Mark

Do not think that flow is an issue.

I have not seen one of these in action.

But, generally, the capacity is a determinate of the travel speed and actual pile X sectiom area > esp at end of pile > smaller cone > smaller X sect. area.

On other bridge types, the max. capacity is based on end cone reclaimation > the actual true 100% cross travel sped can be 80% more than the rated name plate capaicty

When in the pile proper, cross travel speed can be 30-40% of the max possible cross travel speed.

Hence - cross travel speed will (or should not) not be a limit for full pile face reclaiming.

The bucket wheel will have a nom. filling level and capacity (based on efficiency). Higher speeds mean less efficency and a few others I would imagine.

The key to getting a good rate is even and consistent filling of the buckets .

Do not want the reclaim action to be too sporadic and lumpy > can limit eff. capacity of the reclaimer belt conveyor.

If U can get even and consistent bucket filling > U will get results free.

Look at the rake car > adjust the slope angle > should be steeper than the pile reclaim repose angle by at least 5 deg..

Look at the rakes tines - sit and watch it.

Look at the rake travel speed - should be variable speed.

U need to look at each component of the reclaim chain and see what is the weak link and strenghten this part.

Cheers

James ■