Posted by Daniel Gleeson on March 16, 2023
Martin Engineering has introduced what it says is a new standard in wear liner technology with the Manufactured Canoe Liner.
Constructed from durable urethane molded around a tough steel plate to absorb shock and abrasion from the punishing bulk handling environment, the Manufactured Canoe Liner is expected to provide extended equipment life, longer dust periods and spill control, improved safety and less maintenance, reducing total operating costs, according to the company.
With the shield plate integrated directly into the urethane shell, the design provides superior shielding of the chute skirt and wall sealing system from heavy, fast-moving loads, it said.
“This is a change in engineering and the role of wear bushings,” said Dave Mueller, conveyor product manager for Martin Engineering. “Like most conveyor components, the design has evolved into a component that is more efficient, safer to maintain and more reliable.”
Previously, most wear liners were steel sheets welded onto the inside chute wall of the conveyor loading area. They protect the wall from the punishing effects of splashing, shifting and abrasive material. But because they are wearing parts, periodic replacement of these early designs involved entering a closed chute and hot working with a torch, requiring certification and supervision, while also running the risk of igniting explosive dust. The steel plates generally did not effectively protect the skirt’s rubber seal, resulting in more frequent skirt changes.
Furthermore, the position of the wear liner often leaves a gap between the liner and the sill that traps small lumps of material that can damage the belt. These design problems resulted in excessive downtime, premature equipment replacement, and additional monitoring and maintenance labor.
The Martin manufactured canoe liner is an engineered urethane strip molded directly around a protective steel plate. The unique approach avoids the bonding problems common to previous designs, preventing urethane from separating from the plate that could damage the belt and housing, the company says.
Each section has a series of 2 inch (51 mm) long brackets for vertical adjustment. The lower “belt side” of the lining is cut at an optional 20º, 35º or 45º angle to maximize the belt seal and protect the softer skirt seal material from premature wear. Depending on the weight and abrasiveness of the material being transported, customers can choose urethane thicknesses from 1.3-2 inches (33-51 mm).
Supplied in 48-inch (1219 mm) long storable cartridges, modules can be cut on site to fit chute needs. Cassettes can also be stacked vertically to accommodate taller chute walls or raised enclosures. Like the lower sections, the upper modules are also adjustable, Martin Engineering added.
As the material gradually erodes the manufactured canoe liner, the bottom corner of the trough continues to protect the sill. If there are significant gaps between the belt and the sleeve, each individual cartridge can be adjusted by a single technician using a wrench, the company claims. Replacement is done by removing the worn parts, fitting each new cartridge and cutting the end piece to fit. This cuts work from one or two days to one to two hours, according to the company.
“Martin is constantly striving to innovate every aspect of the bulk handling process to make it safer, more efficient and easier to maintain,” Mueller said. “The introduction of the Manufactured Canoe Liner achieves our goals by improving efficiency and lowering operating costs.”