Maximum Conveyor Slopes by Material
Maximum Conveyor Slopes by Material
Crushed rock can be conveyed on slopes of up to 18 degrees , while finer materials such as phosphate powder allow for steeper slopes of 28 degrees . The trends suggest that finer materials have higher permissible slopes due to their flow characteristics that reduce the risk of rolling back or spilling. Crushed rock's larger and irregular particles may become unstable on steep inclines, thus requiring shallower slopes to ensure steady movement without loss during the handling process.
Different ores have varying maximum conveyor slopes due to their physical properties. Limonite iron ore allows for a maximum slope of 28 degrees , while copper sulphate has a lower permissible slope of 17 degrees , and manganese operates at a 24-degree slope . These differences may be attributed to factors such as ore density, moisture content, particle cohesiveness, and the tendency to form aggregates or lumps, affecting stability on inclined surfaces.
The maximum conveyor slope for gypsum in its various forms differs based on the form it is in. For broken gypsum, the maximum slope is 18 degrees . Ground gypsum allows for a greater slope of up to 27 degrees . Gypsum powder permits a slope of 23 degrees . This variation is due to the differences in physical properties such as particle size and cohesiveness of each form.
Transporting hydrated materials poses unique challenges compared to non-hydrated materials. For example, wet ashes have a maximum conveyor slope of 18 degrees , while dry ashes can be transported on a slope of 16 degrees . The additional moisture in wet ashes increases cohesiveness and weight, which aids in maintaining stability on sloped surfaces. However, it also risks clumping and adhering to equipment, potentially causing blockages, which is less problematic with dry ashes.
Materials with smaller particle sizes, such as powdered or fine granules, generally allow for steeper conveyor slopes. For example, phosphate powder has a maximum slope of 28 degrees , while larger particle sizes, like 75 mm broken granite, have a lesser slope of 18 degrees . This trend indicates that finer materials are more cohesively manageable and stable on steeper surfaces, reducing the risk of spillage and increasing conveyor efficiency.
Bagasse, an agricultural residue, allows for a maximum conveyor slope of 30 degrees , which is steeper compared to loose cement's slope of 22 degrees . Bagasse's fibrous nature may help it maintain a stable bulk form, preventing slippage on steeper slopes. In contrast, loose cement, being more granular and less cohesive, requires shallower slopes to prevent particles from sliding or spilling. These differences imply that handling of industrial materials like cement needs tighter control to avoid losses during transportation.
Moisture content and particle size significantly impact the maximum conveyor slopes for earth materials. For example, loose earth has a slope limit of 20 degrees, while moist earth ranges from 18 to 20 degrees . Smaller moist particles may clump together, reducing friction against the conveyor and increasing the risk of rolling when slopes are too steep. Practical considerations include maintaining the optimal moisture level to balance cohesiveness without causing blockages and adjusting conveyor angles based on particle size to ensure efficient transport.
Organic materials like corn have a maximum conveyor slope of 10 degrees for shelled corn , indicating a low angle due to its loose and non-cohesive nature. In contrast, alum, an inorganic compound, has a much higher slope of 22 degrees due to its more compact and cohesive nature. These differences can be attributed to the inherent physical properties of organic versus inorganic materials, such as density and particle behavior under movement.
Bark and brick materials have similar maximum conveyor slopes of 27 degrees . Despite being drastically different in composition, both materials require similar incline handling, which indicates a comparable level of bulk material stability under transportation conditions. Brick, being dense, likely maintains structural integrity, while bark's fibrous nature might help resist slippage. For handling, attention to bark's potential for sticking due to fibrous, organic content and ensuring bricks are securely in place to avoid displacement are vital considerations.
Iron ore, a heavy and dense material, can be conveyed on slopes up to 28 degrees for limonite type , whereas ashes (wet and dry) are limited to slopes of 18 and 16 degrees, respectively . The density and cohesive nature of iron ore allow for steeper slopes since it is less likely to slide under its weight, enhancing stability. In contrast, ashes, being lighter and more susceptible to wind and moisture conditions, require shallower slopes to maintain control and prevent dispersal due to their loose particulate nature.