| The HudcoAir™ Air-Supported Belt Conveyor
We have developed a very reliable
air-supported conveyor system. It works on an amazingly
simple concept of supporting a regular flat conveyor belt on a
cushion of low pressure, low volume air. By eliminating
the rollers and the associated sag we have eliminated
operational friction.
The system consists of an airtight plenum
or chamber, which runs the entire length of the belt. The
topside of the plenum has a formed trough, which corresponds
with the troughing rollers in accordance with CEMA standards. In
other words, the air-supported conveyor assumes the same load
carrying trough cross section as the roller supported conveyors
you are accustomed to using. We simply exchange the rollers with
the plenum eliminating the friction and sagging inherent to the
previous designs.
Many benefits are realized by eliminating the troughing rollers
and associated friction.
LOWER OPERATING COSTS
• By reducing the friction the air supported conveyor will
operate with less horsepower.
• Elimination of the troughing rollers eliminates the majority
of moving parts and the associated maintenance.
• Elimination of catastrophic belt failures. No more frozen
rollers to wear through and cut the belt.
• Lower cost belts can be used. The reduction in belt stress
and tension enables the air-supported conveyor to use belts with
less reinforcement.
• Longer belt life. Again, less belt stress means longer belt
life.
ENVIROMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE
• Air-supported conveyors have sealed airtight covers which
virtually eliminate dust.
• Transfer points can be totally enclosed and therefore dust
tight.
• Air-supported conveyors are extremely smooth and quiet.
Noise pollution in the work place is substantially reduced.
• When required, small low horsepower dust collectors can be
built into the conveyor with dust returning directly onto the
belt.
• Products transferred on air-supported conveyors are
protected from 'the elements'.
SAFE OPERATION
• Air-supported conveyors are inherently safe. There are no
troughing rollers to catch clothing, fingers and hands.
• There is no debris flying off to cause eye injuries.
VERSITILE OPERATION
• Air-supported conveyors can be reversed.
• Air-supported conveyors can be fitted with a
'zipper' top cover to allow a movable feed source.
• By combining the 'zipper' top cover,, a traversing support
and reversibility the air-supported conveyor can become very
versatile in loading and stacking operations.
• Air supported conveyors can be fitted with variable speed
drives and are capable of higher belt speeds than traditional
roller conveyors.
Air supported conveyors can be
used in high temperature applications without worry about heat
damage to the troughing rollers.
RETROFITABLE
Existing conveyors can be
retrofitted with an air-supported plenum in place of the
troughing rollers. The existing return rollers, head and tail
pulleys, drive system, and supporting rail can be reused.
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