[Neponset, IL, USA] – The global leader in bulk material handling solutions, Martin Engineering, has launched a transformative digital system that unlocks opportunities to maximise the efficiency, reliability and performance of industrial air cannons.

The N2® Air Cannon Intelligence (ACI) System gives operators of cement plants and other large-scale, high-temperature facilities unprecedented insight into how their air cannons are performing – enabling entire installations to be optimised like never before.

Martin’s N2® ACI sensor measures air cannon firing characteristics.

Part of Martin’s N2® Enhanced remote monitoring portfolio, ACI represents the biggest technological advancement since air cannons were first introduced by Martin Engineering over half a century ago to improve material flow through raw mills, preheaters, kiln feeds, coolers, silos, chutes and other process vessels.

Developed at Martin’s Center for Innovation in Neponset, Illinois, N2® ACI has been refined during two years of real-world trials with leading cement producers in the USA as well as Brazil, France, Turkey and the UK.  These test installations have helped Martin’s R&D team to fine-tune the platform’s monitoring algorithms, ensuring useability and demonstrable operational benefits in the most demanding industrial settings.

In major bulk processing plants, arrays of air cannons provide carefully sequenced blasts of compressed air to dislodge material clinging to the inner walls of process vessels – especially important for fine, sticky, moisture-rich feedstocks and fuels.  Industrial operations like cement plants can have well over a hundred cannons throughout the process.  But the enclosed nature of such vessels means that in the past it has been virtually impossible to know if air cannons are performing as expected to keep the inner walls clear of buildups – unless each is inspected manually during a full plant shutdown.

The N2® ACI system is easily retrofitted to Martin® air cannons (Hurricane, Typhoon, Tornado, XHV, and Passport valve cannons).

Now, with N2® ACI operators have access to continuous monitoring and detailed performance analytics through a secure web-based dashboard and mobile interface. Fitted to each air cannon on a plant, the ACI sensor measures firing characteristics from which underlying problems can be diagnosed. That means maintenance issues can be fixed before they result in unscheduled downtime and, crucially, air cannon arrays can be modified for optimum performance.

Brad Pronschinske, Global Air Cannon Product Manager for Martin Engineering said:

“Air cannons have been around for more than 50 years, but until now there has been no reliable way for plant operators to understand how effectively they are actually performing as a sequence.

“With ACI we’re not just trying to tell plant operators whether a cannon fired or not. We’re helping them operate more efficiently by interpreting data from the sensors so they can improve system performance, for example by adjusting firing sequences and improving installation positioning, as well as better manage preventive maintenance. Potential problems can be identified earlier, reducing unnecessary downtime and helping maintenance teams make smart decisions to optimise their systems.”

Traditional air cannon inspection methods often require maintenance personnel to manually trigger systems while visually observing pressure gauges.  However, partial nozzle blockages and performance degradation can go unnoticed for long periods, resulting in reduced effectiveness, excessive compressed air and energy consumption, and increased risk of production interruptions.

Customer trials have also demonstrated important safety benefits. By reducing the need for manual inspections and emergency cleanout procedures, the system helps minimise worker exposure to hazardous environments, confined spaces and high-temperature process areas.  Reports from customer evaluations also highlighted reductions in manual water jetting, fewer emergency interventions and improved understanding of when maintenance is genuinely required.

The system operates through wireless battery-powered nodes mounted directly to air cannons, communicating via long-range radio frequency to a single cellular gateway capable of supporting more than 1,000 sensors across a site.  Because ACI operates independently of plant wi-fi or control networks, installation can typically be completed without requiring a plant shutdown.

Martin says the platform is also designed to support long-term reliability and optimisation strategies by maintaining detailed historical records for every monitored cannon, including service events, firing trends and component performance data.

Pronschinske added:

“Many customers simply don’t have the time or resources to continuously monitor air cannon performance.  ACI gives them actionable information automatically, helping maintenance teams focus attention where it’s actually needed to keep critical material flow systems operating reliably.  By turning traditional air cannons into intelligent, connected assets, plants can move from reactive maintenance to proactive performance management.

Martin’s N2® Air Cannon Intelligence System provides detailed performance data enabling operators to make smart decisions to optimise the flow of materials.

“ACI also gives maintenance teams early visibility into cannon performance, allowing them to identify inefficiencies, improve firing sequences and address possible problems before they impact production.  The technology helps facilities operate more reliably and efficiently, while reducing wasted labour, compressed air consumption and unnecessary wear on critical equipment across demanding bulk material handling applications. Ultimately ACI helps optimise process flow, reduce costly unplanned downtime and improve workplace safety by limiting the need for manual inspections.

The N2® ACI System will be introduced throughout the Martin network over the coming months and years, with further installations already underway.

The post Martin Engineering launches world first N2® Air Cannon Intelligence System appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

[Neponset, IL, USA] – The global leader in bulk material handling solutions, Martin Engineering, has announced the acquisition of ConveyorTech Pty Ltd* (CVT) of Australia, expanding its worldwide portfolio of conveyor belt cleaners and components.

Acquiring CVT gives Martin’s global product range an unprecedented boost, offering mine operators and materials processors the widest variety of conveyor belt cleaners of any supplier. This includes many popular non-urethane designs not previously available from Martin – making the firm a ‘one stop shop’ for belt cleaners and components.

With a history of product innovation, CVT holds the IP, designs and specifications for a vast array of tried-and-tested conveyor components that Martin is now introducing to its customers, starting with heavy-duty primary and secondary belt cleaners with tungsten-tipped blades engineered for the most demanding mining applications.

The Martin® H1 Primary and P2 Secondary Belt Cleaners with stainless streel mainframes, set up for training at the firm’s Center for Innovation, Neponset, Illinois.

Bert Erdmann, Martin Engineering’s Global Engineering Manager for Conveyor Products said: “This deal represents one of our most significant strategic expansions of the last decade. The CVT product range is a smart fit for Martin, with designs that complement the existing portfolio of high-performance belt cleaners and conveyor products we’re renowned for. Now more than ever, whatever the industry, whatever the application and whatever the handling challenge, Martin has a solution to help customers reduce carryback, minimise maintenance and improve safety.”

Rory Summerford has joined Martin Engineering to oversee the global integration of the CVT range.

In a complementary move, Rory Summerford, who has worked closely with CVT, has joined Martin Engineering to oversee the integration of the new product range and grow the business in collaboration with Martin’s business units around the world. With 30 years of experience supporting major mine operators and material producers, Rory has extensive expertise in conveyor systems and bulk handling solutions.

Summerford commented: “The CVT product range brings proven designs and rugged construction that closely align with Martin’s long-held commitment to safety, efficiency and operational excellence. It’s putting the premium Martin brand behind a range of products that the firm hasn’t previously marketed, allowing us to offer spare parts and wear parts to existing installations. I’m delighted to be leading this product line as we integrate it into the Martin portfolio and deliver even greater value to our customers.”

Because many mine operators prefer non-urethane conveyor belt cleaners, the acquisition of CVT allows Martin to supply some of the more popular, fully interchangeable designs already on the market, enhancing them to improve durability and longevity, and carrying with them Martin’s ‘problem solved’ guarantee.

The first models Martin is bringing to market are the Martin® H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and Martin® P2 and R2 Secondary Belt Cleaners:

Martin® H1 Primary Belt Cleaner

Martin® H1 Primary Belt Cleaner – This cleaner features abrasion-resistant tungsten carbide tips, making it one of the most cost-efficient cleaning solutions in the industry. It is suitable for most material types and highly effective on abrasive materials and high-speed conveyor belts.

Martin® P2 Secondary Belt Cleaner

Martin® P2 Secondary Belt Cleaner – This secondary/tertiary cleaner, available with three different tungsten carbide tips, offers high performance by effectively removing abrasive materials from high-speed conveyor belts.  Designed to remove leftover fines, reducing spillage and airborne dust emissions.

Martin® R2 Secondary Belt Cleaner

Martin^® R2 Secondary Belt Cleaner – Suitable for reversing belts, trippers, and shuttles, the R2 is a secondary/tertiary cleaner featuring tungsten carbide-tips.  It offers the same robust performance in rough bulk-handling environments as the P2.

Martin’s integration of CVT involves applying its design standards, manufacturing capabilities and global distribution network to ensure consistent product availability, performance and aftersales support. Among the first countries to gain access to the new products are Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, Mexico, USA and parts of Europe.

With the addition of CVT products in its existing line-up, Martin Engineering’s customers have access to the broadest spectrum of belt cleaning systems, the widest application coverage, the shortest lead times and access to the greatest global supply chain footprint of any belt cleaning supplier.

The post Martin Engineering acquires CVT, expanding conveyor products portfolio appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

Figure 1- Off-center load on a mistracking belt that’s reaching up to contact the conveyor structure.

Mistracking is prevented by first understanding the basic patterns of belt behavior and then following established procedures to carefully align the structure and components to correct fluctuations in the belt’s path.

Mistracking Indicators:

• Belt edge damage
• Excessive spillage
• Idler/Pulley fouling
• Off-center belt at head or tail pulley

Common Causes of Mistracking

There are three general groups of common causes for mistracking.

Belt and Splice – If the belt is poorly manufactured or stored improperly, it can bow or camber.  Poor installation of a vulcanized or mechanical splice can result in a splice that causes belt tracking problems.  Exposure to weather or to chemicals can degrade the carcass (plies or cords) and the cover of the belt, leading to bowing, cambering or cupping due to unequal shrinkage between the top and bottom covers.

Conveyor Structure – Inaccurate alignment during the construction of the stringer, structural alignment degradation, machinery collision, seismic activity, or ground settling all spark the need for realignment.

Improper Loading – The load’s center of gravity will seek the lowest point of the troughing idlers, so if the belt is not center loaded, the weight of the cargo pushes the belt toward the conveyor’s more lightly loaded side.

Smarter Tracking

Standard tracking provided by conveyor OEMs is often inadequate, especially as the system settles and ages.  Switch mechanisms that detect mistracking and stop the system are excellent for safety, but they can lead to excessive downtime.  Rollers attached to the stringer prevent contact but cause the belt to fold over on itself.  Neither of these is a preventive measure.

Figure 2 – Sensing slight variations in the belt path helps make immediate micro-adjustments.

Multi-Pivot Belt Trackers like Martin® Trackers™ use long arms to control a pivot roller.  The guide rolls detect very slight misalignments and make immediate corrections. The longer arms require considerably less force to move the pivot roller, resulting in less counterforce and drag on the belt. [Fig.2]

By reducing the energy required to correct the belt, wear on both the conveyor and tracking equipment is reduced, resulting in a longer, more efficient service life.  This design has also been adapted for the belt return and reversing belts. [Fig.3]

Figure 3 – The upper unit for the conveyor carrying side and the lower for return side.

Belt Tracker Placement

To avoid units competing and contradicting each other’s steering action, they should be positioned approximately 20 to 50 meters (70 to 160 ft) apart, depending on the severity of the mistracking problem.  For proper loading, unloading, and settling, it is recommended to place trackers in some critical areas. [Fig.4]

Figure 4 – A Martin expert draws out a quick sketch to help an attendee visualize the solution.

Typically elevated 10-20 millimeters (1/2 to 3/4 in.) higher than the rolls of the adjacent conventional idlers, a center roll or pivot roll increases the belt’s pressure on the tracking device, improving the corrective friction between the belt and the aligning roll.  This is applicable to both troughed (carrying side) and at (return side) self-aligning idlers.  It helps to have rubber-covered rollers rather than “steel can” idlers.

Conclusion

The long-term benefits to efficient conveyor operations are well known.  Keeping the belt centered and moving quickly is the key to high production, a low cost of operation and a safer workplace.

The post Feeling Centered: The Zen of Conveyor Belt Tracking appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

For bulk handling in ports and terminals, production uptime and meeting projected targets are naturally some of management’s primary goals.  In some instances, quarterly or annual bonus structures can be tied to these targets.  Although this bonus structure seems like an incentive program, it can harm long-term profitability and safety.

Fixating on production can lead to a culture of running the “equipment to failure,” which inevitably results in serious safety issues.  Failure on a conveyor belt could mean 1) equipment detachment, causing belt damage and sparking, or, 2) components freezing, leading to belt damage from friction and heat.  Both instances can result in a belt fire spreading quickly throughout the facility, putting every employee in danger as the operation’s future goes up in smoke. [Fig. 1]

Figure 1- Frozen rollers need to be identified immediately to avoid expensive belt damage and friction fires.

A “Production Done Safely” approach results in longer periods of uptime and greater production over the long term.  When devising the conveyor production schedule, managers should allow ample downtime for necessary maintenance with proper lockout/tagout procedures and updated employee certifications for specified procedures, such as confined space entry, hot work, etc.  Scheduled shutdowns facilitate these maintenance activities.

However, a safety-focused production schedule is only the first step.  Belt conveyors are some of the most essential and powerful production systems in a bulk handling operation, so this article will focus on conveyor systems.  It will offer practical advice on approaches and procedures to improve safety and maintain healthy production targets.

Observation and Logging

Whether it is an internal “belt boss” or a contracted service expert, system inspectors walk along the conveyor system, observing its function.  A trained and experienced technician will use sight, sound, and even smell to detect changes and issues in the system.  Martin Engineering’s program is called “Walk the Belt™,” where a trained Martin Service Technician (MST) will perform a routine inspection and servicing of conveyors within an operational facility.[Fig. 2]

Figure 2 – The Walk the Belt program provides a detailed report of conveyor observations and recommendations focused on prevention.

During this process, they inspect its operation, make minor adjustments or perform cleaning activities, and note any significant issues requiring further attention.  It indicates the approximate life of wear parts, informing managers of windows in which to schedule a full or partial shutdown.  This also provides the mean time between failures (MTBF), which is a valuable metric for performance.

The belt inspector should document observed problems, for instance, they might note issues like “The center roller on idler number 127 on Conveyor B is not turning” or “There is significant spillage at the tail of Conveyor 3.”  It is crucial to immediately record these observations and use a digital camera or smartphone to capture photos for evaluation.

Figure 3 – Taking a moment to observe a full rotation of the belt allows inspectors to see several potential issues.

At certain points, particularly at the head pulley and tail pulley, the inspector should hold and carefully observe the belt’s operation for at least one full revolution, preferably empty.  This allows for a thorough examination of the belt’s condition, including its edges, splices, top cover, and tracking. [Fig. 3]

• Edge damage indicates mistracking. Either the belt is not centered on the tail pulley entering the loading zone, there is a significant shifting of cargo after the loading zone, or mistracking during discharge and return. If none of these factors exist, there may be bowing or camber in the belting.
• Splice damage from direct material impacts or edge wear needs to be remedied immediately once it is detected. A broken splice can cause dangerous contraction on a fast-moving and tensioned belt that could kill a worker who happens to be nearby.
• Gouges and dents in the top cover can hide fines that surpass the primary cleaner and spill along the return path of the conveyor, causing dust and spillage. This may require a secondary or tertiary belt cleaner to adequately clean the belt, improve air quality, and avoid the extra labor for cleaning.
• Most systems come with “belt tracking,” but those are usually mere shields that prevent contact with the stringer, resulting in friction damage and the belt folding over upon itself. There are well-tested tracking systems that detect slight variations in the belt and use the belt’s energy to pivot a specialized troughed idler and redirect the belt back to the centered position.

Mean Time Between Failures

MTBF is the average uptime between unscheduled outages.[Fig. 4]  It is a vital performance metric to measure safety and equipment design.  MTBF also shows the relationship between maintenance and uptime.  From an accounting perspective, it aids in determining the new equipment’s return on prevention (ROP) as compared to existing equipment.^[1]

Figure 4 – Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

To calculate MTBF, review the history of the system or equipment, compile the times between each failure, add them together, and divide by the number of periods.  For example, six failures have five periods of uptime between, so if the total uptime is 22 days, dividing that by five makes the mean 4.4 days.  To increase the impact of the dataset, add the number of workers and man-hours for each downtime period and calculate the direct cost in labor.

Human Factor Engineering

Engineering decisions for retrofitted system changes are supposed to consider spatial restrictions, production limitations, bulk material traits, workplace safety, etc., and designers should account for those factors.  However, they often inadvertently contribute to maintenance challenges.  Examples include awkward component spacing, inaccessible parts, or non-repairable systems with permanent fasteners.

Managers could point out the creation of a production schedule that includes shutdowns, causing designers to engineer systems around major service events.  Unfortunately, this may cause designers to overlook the routine maintenance tasks like idler lubrication or belt cleaner upkeep, which may require short stints of downtime here and there to avoid dangerous maintenance around a moving belt.

“Human factor engineering” and ergonomics optimize the interaction between people and machinery, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.  Although it might raise installation costs, consider how the long-term benefits of features such as walkways, platforms, and easy access to utilities like water, electricity, and compressed air can significantly enhance maintenance efficiency.

A conveyor system’s optimal performance is tied to the performance of the people who maintain it.  Components designed for easy adjustment or replacement, such as track-mounted idlers, cradles, and belt cleaners that pull away from the system, can promote routine maintenance and lower the cost of operation because they take the pain out of servicing.  This reduces the number of people needed for the task and drastically cuts the maintenance time.[Fig. 5]

Figure 5 – Replacement of the secondary belt cleaner blades from outside the system is faster, safer, and more ergonomic.

Safe Maintenance

Engineering solutions are gradually changing the perception that one can either work safely or work quickly, but not both.  Martin Engineering’s Center for Innovation in Illinois develops methods to enhance the safety, longevity, and efficiency of existing equipment.  Accessibility plays a significant role in this, prompting Martin Engineers to introduce the Trac-mount™ system for conveyor components

“Track mounted” conveyor equipment is a key innovation. The lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure should always be observed.  Installing a track-mounted component means it slides away from the system into the accessible walkway allowing for easy service.  This prevents workers from having to slide under or precariously reach into the system.

Wear components that should be track-mounted include:

• Belt cleaners – Primary, secondary, and tertiary cleaners dislodge stuck-on material to ensure it does not carry back and spill along the belt path, creating dust and requiring cleanup.
• Idlers – When they seize, friction damage can rapidly erode the unprotected side of the belt and potentially lead to a conveyor fire.
• Cradles – Used at transfer points, they are bumpers that help seal the enclosure. Although designed to minimize drag and friction, they eventually erode and require flipping or replacement.[Fig. 6]

Figure 6 – Placed on a track with handles, the unit can be serviced at shoulder height without full removal.

Rolling components on conveyor systems depend on proper lubrication to ensure longevity and avoid seizure.  Follow manufacturer recommendations and avoid over-lubrication, as it can attract abrasive dust buildup that damages bearing seals, increases friction, and reduces bearing life.  Lubricant spillage onto belts can also degrade their lifespan and create safety hazards on walkways and platforms.

A good way to identify operational issues during the inspection and right after installation is to gradually initiate the conveyor at a reduced speed, closely monitoring the belt while increasing to normal operating speeds.  This gradual “breaking in” process ensures smooth and efficient conveyor operation.

By implementing these comprehensive maintenance and operational practices, conveyor systems can operate reliably and efficiently, minimizing downtime and optimizing productivity.

Storage Strategies for Reduced Downtime

As tempting as it may seem, no facility has the space to accommodate all the components it needs at once.  However, maintaining a stockpile of spare parts is essential for minimizing downtime.  With effective inspection reporting, operators can identify commonly damaged parts and worn components, such as belt-cleaner blades, impact bars, idlers, and emergency belt fasteners, that can be stockpiled for quick access.

Using the same manufacturer for your conveyor components makes creating a “boneyard” for storing decommissioned parts an excellent resource for replacement items.  If kept clean, organized, and sheltered from the elements, these components can potentially carry the operation through to the next scheduled shutdown.

Keep in mind that some wear parts, such as polyurethane blades and rubber skirting, can have a shelf life of as little as two years.  Additionally, some components are prone to rust or expansion and contraction over seasons, so maintaining a simple dating and rotation schedule is recommended.[Fig. 7]

Figure 7 – Field tests have shown that fresh cleaner blades last longer and offer better performance.

Not Everything Can Be Planned

It would be naïve to imply that everything is preventable.  Maintenance managers often struggle to stay ahead of breakdowns in older facilities where improvements are incremental due to budget constraints.  If an employee identifies a risk, such as a tramp iron lodged in the structure, an overheating idler, or a fire hazard like smoldering material buildup, the first action should be to activate the belt stop switch. Safety always takes precedence over downtime.

Fostering a culture where staff have the autonomy to act without hesitation to ensure their own well-being and that of their colleagues is essential for Production Done Safely.  In situations where quick decisions are crucial, employees should not hesitate or weigh their fear of possible termination against the need to engage the emergency shutoff switch.  Their ability to respond based on their experience and sound judgment should be sufficient to earn trust in the authority to shut down a system.[Fig. 8]

Figure 8 – Australia & New Zealand Safety Protocols –AS/NZS 4024.3610:2015. Proper pull wire locations.

If the current staff can’t be trusted to shut down the conveyor system without fearing the loss of their jobs, consider implementing a comprehensive training program that enhances their understanding of conveyor operations and safety.  This will boost knowledge, morale, and trust between the staff and the organization.

Training Staff for Prevention

Comprehensive training is crucial for the system’s longevity and the staff’s well-being.  While having an intimate knowledge of your OEM’s equipment is beneficial, it is important to select a training course that provides a broad understanding of conveyor and bulk handling safety and operations.[Fig. 9]

Figure 9 – Advanced training offered by seasoned professionals happens both inside classrooms and with boots on the site.

Martin Engineering offers one of the world’s most comprehensive onsite and online conveyor training programs with its Foundations™ training textbooks and resources.  Written by industry experts, the books have become standard in several vocational programs.  The Foundations Learning Center has the largest free online archive of training resources in the bulk handling industry, presented by knowledgeable and engaging trainers.  It uses a mix of text, graphics, videos, webinars, online events, and live experts available to answer questions.

Good Morale = Better Operations

One universal truth in bulk handling is that the easier a job or task is to accomplish, the more likely it is to be completed consistently.  The result is higher morale and a clean, efficient operation with only brief hiccups of unscheduled downtime.  Believe it or not, this approach to Production Done Safely represents a cultural shift for many companies.

If equipment is allowed to reach the point of failure, it will fail completely regarding function, efficiency, and safety.  The resulting downtime will take longer to repair, likely necessitate complete replacement, and be far more expensive than adhering to a preventative maintenance schedule.  By understanding the conveyor system and seeking expert consultation from a reputable source, maximum efficiency and optimum safety can be achieved.

The post Ports & Terminals Creating a Culture of Maintenance Safety appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

The global leader in belt conveyor technology, Martin Engineering, introduced the next generation of safe and effective transfer point dust control equipment.  After rigorous testing across many applications, the Martin® ApronSeal™ Urethane Skirting, GravitySeal™ Self-Adjusting Urethane Skirting, and the A.I.R. Control™ Dust Curtain outperformed similar products in tackling fugitive dust and spillage.  Retrofitted onto existing transfer points, the system uses no energy to control airborne dust.  With safety features for fast external servicing, the designs deliver greater performance at a lower operating cost.

“When designing these, our focus was safety, performance, and longevity,” said Bert Erdmann, Global Engineering Manager of Conveyor Products at Martin Engineering.  “Compliance and ease of maintenance are top-of-mind for our customers.  We’ve discovered that passive dust and spillage control at the point of emission with safe maintenance built in is the most effective and economical method of containment.”

Martin® ApronSeal™ Urethane Skirting

Extending along the length of the skirtboard, this skirting’s unique design provides multiple “pieces” of reliable containment for material fines. A primary strip is shaped to match the trough angle, creating a tight seal.  The optional self-adjusting secondary outer flap covers slight variations in the belt’s profile, trapping air and dust.

The choice of one- or two-piece ApronSeal™ Urethane Skirting depends on the available space along the belt edge.

The ApronSeal™ Urethane Skirting requires only two inches (50 mm) of free belt area, and the self-adjusting secondary seal can be easily trimmed to match the available free belt area.  Supplied in 60 in. (1524 mm) strips, it features convenient T‑slot end connections for longer chutes. It is designed for external maintenance, improving safety and minimizing service time.

Made for belt speeds up to 900 fpm (4.5 m/s), the 90‑durometer urethane is chemical-resistant and low-abrasion — also available in a high‑temperature option.  With less friction than standard skirting, the ApronSeal™ offers a longer wear life.

GravitySeal™ Self-Adjusting Urethane Skirting

Using torsion arms that allow the low-friction urethane skirting to smoothly ride the vertical fluctuations in the belt, GravitySeal™ delivers a reliable skirtboard seal that prevents spillage and reduces dust emissions.  The automatic corrections eliminate the need for downtime to adjust the skirting level due to wear.

Featuring a seal and clamp assembly, GravitySeal™ is designed for conveyor speeds up to 1300 fpm (6.5 m/s) with minimal free edge space, providing an effective seal with as little as 1.25 inches (32 mm) of free area on each side of the belt.

GravitySeal™ Self-Adjusting Urethane Skirting moves up and down with the belt as material shifts, ensuring a sealed environment.

The unit’s urethane sealing strip is available in continuous lengths up to 300 feet (91.4 m) and provides 2 inches (51 mm) of wear life.  Replacement involves quickly and easily removing the linchpins and installing the new pre-punched strip.

A.I.R. Control™ Dust Curtain

Engineered for enclosed conveyor transfer points, these dust‑control solutions are modular urethane curtains with handles that allow a single worker to safely adjust or replace them from outside the enclosure.  The safety features eliminate the need for confined‑space entry and reduce service time to just minutes.

The A.I.R. Control™ Dust Curtain slows dust and turbulent air flow through the transfer point.

Each unit is a slide-in cartridge with individual urethane flaps that can be machine-cut to match the load’s angle of surcharge.  Positioning the curtains close to the material load allows the A.I.R. Control™ Dust Curtain to create controlled recirculation zones.  This allows dust particles to agglomerate and settle out, enhancing overall transfer‑point performance, significantly reducing respirable and nuisance dust emissions compared to conventional slit‑rubber curtains.

Designed for Safety and Compliance

When installed on an existing transfer point, ApronSeal™ Urethane Skirting, GravitySeal™ Self-Adjusting Urethane Skirting, and A.I.R. Control™ Dust Curtains provide a highly effective passive dust control solution.  They enhance compliance with air quality and workplace safety regulations without relying on expensive, high-maintenance, power-consuming dust capture systems like HVAC filtration or air cleaners.

“We’ve found urethane to be a versatile and lasting material that can withstand the rigorous demands of the bulk handling industry,” Erdmann concluded.  “Martin has risen to the challenge of stringent dust standards by innovating more efficient and safer solutions.”

The post Martin Engineering Introduces Conveyor Dust Control Innovations appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

[Neponset, IL] – The global leader in belt conveyor accessories and bulk material flow technology, Martin Engineering, is exhibiting at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 and will unveil several new products.  Visit the friendly Martin team at booth #C30148 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center on March 3-7.  Developed at the company’s Center for Innovation (CFI), the latest heavy-duty accessories, from belt sealing systems to state-of-the-art flow technology, will be on display.  Martin experts will be ready to provide detailed information and demonstrate how these technologies can benefit a wide range of bulk handling applications, enabling safer, more efficient operations.

The Martin Engineering booth will feature helpful information and several products.

“We’re excited to showcase our latest technology-enabled products and services, developed and proven in some of the most demanding real-world conditions alongside our key customers in the aggregate mining industry,” said Chris Schmelzer, Director of National Sales for the U.S. & Canada at Martin Engineering.  “Trade show attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about our newest solutions, designed to support clean, safe, and productive material handling throughout every stage of their process, from the pit to the finished product.”

Innovative Dust & Spillage Control

Across bulk handling sectors, conveyor dust emissions remain a persistent issue.  During material transfer, dust and spillage are best restricted in a sealed environment with controlled airflow, known as passive containment.  To better achieve this, Martin Engineering is previewing the:

Martin® Skirtboard Liner – Installed inside conveyor transfer point skirtboards, Martin® Skirtboard Liners absorb impact and abrasion by creating a dam to shield the sealing system from the weight of the material load, prolonging the life of the seal.  Skirtboard Liners feature a steel plate molded inside the urethane to prevent bond issues. The unique T-slot mounting interface allows the liner to be adjusted from outside the chute wall, eliminating the need for confined space entry.  Liners are also stackable to line higher drop chutes.

The Martin® Skirtboard Liner absorbs the punishment, so the conveyor structure doesn’t have to.

Martin® ApronSeal™ Urethane Skirting – Featuring a durable one- or two-piece dual-seal assembly, ApronSeal™ Urethane Skirting provides reliable containment of material fines.  The dual-system design pairs a primary urethane seal with a self‑adjusting secondary outer flap to trap dust within the enclosure.  Engineered for minimal external maintenance, it performs effectively at belt speeds up to 900 fpm (4.5 m/s) while requiring only two inches (50 mm) of free belt area.

The Urethane ApronSeal® flap glides independently, able to retain a seal even with belt profile fluctuations.

Martin® A.I.R. Control™ Dust Curtains – These modular urethane curtains are individually adjustable dust‑control solutions engineered for conveyor transfer points.  Designed for both passive and active dust‑control applications, they create controlled recirculation zones within the enclosure that significantly reduce dust emissions compared to conventional slit‑rubber curtains.  A.I.R. Control™ Dust Curtains are adjusted or replaced from outside the enclosure, eliminating confined‑space entry and reducing service time to just minutes.

The Next Step in Flow Technology

Visitors to the booth will see how Martin® Air Cannons and Industrial Vibrators can significantly improve the material flow through a system.  Production choke points — chutes, silos, hoppers, truck dumps, and stockpiles — require strategically placed flow accessories to prevent unscheduled downtime and improve safety by eliminating manual clearing.

N2® Air Cannon Intelligence System – This smart system monitors every connected cannon several times a day.  It detects misfires and plugged nozzles, measures blast efficiency, and tracks pressure and temperature to prevent downtime from clogging.  A cloud-based dashboard shows system health, performance trends, and alerts, allowing predictive maintenance that reduces manual inspections and improves safety.

Expanded Lineup of Electric Vibrators – Electric vibrators drive material separation in screening and facilitate flow in conveyor transfer points.  Beyond transport, they prevent obstructions in hoppers, chutes, and silos by loosening buildup, improving efficiency, and eliminating the safety risks of manual clearing.  Martin’s latest electric models deliver enhanced power and efficiency without sacrificing their renowned durability.  Engineered for excellence, Martin’s electric vibrators come with an industry-leading 3-year warranty.

New Belt Cleaning Options

Whether due to application or material requirements, many operators prefer cartridge-based non-urethane conveyor belt cleaners.  In response to customer requests, Martin Engineering has rethought popular belt cleaner concepts and improved them to better meet those preferences with more durable, longer-lasting models.

Martin® H1 Primary Belt Cleaner – This primary cleaner is built with stainless steel components and abrasion-resistant tungsten carbide tips, making it one of the most cost-efficient cleaning solutions in the industry.  It is suitable for most material types and highly effective on abrasive materials and high-speed conveyor belts.

Martin® P2 Secondary Belt Cleaner – Built with precision-cast stainless steel components, these tungsten carbide-tipped secondary/tertiary cleaners offer high performance by effectively removing abrasive materials from high-speed conveyor belts.  Designed to remove leftover fines, reducing spillage and airborne dust emissions.

Martin^® R2 Secondary Belt Cleaner – Suitable for reversing belts, trippers, and shuttles, the R2 is a secondary/tertiary cleaner made with stainless steel components and features tungsten carbide-tips.  It offers the same robust performance in rough bulk-handling environments as the P2.

A Martin expert draws out a quick sketch to help an attendee visualize the solution.

Stop by and say “Hi”

“CONEXPO‑CON/AGG 2026 will be one of the most exciting events of the year, so stop by to visit us at booth #C30148 to explore our latest offerings,” said Schmelzer.  “Technical experts will be on hand to discuss bulk material handling challenges and share innovative solutions. We’re always excited to tackle a new challenge, so come by and say ‘Hi!’”

The post Martin Engineering To Showcase New Products at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

Dust and carryback from belt conveyor discharge points are an ongoing problem for bulk handling operations. Efficient discharge at a transfer point requires a holistic approach with several components working in tandem.  This approach aims to extend equipment life, improve safety, and address the root causes of inefficiency and downtime that reduce production and raise the cost of operation.

Reducing Carryback

Primary cleaners or “scrapers” can fail for many reasons, but usually because of:

• Increased belt speed or material volume for which the blades are not specified.
• Changes in material type, size, or property for which the blades are not specified.
• Difficult access that prevents regular inspection and servicing.
• Policies or schedules that allow blades to go beyond their service life.
• Improper installation of the blade, tensioner, and/or assembly.
• Inferior design or materials for manufacturing the blade.

When material is allowed to cling to the belt as carryback, it spills along the belt’s return.  Spillage can accumulate quickly and encapsulate the belt.  Cleaning spillage while the system is still running is extremely hazardous.  Every year, catastrophic injuries or fatalities occur when workers cleaning around a running conveyor come into minor contact with a fast-moving belt and are pulled in.  If equipment, such as a front-loader, is used for cleaning and bumps the mainframe, serious system misalignment can result, leading to belt mistracking.  These hazards can be avoided by reducing the need for cleanup labor, thereby lowering operational costs.[Fig. 1]

Figure 1 – Cleanup is always needed, but this graph shows that proper belt cleaning reduces the cost of operation.

Mistracking can be caused by many factors, including a crosswind, off-center loading, or a frozen idler.  A drifting belt can be a major cause of carryback at the discharge point if the blade is not centered on the head pulley.  In this instance, adhered material bypasses the cleaner and becomes carryback.

Figure 2 – CleanScrape® has revolutionized belt cleaning with greater performance and less labor than standard cleaners.

Recommendation: Install a Tracker™ at a location equivalent to 3 to 4 times the belt width before the discharge zone to ensure the belt is centered on the head pulley. Consider installing a modern cleaner, such as a CleanScrape® Primary Belt Cleaner, which has 4x the life of traditional blades and requires no retensioning or additional service after installation.  This reduces maintenance and significantly improves safety.[Fig.2]

Controlling Dust

Carryback is a major source of fugitive dust because much of what bypasses the primary cleaner blade is fine material hiding in cracks and divots of the belt.  Excessive dust emissions reduce air quality and can result in workplace safety violations.  It can also limit visibility, cover signage, and discourage access required to maintain system health and efficiency.

The dust and fines can also easily migrate into return rollers and takeup pulleys, fouling the bearings and causing them to seize.  A frozen idler or roller increases belt friction, leading to mistracking as well as static and heat, which are major causes of belt fires.  Frozen idlers and rollers must be replaced promptly, requiring unscheduled downtime, which reduces production and increases operating costs.

Recommendation: Install secondary and tertiary cleaners to ensure the belt is thoroughly clean on the return.  To avoid buildup on the catch slope leading to the transfer chute, consider adding a Vibrating Dribble Chute.  Install belt trackers or crown rollers along the lower belt path to ensure alignment on the return.

Figure 3 – Secondary and tertiary cleaners greatly reduce dust emissions along the belt return.

Conclusion

Production increases can change throughput volumes and belt speeds, which can result in carryback, spillage, and dust.  Retroactively installing equipment that improves both safety and efficiency results in reduced labor costs for maintenance, fewer equipment replacements, greater compliance, and an overall lower cost of operation.

The post Controlling Carryback At Conveyor Transfer Points appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

Runoff can be an issue for many ports, making spillage from conveyors an added concern.  Belt conveyor operators in high-volume ports and terminals often discuss the efficiency “sweet spot,” which refers to the balance between the amount of spillage beneath the system and dust emissions above, relative to the volume of material being transported and the total uptime.  This balance is a myth.  There is no trade-off between maintaining a clean operation and ensuring productivity.  In fact, installing the correct material discharge and belt cleaning configuration can effectively address both concerns, along with a variety of other issues throughout the entire conveyor system.^[1] 

The quality and construction of belt cleaners are crucial for achieving optimal results. Two cleaners from different manufacturers, both made of polyurethane, may appear quite similar, but once installed and tensioned, operators will notice significant differences. Typically, a lower-quality cleaner (1) allows more material to carryback, (2) requires more maintenance labor, (3) needs to be replaced more frequently, (4) may not be suitable for the application’s volume or properties, and (5) could damage the belt, which is commonly the most expensive component of any conveyor system.

This article will discuss the various issues caused by inadequate belt cleaning and their solutions. Those problems are: [Fig. 1]

• Carryback
• Dust
• Equipment fouling
• Belt misalignment
• Maintenance labor
• Safety

Figure 1 – Identifying some of the indicators of inefficient belt cleaning helps operators devise solutions.

Eliminating Carryback Improves Efficiency

Problem – Carryback refers to material that is not discharged, bypasses cleaners, and remains adhered to the conveyor belt beyond the head pulley. In addition to the loading zone, the discharge zone is often a main area where fugitive material accumulates beneath the conveyor system as “spillage.”  This is caused by carryback.  After passing through the cleaner(s), material drops at the snub pulley and/or the take-up pulley. It typically does not all come off at once. As the stuck material travels along the belt return toward the tail pulley, it falls off along the belt path, disrupted by return rollers.  Thus, cleaning the belt of as much carryback as possible is essential for workplace cleanliness and safety. [Fig. 2]

Solution – A primary cleaner blade endures the stress of heavy bulk material, so ensure it is properly graded for light, medium, heavy, or extra heavy duty. When selecting a primary belt cleaner, consider the pulley diameter, belt speed, production volume, and material properties. Wet, viscous, acidic/alkaline, and sharp/abrasive materials may require blades made from specialized polyurethane or material blends (tungsten tips, rubber, etc.). 

Figure 2- Fabricated or temporary solutions can be ineffective at best and a serious workplace hazard at worst.

Invasive Dust Emissions

Problem – Dust from the return belt can be pervasive. Once the belt is loaded, the pressure of the cargo and the vibration of the belt compress dust into the trough of the belt, packing fine particles into the divots and cracks. The older the belt, the more imperfections it has. As the belt passes through the cleaners — especially the secondary and tertiary ones — unless the cleaners are properly tensioned, the fines can settle in the blemishes and dislodge along the belt path. This creates clouds of dust along the way, and the tiny gritty particles can infiltrate the smallest spaces, leading to equipment fouling.

Solution – To dislodge fines that drop like dust, a secondary or tertiary cleaner may be necessary.[Fig.3]  Positioned behind the head pulley, the secondary cleaner should be tensioned against a hold-down roll within a distance of 2 to 4 inches to ensure effective cleaning.  Contact with the belt should be in a negative-rake position and made from tungsten carbide or other abrasion-resistant materials for durability.  Tertiary cleaners often rely on the weight of the belt combined with a spring tensioner.  For extremely abrasive or sticky materials, consider using a washbox.  Mounted close to the discharge point, water is used to wash the belt, with slurry collected below and a squeegee blade clearing excess water.  When using a washbox, best practices include using a pre-cleaner to remove the majority of the material.

Figure 3 – This configuration is a primary cleaner, three secondary cleaners, and a specialized tertiary cleaner.

Dust is also minimized by enclosing the system at the discharge area with curtains and a return run seal.  When material is discharged, it can hit the back of the transfer chute, leading to dust formation.  As it falls down the chute onto the next conveyor, the impact creates turbulence that seeks an escape route.  The receiving belt below generates its own airflow to pull the dust along, but if the top of the transfer chute is open and there is wind, it could trigger the capillary effect and pull the dust back up through the chute.

Costly Equipment Fouling

Problem – Carryback and dust are not only violations of workplace safety but also lead to costly consequences throughout the entire system. This results in reduced equipment lifespan and expensive replacements, which sometimes require unscheduled downtime.

• Belting – Carryback material accumulating at the discharge zone can encapsulate the tail pulley, rollers, and belt. In this situation, the belt (typically the most costly component of any conveyor) will rest on the abrasive material and erode, reducing the equipment’s lifespan.
• Pulleys and motors – Often, the head pulley acts as the drive pulley, meaning any fugitive dust from the discharge gets drawn into the air intake, clogs the working parts, and leads to a breakdown.
• Rollers – Fine particulates can foul bearings and cause the rollers to seize over time, leading to roller wear, belt damage, and frictional heat. Heat, combined with combustible dust and oxygen, equals a potential disaster. Furthermore, roller faces can become fouled with caked material, resulting in mistracking. [Fig. 4]

Figure 4 – Sticky carryback can cake onto a roller, rendering it ineffective and costly to service or replace.

Solution – The resolution includes enclosing the system and installing a belt cleaning setup that eliminates carryback and dust. Seal exposed bearings and axles for rolling components. Install a filter in the drive pulley’s mechanical air intake and monitor it. Replace equipment immediately to prevent frictional heat and damage. Running equipment to failure is a recipe for disaster. The preferred option is to inspect the system regularly or use a monitoring system, such as a position indicator that shows the status of cleaners and provides data on when they need servicing.

Mistracking Away From Efficiency

Problem – Many conveyors come with a “tracking” system that is intended (ineffectively in many cases) to keep the belt from coming into contact with the stringer and shredding the edges. Some operators who experience mistracking on the return install a “crown” roller design, which is thicker in the middle. If the belt drifts slightly, this design uses its weight to realign it back to the center. When these return rollers are fouled by carryback, they no longer realign the belt. [Fig.5] If the belt is not centered on the tail pulley, the cargo is likely to be loaded off center. This can result in the belt drifting further off center, spilling cargo from a full belt and potentially damaging the entire system.

Figure 5 – A fouled OEM tracking system, in this case, causing mistracking rather than remedying it.

Solution – Modern belt alignment systems like the Martin® Tracker™ HD can remedy misalignment more effectively than merely installing crown rollers.  Designed for either the return or carrying side of the belt, these devices use sensing arms to detect slight variations in the belt path and immediately correct them by turning a roller or idler in the opposite direction.

Trackers are recommended for all systems because many factors can cause mistracking, not just carryback and broken equipment.  However, mistracking results from carryback, so the underlying cause should be addressed first.  Belt tracking on the return is also advised, regardless of issues stemming from carryback.  With longer gaps between rollers on the return side than the upper carrying side has between idlers, the return side is susceptible to wind, belt camber, and other elements that can lead to drift. [Fig.6]

Figure 6 – The Martin® Tracker™ uses the belt’s weight and sensing arms to adjust a roller that corrects slight variations in the belt path.

Maintenance Labor Raises The Cost of Operation

Problem – Running a system to failure due to an overstretched workforce will lead to more expensive and prolonged downtime.  Inspection and maintenance of a conveyor system should be routine and performed regularly to prevent unscheduled downtime.  It is easier said than done since belt cleaner tensioning is a continuous challenge for many operators.  Under-tensioning leads to carryback and expedites the blade wear.  In contrast, over-tensioning results in higher power costs, increased heat from friction, runs a higher risk of pull-through, and also accelerates blade wear. After the lock-out/tag-out procedures, changing cleaners can be an ergonomically awkward task performed beneath a conveyor or inside the drop chute, often requiring two or more people and/or a confined space entry certification.

Solution – Carrying out maintenance during a scheduled shutdown, when staff can focus on specific tasks in a controlled environment, is the optimal situation.  Many innovations to minimise maintenance time have been introduced in recent years.  For example, Martin Engineering’s N2® Position Indicators (PI) help determine scheduled downtime by providing data on the wear status of belt cleaners.  Delivered via mobile app, the N2® PI not only alerts users if an incident occurs, but the data it provides also helps operators understand wear times.  This informs managers and aids them in coordinating maintenance schedules for greater efficiency.[Fig.7]

Figure 7 – The CleanScrape® and its unique design requires considerably less maintenance than other cleaners.

Modern belt cleaner designs such as the CleanScrape® Primary Cleaner are tensioned during installation, tested for performance, and then almost never need to be retensioned.  With typically four times the lifespan of the average cleaner, the CleanScrape® features tungsten carbide tips for enhanced equipment longevity in rugged, demanding conditions.  It applies minimal pressure to the belt to keep it clean while ensuring mechanical splices can easily pass through.

Safety

Problem – Carryback increases safety risk as well as raising operational costs.^[2] Although it is strongly discouraged, operators continue to assign workers to clear spillage from around the system while the belt is running, shoveling the spillage back onto the moving conveyor, or into a skip or barrow – all of which drives up labor costs.  If a worker comes into contact with the belt, the risk of an injury or fatality are high.  In the bulk handling sector, working on or near moving conveyors remains a leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths.  Besides the devastating price paid by a worker’s family and colleagues in such circumstances, these incidents always result in costly fines, unscheduled downtime, and increased insurance premiums.  [Fig.8]

Figure 8 – The number one injury in the workplace is incidental contact with a moving conveyor. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)[2]

Anatomy of a Discharge Zone

According to the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA), “Conveyor belt cleaners are used to remove fugitive material, otherwise known as carryback, from the return side of the conveyor belt after the bulk material has been discharged.  Ideally, this will be accomplished from within the chute works so that the removed carryback will pass onto the next system element.”^[3]

By enclosing the discharge zone and extending the entry hood, operators can control airflow with dust curtains and return run seals.  When retrofitting a new enclosure, installing a replaceable wear surface plate made of smooth reinforced metal on the impact wall of the transfer chute will reduce buildup and be easier to replace than the entire structure later.  This design eliminates dust emissions from the capillary effect.  As part of the enclosure, accessible inspection doors that offer a clear view of the equipment should be installed.

However, dust remains within the enclosure, so it is advisable to use shaft seals for bearings to prevent fouling.  Once the appropriate primary, secondary, and tertiary cleaners are installed and carryback is significantly reduced, operators will notice an increase in material flow through the transfer chute.  It is recommended to install a dribble chute to ensure all captured material is handled.  The dribble chute should include a vibrator or air cannon to ensure that dust and fines are reintegrated into the cargo stream and do not accumulate inside the enclosure.  [Fig.9]

Figure 9 – A well-designed discharge zone can eliminate issues associated with belt returns, reduces the cost of operation for cleanup.

Inspect and Expect

Inspecting a discharge zone can be time-consuming and requires all your senses. Listen for squeaking rollers and idlers, debris hitting the sides of the enclosure or the inspection door, and the scraping of accumulated materials on the pulley against the mainframe or enclosure.  Smell for any metallic friction, as well as burning polyurethane or rubber.  Feel for excessive vibration in the system, which may indicate mistracking or a change in the discharge stream.  Lastly, always wear safety glasses and observe the operation of each component.  Inspect the belt during a full rotation and note how the splice passes through the discharge process.

Conclusion

In the punishing environment of ports and terminals, many aspects of workplace safety and operational efficiency are directly tied to how clean the conveyor belt is.  Since incidental contact with the high-speed belt has become the leading cause of conveyor injuries and fatalities, carryback is increasingly being scrutinized by inspectors from government safety organizations.  Eliminating the safety hazards associated with belt cleaning also brings benefits such as reduced unscheduled downtime, fewer equipment failures, and lower operating costs.

The post Bulk Cargo: Expert Advice for Solving Conveyor Carryback appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

The hours spent training production and maintenance teams can lead to variable results.  They might just tick the boxes without providing a return on investment.  Or they can enhance safety, foster team building, and develop a deep understanding of the equipment that boosts efficiency and uptime.

Training should be robust and encourage problem-solving using modern methods and standards.  Companies that prioritize safety experience fewer safety incidents, less regulatory oversight, and higher productivity and profits.

When it comes to conveyor belts, a one-day training session can serve as a refresher, but it is recommended that staff complete a comprehensive course lasting at least 2 days. Conveyors are as complex as they are crucial to operations, and training should include a mix of classroom and hands-on learning, followed by a pilot program to encourage team building and gauge results.

The Problem

A commitment to safety starts at the top with corporate culture.  A “production-at-all-costs” approach means safety concerns are always present.  Bad habits and injuries often stem from three things:

• Lack of funding.
• An understaffed maintenance department.
• A “run-till-broke” mentality.

Good safety habits require training and the patience for extra steps.  Cutting corners and labelling it “efficiency” can lead to serious injuries, low morale, downtime, and lost production.

Basic Training

Everyone who operates, cleans, or maintains conveyors should be trained on the hazards of bulk material handling.  Basic training helps staff identify problems and resolve them safely.  Appropriate safety training emphasizes a basic understanding of conveyor design and operation, as well as the Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures required for working on and around the system.

Advanced Training

Over time, production demands cause the conveyor belt speed and capacity to reach beyond the original design specifications.  Systems are incrementally modified to minimize problems associated with the demands.  Advanced conveyor design training for engineers and mechanics is critical for diagnosis and the development of updated solutions.  No two conveyors are identical, so adhering to standard design methods allows a technician to make adjustments that another can recognize and understand.

Day One

A walk down “problem belts” before the training helps the instructor focus on site-specific problems and the management’s expectations.  The first day starts in the classroom with the class reviewing typical problems, discussing challenges, and the best practices of safely addressing them.  The class identifies a couple of problem conveyors and splits into small teams.  Each team examines the same problem and brainstorms solutions.

Day Two

The class reviews and discusses root causes, solutions, and procedures.  Once the teams reach an agreement, they prepare a short presentation using the knowledge they gained.  The presentations may also include an estimate of the cost of the proposed solutions.

Management is then invited to listen to the team presentations, ask questions, and show a commitment to safety and communication.  By making the presentations, trainees display knowledge and support for the solutions.  It is critical at this step that the manager(s) who attend the presentations have the authority to act on the proposals and are willing to commit to a pilot program to demonstrate that theoretical results can be translated into reality.

Pilot Program

One or more conveyors from the presentation are selected for a pilot program.  Usually, the results of the pilot program are immediately noticeable.  A lapse in maintenance affects the pilot results, so extend the test period to the next scheduled shutdown, with periodic inspections and adjustments made by the equipment manufacturer.

Conclusion

It is incumbent upon management to take safety and maintenance training as seriously as the staff, listen to employees’ concerns, and fix the problem correctly the first time.  As research has shown, companies that prioritize safety, training, and updating equipment enjoy fewer safety incidents, less regulatory oversight, higher productivity and greater long-term profits.

The online Martin^® Foundations™ Learning Center draws on the collective knowledge and expertise gathered over 80+ years of solving bulk-handling challenges.  Aimed at apprentice technicians and experienced engineers alike, the non-commercial information is offered at no charge and is accessible by computer, tablet, or smartphone.  An extension of the Foundations training curriculum, the Learning Center uses a mix of text, photos, videos, webinars, online events, and live experts available to answer questions.

The post Optimizing Results and ROI from Conveyor Safety Training appeared first on Cargo Connexion.

[ Neponset, IL] – The global leader in bulk material conveying and flow solutions, Martin Engineering, has expanded its popular annual “Go Pink!” program to support the Susan G. Komen® Foundation in its efforts to fund breast cancer education, screening, treatment, and research worldwide.

The Cougar® TDC Truck Vibrator is the go-to replacement unit because of its long equipment life.

This deadly disease has touched many Martin employees and their families.  More funding is needed to offer ongoing support to patients and discover a cure.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the world, so Martin is replacing its iconic orange paint with pink on selected products.

When customers purchase the Cougar® DC Truck Vibrator, Cougar® THD Hydraulic Vibrator, or – new for 2025 – the Vibrotor™ CCR Railcar Vibrator with wedge bracket, the firm donates a portion of its sales to the Komen Foundation.

“The Susan G. Komen organization is near and dear to our hearts because, like Martin Engineering, it was started right here in Illinois and has since gone global,” said Vibration Business Development Manager, Susie Orlandi. “Through the efforts of employees, their families, and our dedicated customers, the company has raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years.”

Martin Engineering staff from around the world have expanded the cause and participated in similar efforts.  In the USA, together with its donations, the company hosts a team in the MORE THAN PINK Walk^® held in Peoria, Illinois, to show support and raise individual contributions to this worthy cause.

One of the many Martin Engineering teams gear up with pink PPE to support the initiative.

“The Komen Foundation doesn’t just fund research, it supports patients and families with a helpline, financial support, and assists patients in navigating their care journey,” Orlandi elaborated.  “Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, men are also susceptible, so this effort raises awareness and encourages screening.”

Since its founding in 1982, the Susan G. Komen foundation has raised over $3 billion in more than 60 countries.  With a mission to support those with the fewest resources, it has helped reduce breast cancer-related deaths by an estimated 40%.  The organization has played a vital role in nearly every major advancement to fight breast cancer, transforming how the world discusses and treats the disease and helping millions of breast cancer patients become survivors.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation^®, about one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, along with thousands of men. The organization has contributed to several breakthroughs, including the identification of genetic links, less-invasive surgical techniques, and advanced drug therapies, as well as advocating for more federal funding for additional research and early detection programs.

“Through our customers’ generosity in placing orders, they contribute to the success of the campaign,” Orlandi added.  “Programs like this allow the pink color scheme on leading products like the Vibrotor to represent the cause year-round, raising awareness and encouraging discussion.”

A specially painted vibrator is boxed up and ready to ship to a global customer supporting the Go Pink! campaign.

Operators choose the Vibrotor™ CCR Railcar Vibrator with wedge bracket for its versatility and portability.  During transport, the weight of the raw material can settle, causing compaction that prevents cargo from evacuating when the bottom gate is opened.  The economical Vibrotor delivers effective high-frequency vibration that generates enough force to move the material.  Its lightweight handle design allows a single worker to quickly and easily transfer it from one wedge bracket to another, enhancing efficiency and reducing demurrage.

The reliable and durable truck vibrators Cougar® TDC Truck Vibrators and Cougar® THD Hydraulic Vibrators replace OEM vibrators that tend to have a limited service life.  The TDC and THD reduce manual labor and downtime while ensuring the safe evacuation of material from the bed.  They mitigate the common practice of raising the bed to “rock” or “jostle” trucks, which can risk a tip over and significantly decrease the life of the fleet.  Manually removing adhered material from a truck bed can be dangerous and time/labor intensive.  Faster unloading increases the number of trips by operators, improves efficiency, and reduces the cost of operation.

Some customers go as far as painting a whole
truck pink to support the fight against breast cancer.

“Although we stand behind our products, this campaign is about standing behind a larger cause that has affected our employees and loved ones,” concluded Martin Engineering Chairman Ed Peterson.  “We’re very family-oriented and care deeply about our community.  It’s humbling to see the compassion extend so widely by our customers helping us to Go Pink!”

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