A conveyor bridge carries goods across a site, most commonly a mine where large areas of ground need to be covered. It can be a permanent or mobile installation that interfaces with excavation and other handling equipment and is capable of moving very high volumes of material. Manufacturers of heavy equipment may need to custom design systems for some applications to ensure that they will be safe and appropriate. In other instances, it is possible to use a product designed for generic applicability, or to rent a system for a one-time application.
In mining applications, conveyor bridges provide a link between excavation equipment and processing facilities. They are mobile to allow them to move around the pit while still functioning. Bucket excavators dump raw goods on the conveyor, which rotates around bars to deliver the goods to another location on site. Support struts hold it up while allowing it to cross valleys, divots, and other features in the landscape. This can be less costly than other kinds of conveyor systems, with increased flexibility for industrial applications.
Large facilities may use conveyor bridges to move materials around an industrial campus. The conveyor bridge can stretch over other buildings, parking, and roads to provide continuous transportation and reduce delays on the line. This equipment is usually permanently installed and may be covered to protect goods and products in transit. Access panels provide a means to reach the conveyor for servicing and maintenance.
The best product for a given setting can depend on how it will be used. In mining applications, the conveyor bridge must be able to handle large loads of extremely heavy materials without clogging or stopping. Protection for moving components may be necessary if a site is dusty or the bridge moves dusty products. Technicians may also want to think about modular installations that allow them to snap pieces of a conveyor bridge together to create a custom configuration. This can be helpful with mobile equipment that needs to be used in many different settings.
Costs for a conveyor bridge can be quite high because of the sheer size and weight rating of the equipment. Rentals and leases may be an option in some cases, depending on the product. Safety training is necessary for personnel who work around the equipment to ensure they know how to use it and are aware of all emergency procedures. Emergency stops and sensors designed to halt the line automatically in the event of entrapment are available to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
