out transfer chutes. The existing chutes were not built with combustible dust containment in mind and did not control material flow. As a result, the plant was experiencing significant dust, spillage, and pluggage issues. In addition, the uncontrolled material was causing short belt life and other equipment issues. On top of efficiency concerns, the plant wanted to reduce combustible dust issues and was determined to improve the safety of its operation. Benetech partnered with the plant to assess the situation and provide an engineered solution to control the material flow and alleviate the spillage and dust generation issues while extending belt life and creating a safer work environment.

 

Existing Problems

  • High dust generation from transfers and load zone
  • Extreme spillage and material carryback
  • High level of human resources required to maintain/clean systems
  • Premature wear of belts and other equipment
  • Risks of fires and explosions due to combustible dust build-up

Project Scope

Head Chute Design

  • The Head chute incorporated several inspection doors to allow for easy inspection of chute surfaces and belt cleaners.
  • The material flow diverter is supplied and positioned to allow center flow through the chute and into the scalper.
  • Designed to introduce material removed by the belt cleaners back into main flow vs. spilling on the floor
  • Long-lasting, high-performing belt cleaners installed.

 

Transfer Chute

  • Benetech added low-impact angles to the chute.
  • More concentrated flow to reduce induced air and dusting
  • Inspection doors incorporated

 

LoadZone Chutework and Skirtboards

  • Patented round InteliFlo® chute design with J-Glide® smooth loading chute
  • Benetech patented MaxZone® Load Zone System, furthermore including:
    • Quick-release clamp bar and double lip seal
    • Patented XN® Wearliner System
    • CEMA recommended lengths of skirtboard
    • Inspection Door-Tailbox
    • Baffles to decrease dust generation

Successful Results

  • Controlled material flow, drastically reducing dust generation
  • Drastically reduced spillage
  • Increase in belt and chute life
  • Reduction of plant maintenance expenditures
  • Overall, the safety of operations has improved significantly.