Equipment & Technology

Supply chain upheaval leads PROK to extend idler operations

Conveyor component manufacturer PROK has released a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) roller which is lighter, more durable, and avoids secondary conveyor damage in the event of a failure.

Conveyor components manufacturer PROK has extended its operations to meet the demand for its custom-designed idlers.

PROK currently manufactures more than 100,000 idler frames each year for a range of customers, including Glencore, Yancoal, BHP, Anglo American, Rio Tinto, and FMG.

PROK aftermarket manager Ben Curtis said the company’s idler frames provide a solid foundation that can be relied on to do the job right – and to last.

“In fact, there are PROK idler frames that were installed in the 1980s that are still going strong today. That’s the mark of quality equipment that’s designed to meet Australia’s harshest conditions, day after day,” he said.

PROK idlers can be found in operations across Australia, from the Pilbara to the Hunter Valley in New South Wales to the Bowen Basin in Queensland.

They are available in a wide range of sizes to cater for different belt widths and placements, as well as troughing angles and functional demands.

PROK often visits a customer’s site to measure up the required frames and provide engineering and design support.

The bespoke frames are then made in Australia and ready to be delivered and installed on-site in around four weeks, with urgent jobs available in two weeks.

“Our mining customers have certainty of supply and can rely on their bespoke idler frames being delivered on time,” Curtis said.

“When it comes to conveying, time is often money. So, a lead time of just four weeks compared to months for imported frames, represents a real saving.

“Quality and durability are PROK hallmarks. We understand that using poor quality idlers can lead to problems like belt damage, mistracking, misalignment, and unscheduled conveyor downtime.”

PROK is currently in the process of supplying a bulk order of retractable idler frames to a miner that had purchased offshore frames about 12 years ago.

“The problem is, when they went to reassemble the frames, they weren’t able to align the bolts and had to weld up every frame to get the site operational again. A real headache the customer definitely didn’t need,” Curtis said.

“This isn’t an issue for PROK idler frames, as each unit is engineered and custom-made to suit our customer’s needs. Our frames are guaranteed to fit – every time.”

PROK idler frames are designed to be interchangeable with existing frames on-site and are engineered to perform as needed, reducing the risk of unscheduled downtime and maintenance costs. The frames are also designed with the maintenance personnel and operating environment in mind, so they are safer, operate optimally, and last longer.

Send this to a friend