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Bandas Transportadoras

Skirting

Rubber sealing strips installed along both sides of the conveyor loading zone (also called skirting rubber or edge sealing) to contain material on the belt and prevent spillage. The skirting presses lightly against the belt edges, creating a dynamic seal as the belt moves. Material: natural rubber or SBR, 40-60 Shore A hardness, 6-12 mm thick. Must be soft enough to seal without excessive belt wear, yet stiff enough to resist material pressure. Length: extends from the loading chute through the settling zone (typically 2-3x belt width). Clamping system: adjustable brackets allow vertical and lateral adjustment as the rubber wears. Dual-seal designs use a primary (inner) lip plus an outer dust seal. Replace when wear reaches 50% of original thickness or when material escapes. Per CEMA and Martin Engineering guidelines. Poor skirting causes material buildup under the conveyor, creating housekeeping problems, belt damage, and idler seizure. Brands: Martin, Flexco, Sandvik.

What you need to know

  • Rubber sealing strips installed along both sides of the conveyor loading zone (also called skirting rubber or edge sealing) to contain material on the belt and prevent spillage.
  • The skirting presses lightly against the belt edges, creating a dynamic seal as the belt moves.
  • Material: natural rubber or SBR, 40-60 Shore A hardness, 6-12 mm thick.
  • Must be soft enough to seal without excessive belt wear, yet stiff enough to resist material pressure.
  • Length: extends from the loading chute through the settling zone (typically 2-3x belt width).

Full definition

Skirting is an essential component in conveyor systems, primarily used to manage and contain bulk materials on conveyor belts. It consists of sealing strips made from materials such as natural rubber or SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber), designed to provide an effective barrier against material spillage during transit. The skirting is installed along both sides of the loading zone of the conveyor, where it exerts a light pressure against the edges of the belt. This dynamic sealing mechanism is crucial as it adapts to the movement of the belt, ensuring that loose materials are contained within the confines of the belt's surface. The typical hardness of skirting rubber ranges from 40 to 60 Shore A, with thicknesses between 6 to 12 mm, allowing it to balance flexibility and durability.

Effective skirting must be carefully designed to minimize wear on the conveyor belt while maintaining sufficient stiffness to withstand the pressure of the transported materials. As the skirting wears down, it can be adjusted using a clamping system featuring adjustable brackets, allowing for both vertical and lateral modifications. This adaptability is key to prolonging the life of the skirting and ensuring ongoing effective sealing. Dual-seal designs, which incorporate a primary sealing lip along with an outer dust seal, are often employed to enhance containment and reduce dust emissions, thus improving the operational environment.

Maintenance and timely replacement of skirting are critical. It is recommended to replace skirting strips when they have worn down to 50% of their original thickness or if there are signs of material escaping. Failure to maintain proper skirting can lead to significant operational issues, including material buildup under the conveyor, heightened housekeeping issues, potential damage to the belt, and idler seizure. Compliance with guidelines from organizations such as CEMA (Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association) and Martin Engineering is paramount to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the conveyor system.

What you need to know

  • What you need to know: Skirting rubber is a sealing strip that prevents material spillage on conveyor belts.
  • Material: Typically made from natural rubber or SBR, with a hardness of 40-60 Shore A.
  • Thickness: Skirting should be between 6-12 mm to ensure proper sealing without excessive wear.
  • Installation: Extends 2-3 times the width of the conveyor belt from the loading chute.
  • Maintenance: Replace skirting when wear exceeds 50% of original thickness to prevent operational issues.

Industrial applications

  • 1Used in mining operations to contain coal and other bulk materials during transport.
  • 2Applied in recycling facilities to manage loose materials on conveyor systems.
  • 3Implemented in agricultural settings for transporting grain to prevent spillage.
  • 4Utilized in manufacturing plants to handle powdered materials without loss.

Common mistakes

  • ✕Neglecting to adjust the skirting as it wears, leading to ineffective sealing.
  • ✕Using skirting materials that are too hard, causing excessive wear on the conveyor belt.
  • ✕Failing to replace worn skirting promptly, resulting in increased housekeeping issues.
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Pro tip

Regularly inspect skirting and adjust or replace as necessary to maintain effective sealing and prolong conveyor life.

Technical standards

  • CEMA: Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association guidelines for conveyor design and maintenance.
  • Martin Engineering: Standards for effective skirting and dust control.

Suppliers of conveyor belts in Mexico

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