SCRAPETEC – in conjunction with distributors, BLT World – participated in the world’s largest mining show, MINExpo, held in Las Vegas.
“This prestigious mining event is the perfect platform for players in the mining sector to network, showcase new products and share the latest technologies and trends in the industry,” explains ScrapeTec’s Thortsen Koth. The company manufactures advanced equipment designed for the efficient control of dust and material spills during conveyor handling. “The ScrapeTec and BLT World team was proud to participate at this interactive event and to introduce our advanced dust suppression equipment to mining specialists.
“Companies across the globe are continually looking for more efficient, dependable systems to alleviate problems associated with dust generation and belt spillage, caused by misalignment of conveyor belts. Common difficulties include dust, spills and contamination at the transfer points of conveyor systems. Misalignment, abrasion and subsequent belt damage are other problems the industry faces.
“ScrapeTec dust suppression systems have been developed to mitigate these dust-related issues and to reduce material spills, achieving significant cost savings, reduced energy consumption, improved environmental protection and a safer workplace. In addition to substantial operational efficiency, there is no longer the need for conventional dust collectors that demand high energy consumption.
“Apart from the benefit of cost savings and minimal energy consumption, DustScrape and AirScrape dust suppression systems are highly effective in minimising exposure of workers to environmental pollution, which is a major problem caused by fugitive dust in dry bulk handling.
“ScrapeTec systems will go a long way to assist operators in the mining industry who need to prepare for the US Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) new silica dust regulations. The new silica rules will require aggregates, sand and gravel mine operators to conduct exposure monitoring for crystalline silica, dust sampling and medical surveillance.
“Although the compliance date for the rule is only in April 2026, we believe it is critical that operators begin preparations now, so they are fully compliant when the new regulations become effective. Our highly experienced specialists offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries, where dust and material spillage are concerns.”
ScrapeTec’s AirScrape and TailScrape conveyor components control dust formation and stop material spill, which enables material control and minimises the risk of explosion at transfer points along the conveyor route. The PrimeTracker belt tracking systems controls misalignment, thereby reducing abrasion and belt damage.
According to specialists, conventional dust control measures – which include side seals, covers, shrouds or enclosures around a dust source – do help to suppress dust generation and dispersal in the short-term, but many of these measures quickly wear-out as a result of friction and can damage the belt of the conveyor during extended periods of use.
There are substantial benefits when combining ScrapeTec’s AirScrape, TailScrape and PrimeTracker belt tracker on a conveyor system. The PrimeTracker ensures the belt is constantly in the correct position during operation, thus eliminating problems with belt mistracking, while the AirScrape and TailScrape efficiently control dust, prevent material spill and minimise explosion risks.
The contact-free AirScrape conveyor belt skirting system is an effective side seal that lies over the conveyor belt, without contact and creates negative pressure on the belt, due to its specially-designed blade structure. Because this system hovers freely above the conveyor belt, skirt friction and belt damage are eliminated and service life of every component of the conveyor is extended.
The AirScrape system encompasses inward-facing, hardened-steel diagonal blades and operates according to a new principle where it hovers 1-2 mm, on the left and right side above the conveyor belt.
These blades deflect larger particles inwards, while using the airflow of the conveyor belt and conveyed material to create an inward suction, forcing any dust and fine particles back into the product flow. Through these diagonally fitted plates and the speed of the running belt, air is drawn from the outside inwards. As a result, neither the dust nor the material can escape.
With the AirScrape dust-free and contact-free, side-sealing system for belt conveyors, there is no skirt contact and therefore no belt wear or damage. Motor power requirements are reduced, as there is no belt-skirt friction and because there is continuous skirting with no gaps, product loss is minimal.
