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Engineering - Functional Design of Transfer Chutes    
Services > Engineering > Functional Design >Transfer Chutes
    

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN OF TRANSFER CHUTES

Our transfer chute designs are engineered based on the measured flow properties of the bulk solid being handled, using in-house developed methods including mathematical expressions and Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) techniques. This knowledge and our experience give us the unique ability to design a chute to provide reliable flow while minimizing or preventing:

  • Plugging and buildup
  • Dust emissions
  • Liner wear
  • Belt wear
  • Spillage

Our functional transfer chute designs typically include:

  • Cross-section shape to control the material stream
  • Chute slope(s)
  • Overall layout dimensions
  • Interior surface specifications for flow/wear

The result of the functional design scope is a dimensioned and annotated drawing.

After completion of the chute’s functional design, Jenike & Johanson engineers can provide detailed engineering services that result in fabrication drawings. This engineering task is a vital step for achieving successful project completion.

Problem

Our client wished to increase the capacity of their iron ore export terminal, to a maximum throughput of 10,000 TPH. A critical belt-to-belt transfer chute was shown to limit this throughput as it exhibited blockage, plus off-center loading that resulted in belt off-tracking, material spillage and component wear. This ultimately caused increased ship demurrage costs.

Transfer chute system for iron oreTransfer chute system for iron ore Frequent plugging of iron ore in chuteFrequent plugging of iron ore in chute

Solution

J&J engineers redesigned the transfer chute, using in-house developed analytical tools and iron ore flow properties. The design was based on maintaining iron ore momentum through the chute. The chute operation is independent of minor variations in flow rate, belt speed and material flow properties. Watch the DEM video to see particles moving through the chute.

Engineered transfer chute systemEngineered transfer chute system Iron ore plugging eliminated in chute Iron ore plugging eliminated in chute

Success in the field

The ceramic lined transfer chute has been in operation for over 6 months. It has operated up to the maximum throughput of 10,000 TPH without any of the problems that routinely plagued the previous transfer chute.

Engineered hood of transfer chuteEngineered hood of transfer chute Iron ore traveling through new chuteIron ore traveling through new chute

 

Example of DEM analysis for chuteExample of DEM analysis for chute
(click to run movie) Limestone spillage off belt conveyorLimestone spillage off belt conveyor
(click to enlarge) Spiral letdown chute for fragile foodsSpiral letdown chute for fragile foods
(click to enlarge)