⎪ Minerals processing and materials handling ⎪
Keletso Mabula, sales engineer for Belt Cleaners at MATO Products, a member of the Multotec Group, highlights his company’s conveyor assessment service to optimise performance and prevent unplanned downtime and premature component failure. Safeguarding conveyor performance through proactive assessment
C onveyor systems are the backbone of efficient materi- als handling in mining and mineral processing opera- tions. Ensuring that these strategic assets perform optimally is therefore critical to maintaining productivity and controlling operating costs. Undertaking comprehensive conveyor assessments is essential to understanding performance across the entire system and ensuring that conveyors continue to operate reliably. Combined with regular proactive maintenance, these measures safeguard conveyor performance and extend equipment life. If conveyors stop, production stops, which is why these critical systems cannot be maintained reactively. Comprehensive conveyor assessments provide a clear understanding of how the system is per- forming, where inefficiencies exist and where risks might be developing. Without this visibility, problems such as carryback, misalignment, belt wear, and ineffective cleaning can develop unnoticed. Insights gained through specialist conveyor assessments not only help de- termine the correct specification of belt cleaners but also enhance efficiency, en- able ongoing performance optimisation, and help to prevent unplanned downtime and premature component failure. Why comprehensive conveyor assessment matters Effective assessments should evaluate the entire conveyor length, from tail to drive end, providing a thorough analysis of the system, since upstream problems can affect downstream performance. A full conveyor system evaluation should not only focus on the integrity of isolated components but also holistically assess a range of factors, including material load- ing conditions, belt condition and track- ing, cleaner positioning, transfer points, pulley and idler conditions and structural concerns. By assessing the entire conveyor length, the correct cleaning solutions can be tailored to each system and properly installed, with precise positioning, ten-
sion and blade angles designed to reduce carryback, prevent belt damage and lower maintenance costs. This not only improves cleaning ef- ficiency but also extends the lifespan of blades, belts, and other conveyor com- ponents. From a commercial standpoint, that means longer component life, lower replacement frequency and better return on investment. That said, even well-designed equip- ment can underperform if installed incorrectly. No two conveyors are likely to perform the same, as material type, belt speed and other factors all influence belt cleaner performance. Experienced teams are therefore crucial to ensure that insights from conveyor assessments are applied effectively and that solutions perform as designed under the unique op- erating conditions of each conveyor. This, in turn, protects a client’s investment and strengthens long-term trust. Maximising performance through proactive maintenance Even with the correct solution specified and expertly installed, conveyor per- formance cannot be taken for granted. Weekly routine inspections and preven- tive maintenance are essential for iden- tifying and rectifying minor issues before they escalate, ensuring the conveyor system continues to operate efficiently. From a belt-cleaning perspective, these inspections allow monitoring of tension- ing and alignment, replacement of belt cleaner blades before they fail, and early detection of conveyor belt wear. They also help identify spillages or material buildup along the conveyor. This proactive approach results in lower repair costs, fewer emergency call- outs, fewer unplanned maintenance shut- downs, and more predictable maintenance planning. It also shifts the operation from reactive spending to controlled, planned maintenance spending that is easier to forecast, plan for and budget. Over time, this approach translates into cost savings, safer operations and improved uptime and productivity. While conveyors are a significant invest-
ment for mines, often costing millions of rands in capital and ongoing maintenance, they represent a vital long-term strategic asset. With the right expertise and a pro- active approach to maintenance, these systems can deliver reliable performance while safeguarding one of the most criti- cal investments in the materials handling chain. https://www.multotec.com/en
From a belt-cleaning perspective, these inspections allow monitoring of tensioning and alignment, replacement of belt cleaner blades before they fail, and early detection of conveyor belt wear.
Insights gained through conveyor assessments enhance efficiency, enable ongoing performance optimisation, and help to prevent unplanned downtime and premature component failure.
July-August 2026 • MechChem Africa ¦ 23
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