Conveyors, Transfers, Chutes

Tailoring the right skirting solutions

Australian-owned TS Global is customising belt skirting systems to keep material contained at transfer points and loading zones.

As product is transferred from conveyor to conveyor, management of spillage and dust is of high importance.

An ineffective skirt system allows material to escape from the confines of the chute creating spillage that can cause harmful effects to the nearby environment, create safety hazards, allow dust emission and cause damage to the conveyor belt.

This is where TS Global’s effective skirting systems come into play.

Most transfer points and loading zones make use of skirting systems, which keep material contained within the confines of the transfer point, while absorbing impact from large lumps of the product being conveyed.

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Peter Noor, NSW sales engineer at TS Global, has been designing belt skirting components, for the company, for the past four years. He said one of the things that set TS Global apart is the fact the business focuses on providing custom solutions for site-specific issues.

“We are constantly being invited to site by our clients to discuss and inspect skirt issues.  By engaging with our clients, we are able to get firsthand knowledge of the ongoing issue and understanding of our clients objectives. This intimate knowledge of the site-specific situation allows us to focus on the root cause and offer a customised solution” he said.

“Throughout the design, manufacturing and installation process, we communicate regularly with the client, updating them on progress to ensure their needs are being meet.  We also communicate any concerns or issues that may arise throughout the project.”

“Our technical service department specialise in belt conveyors and can provide extensive experience gained across many applications on various sites. This ensures that the final product supplied delivers optimised performance.”

TS Global can provide turnkey solutions regarding skirting systems including structural components, wear liners, skirtboards, skirt material (polyurethane or rubber) and impact frames/rollers. A turnkey solution ensures the transfer point is skirted correctly. In situations where structural obstructions make installation difficult, TS Global will engineer solutions that will deliver performance and consider maintainability.

When designing a skirt system, it is important to consider the material being conveyed, how that material is being presented by the incoming conveyor or hopper and at what speed the material is received. TS Global then need to select appropriate wear materials or liners that will deliver protection against wear caused by the product being conveyed. Finally, it needs to select a simple and easily maintained skirt system. 

The wear liner and sealing mechanism are designed to control and direct active product through transition until it settles in the trough of the outgoing conveyor belt. While the sealing mechanisms only function is to retain dust within the transfer point.

Noor said TS Global offer all sorts of customisation and accessories around skirt systems including retractable roller frames, impact beds and safety guards.

“On one project I worked on, the client had a skirting system that was outdated and smaller than what was required. The site manager reached out and asked us to design a new system to replace it,” he said.

“We had personnel on-site to take in all the measurements and took it back to our workshop where we drafted the initial concept.”

“Once the client had given us approval, we added more detailed designs. If there are limitations in the way, we adapt to make sure the design will suit the conveyor we are working on.”

Most of TS Global’s components are simply bolted on, which allows maintenance staff to easily replace the components, with spares. 

The company aims to make each part adjustable and replaceable to minimise downtime and improve safety around heavy machinery. Its engineers aim to create a standardised and interchangeable line of skirting components, so sites can hold onto spare wear parts.

Noor said the business was a manufacturing company, which means everything is produced in-house.

“We fabricate it all in the workshop, which turns us into a one-stop-shop,” he said.

“If our clients ever need replacement parts, we have all the components listed and can produce more spares as needed.”

TS Global plans to continue its expansion following the construction of a new headquarters in Tomago, NSW, located next to the existing workshop and warehouse. This growth has helped the business improve efficiencies by cutting down travel times between TS Global’s sites, while creating a business hub for the company.

It has also opened a new office in Perth that initially started as a one-person operation. 

Other branches have been established in strategic mining areas around the country to allow TS Global easier access to blue chip mining companies such as Rio Tinto or Glencore.

Noor said the company aimed to grow its technical staff and sales team to elevate the level of service quality it can provide.

“Our team has a bit of everything, with sales and technical experience spread throughout,” he said. 

“Having different backgrounds means we can think outside the box and find the right solution.” 

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