Water removal system for conveyor belt apparatus

Abstract

A dewatering system (50) for use in a conveyor belt apparatus (10), the conveyor belt apparatus including a conveyor belt (16), having opposed spaced apart longitudinally extending sides (20, 21), with a material carrying surface (23) between the sides (21, 22), the conveyor belt (16) being arranged for travel in a closed loop, which includes a conveying path (17) along which the conveyor belt (16) carries material on the material carrying surface in a travel path direction (X), and a return path (18). The conveyor belt (16) is configured so that the material carrying surface (23) of the belt adopts a conveying profile including an initial conveying profile when the belt is viewed in cross-section in the travel path direction along the conveying path. The dewatering system (50) comprises a dewatering zone (60, 61, 62) in the conveying path, the profile of the material carrying surface of the conveyor belt transitioning from the initial conveying profile to a dewatering profile, in which the material carrying surface is at least in part generally flat and / or inclined downwardly in a direction towards one or both sides of the conveyor belt.

Description

WATER REMOVAL SYSTEM FOR CONVEYOR BELT APPARATUSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to conveyor belt apparatus and more particularly to a water removal (commonly referred to as a "dewatering") system for treating materials being transported by the conveyor belt apparatus.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] One particular application of a dewatering system is in relation to the handling of coal, although it will be readily apparent and understood that the system could find application in the dewatering of water or other fluids from other types of bulk material. Mined coal is often transferred by conveyor belt apparatus from within the mine workings to the surface, or to a remote destination such as for example, a coal preparation plant, or other site. The mined coal is often referred to as run-of-mine or ROM coal. ROM coal often contains excess water mixed in with the bulk material, and other fluid contaminants. The water to bulk material ratio could be as low as 0% (extremely dry) through to 100% (pure) water. It is highly desirable that any excess water and / or contaminants are removed from the ROM coal so as to reduce spillage and improve the quality and convey ability of the product before it reaches its next destination. There is a need for an improved system, which can treat bulk materials so as to remove excess water from the material being conveyed.SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0003] In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a dewatering system for use in a conveyor belt apparatus, the conveyor belt apparatus including a conveyorbelt, having opposed spaced apart longitudinally extending sides, with a material carrying surface between the sides, the conveyor belt being arranged for travel in a closed loop which includes a conveying path along which the conveyor belt carries material on the material carrying surface in a travel path direction, and a return path, the conveyor belt being configured so that the material carrying surface of the belt adopts a conveying profile including an initial conveying profile when the belt is viewed in cross-section in the travel path direction along the conveying path, the dewatering system comprising a dewatering zone in the conveying path, the profile of the material carrying surface of the conveyor belt transitioning from the initial conveying profile to a dewatering profile, in which the material carrying surface is at least in part generally flat and / or inclined downwardly in a direction towards one or both sides of the conveyor belt.

[0004] In certain embodiments, the dewatering profile is generally flat or convex in shape when the conveyor belt is viewed in cross-section in the travel path direction. In certain embodiments the initial conveying profile is generally concave in shape. The terms "convex" and "concave" are not used in the strict geometrical sense hereinafter but include any general shape of this type such as trough or channel shape or inverted trough or channel shape.

[0005] In certain embodiments, the dewatering profile includes a peak portion which is generally centrally disposed between the sides, the material conveying surface extending downwardly from the peak portion towards the sides.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the dewatering zone has an upstream end and a downstream end.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the dewatering zone includes an upstream region which extends from the upstream end in the travel path direction and in which the profile of the carrying surface of the belt transitions or changes from the initial conveying profile to the dewatering profile.

[0008] In certain embodiments, the dewatering zone includes a downstream region which extends from a position inwardly of and which terminates at the downstream end and in which the profile of the carrying surface of the belt changes from the dewatering profile to the initial conveying profile.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the dewatering zone includes a downstream region which extends from a region intermediate the upstream end and the downstream end and which terminates at the downstream end and in which the profile of the carrying surface of the belt transitions or changes from the dewatering profile to the initial conveying profile.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the conveyor belt in the upstream region is inclined upwardly from the upstream end.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the downstream region is inclined downwardly towards the downstream end.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the downstream region may be in the same orientation as the conveyor belt in its normal travel path, that is, generally horizontal.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system further includes a series of idlers for supporting the conveyor belt along the conveying path, the idlers being configured so as to determine or govern the profile of the conveyor beltas it transitions from the initial profile into the dewatering profile and back to the initial profile. There is no limitation to the distance that this transition takes place, and may be abrupt or it may be subtle.

[0014] In certain embodiments, a plurality of said idlers are arranged in spaced apart relation with respect to one another for supporting the conveyor belt as it travels along the conveying path, the idlers being configured to cause the material carrying surface of the conveyor belt to adopt the conveying profile including the initial conveying profile when the belt is viewed in cross-section in the travel path direction along the conveying path, a plurality of said idlers in the dewatering zone being configured such that the material carrying surface of the conveyor belt in the dewatering zone is adapted to transition from the initial conveying profile to the dewatering profile in which the material carrying surface is at least in part generally flat and / or inclined downwardly in a direction towards one or both sides of the conveyor belt.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the idlers include a main roller set having a main roller axis and wing roller sets having wing roller axes, the wing roller sets being disposed at opposed ends of the main roller set, the wing roller set axes being inclined with respect to the main roller set axes at respective angles of inclination. As used throughout this specification the word "set" in the above used context includes within its scope a single roller or a number of rollers arranged end to end. In certain embodiments at least some of the rollers may be offset with respect to others of the rollers when viewed from above.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the angles of the inclination of the wing roller set of some of the idlers is inclined upwardly from the main roller set axes and the angles of inclination of the wing roller sets of others of the idlers in at least a section of the dewatering zone are inclined downwardly.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the angles of inclination in the upstream and downstream regions, or in the transition regions gradually change.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system further includes a water collection apparatus for capturing, containing and delivering water away from the apparatus for further processing and removal by any suitable means.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system further includes a barrier wall disposed between the conveying path and return path of the conveyor belt.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the barrier wall comprises two sloping sections sloping from an uppermost portion towards respective sides of the conveyor belt.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system further includes side walls at each of the sides of the conveyor belt, the side walls including a lower edge, or another affixed item such as a rubber skirt, which is spaced from the conveyor belt so as to provide for a gap sized to enable water and material of a small size to pass therethrough.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system's side walls may be at least partly formed of a material that will allow water and small sized particles to pass through the side walls but retain the remaining bulk material on the intended travel path. For example, the side walls may include a mesh section or filter medium through which water and small sized particles can pass.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system further includes flaps that extend from the side walls to a suitable gap or embedment to help control the release of water and fine materials.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the side walls include perforations, slots or other means of filtration in one or more of the side walls to help water and small particles pass through the side walls and be ejected from the conveyor belt.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the water removal system further includes a plurality of compartments at the side of the conveyor belt which are arranged side by side in the travel path direction, and typically throughout the transition zone and further upstream and downstream as required.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the idlers that are governing the belt profile throughout the entire transition length may be statically fixed in such that the belt profile is always constant at each idler set throughout the length of the apparatus.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system further includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the profile of the belt at one or more positions within the dewatering zone.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is operable when the dewatering system is installed.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is manually operated or automated.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism is adapted to change the angular position of the or each wing roller set with respect to the main roller set.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the idlers that are governing the belt profile throughout portions or the entire transition length may be of a mechanical or other methodology of actuating from an initial profile to a different profile and potentially back to the initial profile. The method of actuation may be via hydraulic cylinders, cam systems or other mechanical means, and may be controlled by a manual or automatic control system. Such embodiments may be designed so that the dewatering profile may be wholly or partially engaged for long and short periods of time to the betterment of the dewatering capability of the apparatus.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the dewatering system that may be manually or automatically actuated into a full or partial "operative" state from the standard ROM profile.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the method and apparatus set forth in the summary, specific embodiments of the method and apparatus will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of conveyor belt apparatus incorporating a dewatering system according to one embodiment;Figure 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus shown in figure 1;Figure 3 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in figures 1 and 2;Figure 4 is an end elevation of the apparatus shown in figures 1 to 3;Figures 5 to 9 are various perspective views of the apparatus shown in figures 1 to 4, some cutaway for clarity; and,Figure 10 are isometric views of an example of idlers of different configurations that may be used in the apparatus.DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a conveyor belt apparatus 10 which comprises a series of main structure members, typically referred to as "H-frames" and "stringers", and collectively referred to as "the main structure" 12 (figure 4) in the form of a rigid framework 13, and to which a conveyor belt 16 is operatively mounted. This is best seen in figure 4. The conveyor belt 16 is configured in an endless loop which includes conveying path 17 in which material is carried by the conveyor belt in a travel direction X (figure 3) and a return path 18. The conveying belt is supported by a series of idlers including those identified by way of example in figure 10 by 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H, 301 and 30J, which are operatively mounted to the main structure 12 and which are arranged to support the conveyor belt 16 as it travels along the conveying path. These idlers will be described in more detail hereinafter. The conveyor belt, when in the return path 18 is disposed below the conveying path 17. The conveyor belt includes opposed spaced apart longitudinally extending sides 20 and 21, and a main face 23 (figure 4), which is upwardly facing when in the conveying path and which carries the material as it travels along the conveying path. The sides 20 and 21 of the conveyor belt may also be referred to as side edges.

[0035] The conveyor belt, when in the conveying path, includes a conventional material carrying region upstream and downstream of a dewatering systemdescribed hereinafter. In this region, the conveyor belt is configured so as to adopt a conventional or usual orientation. For example, in this region the conveyor belt may have a trough, channel or convex shaped profile 25, when viewed in cross-section from one side to the other. This is illustrated in figure 4. In another arrangement, the conveyor belt profile could be substantially flat.

[0036] As shown, the dewatering system 50 is disposed within the conveying path of the conveyor belt apparatus. The dewatering system includes an upstream end 51 and a downstream end 52. When passing through the dewatering system the conveyor belt is configured so that it adopts a flat or inverted profile 26 (figure 5) with an uppermost or peak region between the sides the main face extending downwardly from the uppermost or peak region towards the sides. The dewatering system includes a main dewatering zone 60, and transition zones 61 and 62 in which the belt profile transitions from the normal or conventional profile to the inverted profile. The change in the belt profile is caused by the idlers being configured differently.

[0037] As described earlier, the conveyor belt in the conveying path is supported by a series of conveyor belt idlers 30A-30J, which are operatively connected to the main structure 12, and arranged in spaced apart relation with respect to one another in the travel path direction X. The idlers are configured so as to determine the profile of the conveyor belt as it passes over the idler. As shown in figure 10, the idlers include a main roller set 35 having a main roller axis, and, wing roller sets 36 and 37, having wing roller axes, the wing roller sets being disposed at opposed ends of the main roller set, the wing roller axes also being inclined with respect to the main roller axis at respective angles of inclination. In addition to the "centre" idler 35, there may a one or several wing idlers (36 and 37) per side, depending on the preferred arrangement for a specific installation. The rollers are mounted to an idler frame 40, which inturn is mounted to the main structure 12. The angles of inclination of the wing roller set axes are inclined upwardly from the main roller set axes, and the angles of inclination of the wing roller sets in at least a section of the dewatering zone are inclined downwardly. As shown, the angles of inclination in the transition zones gradually change. In transition zone 61 the angles of inclination progressively decrease and in the transition zone 62 the angles of inclination progressively increase.

[0038] The conveyor belt in the return path, at least within the dewatering system, is supported by a series of cross members 28 that mount return idlers (not shown in drawings) as per conventional practice. The idlers may be troughed in their traditional concave profile, or could be flattened or even inverted in a convex profile, operatively connected to the main structure 12 and in spaced apart relation from one another in the travel path direction. The structure and position of the cross members tends to flatten or invert the return belt as it passes through the dewatering system.

[0039] As shown in figures 4 and 5, the dewatering system includes side walls 71 and 72, which are mounted adjacent or overlying the sides of the conveyor belt. The side walls 71 and 72 have a lower edge 73 and 74 which is spaced from the conveyor belt, so as to provide a gap 76, which enables the passage of water and smaller sized particulates and materials from the conveyor belt. In figure 5 the gaps 76 are shown in an unobstructed arrangement only associated with side wall 72. It is to be understood that the unobstructed gaps could also be associated with side wall 71. The side walls 71 and 72 are mounted to a support frame 77 which in turn is secured to main frame structure 13. The side walls include entry and exit sections 78 and 79 (figure 9) which are angularly inclined outwardly with respect to the main part of theside walls to help control and contain the flow of the bulk material through the dewatering system.

[0040] As shown in figures 4 and 5, side walls 71 and 72 may include extension flaps or flexible "skirts" 84 to help control the amount of water and fine material that is being expelled from the dewatering system. In figure 5 the flaps 84 are only shown in association with the side wall 71. It is to be understood that they could also be associated with side wall 72. This flap may be made of a rigid or flexible material, and may be configured to enable adjustment and replacement of the flap due to wear and damage.

[0041] As shown in figure 5, the side walls 71 and 72 may include perforations, slots 87 or a filtration media that allows water and small particles to pass through side walls, as well as passing underneath the gap between the conveyor belt 16 and the side walls 71 and 72 or flaps 84. The slots may be formed in one or both side walls and may configured in any suitable configuration or fashion.

[0042] The dewatering system may further include a barrier wall 80 which is mounted to the main frame structure in a position between the conveying path and the return path. As shown, the barrier wall is disposed between the idlers 30 and the cross members 28. The barrier wall 80 comprises sloping side wall sections 81 and 82 which slope downwardly from an uppermost portion 83 towards its sides. The barrier wall has the shape of an inverted V-shaped section. This barrier is primarily provided to prevent water from being loaded onto the return belt.

[0043] The dewatering system may further include a number of compartments 85, mounted to the side of the conveyor belt, and disposed side by side in the travel path direction. The compartments are configured to collect water andother waste material from the conveyor belt. Each compartment may have an outlet 86 through which the water and waste can be discharged to a sump or the like. In other arrangements the water and discharged material is allowed to fall off the conveyor apparatus onto the floor or into the sump. Thus, in some embodiments, compartments may be on both sides of the conveyor belt. In other embodiments, such as shown in the drawings, the compartments may be only on one side of the belt, or may not be required or used on either side.

[0044] In operation, material such as for example coal, is transported on the conveyor belt 16 towards the dewatering system 50. In this part of the conveying path the idlers are in the shape shown in figure 10, and identified at 30A, that is, the belt is caused to adopt a conventional profile for carrying the material. The conveyor belt enters the dewatering system 50 at its upstream end 51. As is apparent, the belt profile transitions gradually via the differing idler sets exemplified 30B through 30H to form the profile caused by idlers 301. When the conveyor is in the region where the profile is inverted, the water and other waste is discarded to the sides of the conveyor belt, through the gaps 75 and 76 into the compartments 85. The downstream transition zone idlers are also configured in the same orientation as the upstream transition zone so that the conveyor belt profile gradually returns back to its original conveying profile at the downstream end 52 of the dewatering system 50.

[0045] In the forgoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above", "below", "upper" and "lower" and the likeare used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0046] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission of any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0047] In this specification the work "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0048] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, addition and / or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0049] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g. aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realiseyet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

[0050] The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claims.TABLE OF PARTSDewatering system 50Conveyor belt apparatus 10Conveyor belt 16Sides 20 / 21Conveying path 17Return path 18Travel direction XCarrying surface 23Initial or conventional conveying profile 25Dewatering profile 26Main structure 12Framework 13Main dewatering zone 60Upstream end 51Downstream end 52Transition zone 61Transition zone 62Conveying path idlers 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G,30H, 301, 30JReturn path support (cross members) 28Main roller set 35Wing roller sets 36 / 37Idler frame 40Side walls 71 / 72Lower edge 73 / 74Gap 75 / 76Flap 84Support frame 77Entry / Exit sections 78 / 79Barrier wall 80Side wall sections 81 / 82Uppermost portion 83Skirts 84Compartments 85Outlet 86Slots 87

Claims

CLAIMS1. A dewatering system (50) for use in a conveyor belt apparatus (10), the conveyor belt apparatus including a conveyor belt (16), having opposed spaced apart longitudinally extending sides (20, 21), with a material carrying surface (23) between the sides (21, 22), the conveyor belt (16) being arranged for travel in a closed loop, which includes a conveying path (17) along which the conveyor belt (16) carries material on the material carrying surface in a travel path direction (X), and a return path (18), the conveyor belt (16) being configured so that the material carrying surface (23) of the belt adopts a conveying profile including an initial conveying profile when the belt is viewed in cross-section in the travel path direction along the conveying path, the dewatering system (50) comprising a dewatering zone (60, 61, 62) in the conveying path, the profile of the material carrying surface of the conveyor belt transitioning from the initial conveying profile to a dewatering profile, in which the material carrying surface is at least in part generally flat and / or inclined downwardly in a direction towards one or both sides of the conveyor belt.

2. The dewatering system according to claim 1, wherein the dewatering profile is generally convex in shape when the conveyor belt is viewed in cross-section in the travel path direction.

3. The dewatering system according to claim 2, wherein the dewatering profile includes a peak portion which is generally centrally disposed between the sides, the material conveying surface extending downwardly from the peak portion towards the sides.

4. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dewatering zone has an upstream end (51) and a downstream end (52).

5. The dewatering system according to claim 4, wherein the dewatering zone includes an upstream region (61) which extends from the upstream end in the travel path direction and in which the profile of the carrying surface of the belt transitions or changes from the initial conveying profile to the dewatering profile.

6. The dewatering system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the dewatering zone includes a downstream region (62) which extends from a position inwardly of and which terminates at the downstream end (52) and in which the profile of the carrying surface of the belt changes from the dewatering profile to the initial conveying profile.

7. The dewatering system according to claim 5, wherein the conveyor belt in the upstream region (60) is inclined upwardly from the upstream end.

8. The dewatering system according to claim 6, wherein the downstream region (62) is inclined downwardly towards the downstream end.

9. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus includes a series of idlers (30) for supporting the conveyor belt along the conveying path, the idlers being configured so as to determine the profile of the conveyor belt.

10. The dewatering system according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of said idlers are arranged in spaced apart relation with respect to one another for supporting the conveyor belt as it travels along the conveying path, the idlersbeing configured to cause the material carrying surface of the conveyor belt to adopt the conveying profile including the initial conveying profile when the belt is viewed in cross-section in the travel path direction along the conveying path, a plurality of said idlers in the dewatering zone being configured such that the material carrying surface of the conveyor belt in the dewatering zone is adapted to transition from the initial conveying profile to the dewatering profile in which the material carrying surface is at least in part generally flat and / or inclined downwardly in a direction towards one or both sides of the conveyor belt.

11. The dewatering system according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the idlers (30) include a main roller set (35) having a main roller axis and wing roller sets (36, 37) having wing roller axes, the wing roller sets being disposed at opposed ends of the main roller set, the wing roller sets axes being inclined with respect to the main roller sets axes at respective angles of inclination.

12. The dewatering system according to claim 11, wherein the angles of inclination of the wing roller sets of some of the idlers is inclined upwardly from the main roller set axes and the angles of inclination of the wing roller sets of others of the idlers in at least a section of the dewatering zone are inclined downwardly.

13. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 9 to 12 when appended to claims 5 or 6, wherein the angles of inclination in the transition regions gradually change.

14. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further including side walls (71, 72) at each of the sides of the conveyor belt, the side walls including a lower edge (73, 74) which is spaced from the conveyor beltso as to provide for a gap (76) sized to enable water and material of a small size to pass therethrough.

15. The dewatering system according to claim 14, further including flaps (84) that extend from the side walls to a suitable gap or embedment to help control the release of water and fine materials.

16. The dewatering system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the side walls include perforations, slots or other means of filtration (87) in one or more of the side walls to help water and small particles pass through the side walls and be ejected from the conveyor belt.

17. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further including a barrier wall (80) disposed between the conveying path and return path of the conveyor belt.

18. The dewatering system according to claim 17, wherein the barrier wall comprises two sloping sections (81, 82) sloping from an uppermost portion (83) towards respective sides of the conveyor belt.

19. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further including a plurality of compartments (85) at the side of the conveyor belt and arranged side by side in the travel path direction.

20. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further including an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the profile of the belt at one or more positions within the dewatering zone.

21. The dewatering system according to claim 20, wherein the adjustment mechanism is operable when the dewatering system is installed.

22. The dewatering system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the adjustment mechanism is manually operated or automated.

23. The dewatering system according to any one of claims 20 to 22 when appended to claim 11, wherein the adjustment mechanism is adapted to change the angular position of the or each wing roller set with respect to the main roller set