Martin Engineering has unveiled a new V-plow design for its conveyor belt tail protection devices.
"The heaviest section of the previous design was about 21 pounds (9.5 kg), while the new modular unit's heaviest component is just 13 pounds (5.9 kg), a reduction of about 48%," conveyor products manager Dave Mueller said.
The overall size has also been decreased so that the new modular design's widest part is less than 8 inches, while the longest is approximately 31 inches.
The reduction in size makes the device easier to carry, both for delivery trucks and workers bringing the device to inaccessible locations.
The V-Plow HD also prevents tail pulleys from damage by spillage returning on the other side of the conveyor built, which can result in lumps being caught between the pulley and the belt as well as spillage being crushed by pressure.
The device uses a hinge system to deflect debris, and includes a four-inch wide, 1-inch thick blade. Mine operators can also order specialised blades which can be used in high-temperature operations as well as blades that are chemical resistant.
The V-Plow HD is designed for belts as wide as 120 inches, with speeds up to 4.6 meters per second. The updated model now has the equipment separated in several pieces, allowing it to be placed in a box that can be transported without difficulty.
Martin maintains that its mounting system and security cable assembly are safer and less damaging to the belt. Should the device detach from one of its mounts, the other mounts and safety cables will keep it steady, which will protect the belt until the faulty mount can be repaired.
