Hello Chetan,

Wind can often create belt tracking problems for belts - especially when the belts are running empty. Although some companies have tried increasing belt tension to overcome the wind effect, this is not recommended because overtensioning creates a number of problems - including making the belt super-sensitive to other mistracking influences.

The best way to eliminate a wind influence is to stop the wind from blowing on the belt. Therefore, conveyor covers or a wind-break wall is needed. As I assume that you already have covers on the conveyor and they are not giving adequate wind protection, it is likely that the covers do not extend low enough to give the system the protection it needs. That is, you may have to extend the covers on the windward side to block all of the carry and return runs. If you opt for a windbreak wall, a chain link fence with covers or strapping is the easiest to install - just ensure that you leave enough room between it and the conveyor to permit conveyor maintenance.

Hope this helps. ■

In Addition To Mr. Millers Comments:

You state the conveyor is parked. You do not state the length or the wind velocity. A cheap solution, depending on belt length, et.al. is to place a chain over the top and bottom strands from fixed brackets with one chain end fixed and the other chain-link slot-locked as needed to prevent lifting (preventer). The end restraints are below the belt line. This is one of a number of methods used in Australia to park belts in cyclonic winds. This requires chains or members to be removed when the conveyor is to be restarted. The spacing varies with wind intensity, idler trough angle, belt tension, conveyor profile, and belt mass.

Danger is there is no fail safe indicator to alarm is all preventers are not removed.

Medium wind velocity control may use wind breaks to reduce the wind velocity over the belt strands. The wind break is a sheet metal plate place between idlers, vertically set to cover the belt strand projected vertical profile, and about one half to two thirds of the spacing. The sheet metal can be from one side if there is a prevailing wind direction.

New designs use the stringer and hood cover, as a wind flow control, eliminating wind pressure on belt, and minimizes wind turbulence over the product.

Good luck,

Lawrence K. Nordell

Conveyor Dynamics, Inc.

email: www.conveyor-dynamics.com ■

Dear Shri chetan Dabhade,

Earlier respondents have already given you useful suggestions. I would suggest ‘wind-guard’ or ‘belt –cover’ of proper design, so that wind does not hit vertical projection of carrying as well as return run (with sufficient extension beyond vertical projection height).

Necessity / options for additional measures such as lacing / strapping / tying of stationary belt to conveyor frame during extra ordinary storm of catastrophic nature will depend upon wind velocity. In such situations, plant will obviously be in shutdown condition. Possibility of using such measure depends upon protection to the belt.

The exact solution depends upon specific case.

Regards,

Ishwar G Mulani.

Author of Book : Engineering Science and Application Design for Belt Conveyors.

Advisor / Consultant for Bulk Material Handling System & Issues.

Email : parimul@pn2.vsnl.net.in

Tel.: 0091 (0)20 25882916 ■