In many mining and other industrial plants, transfer points are the unsung heroes of materials handling – quietly facilitating the continuous flow of product through the process. Yet, too often, these critical chute systems are overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance, leading to premature wear, unplanned downtime and costly replacements.
According to Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, the long term efficiency and reliability of a materials handling system hinge on the consistent upkeep of its chute systems. When left unchecked even minor issues at the transfer point can escalate, damaging equipment, compromising throughput and raising the overall total cost of ownership.
“Transfer chutes experience high levels of impact, abrasion and wear, making them particularly vulnerable if not properly maintained,” Baller says. “Unfortunately, many operations don’t allocate sufficient resources to monitor the condition of their chutes, and this is where the cost spiral begins.”
On-site audit to assess
To support mines and plants that lack dedicated chute maintenance teams, Weba Chute Systems offers a comprehensive solution. This begins with a detailed on-site audit to assess the current condition of the chute systems and identify areas of concern. From there, the company provides a report outlining what is required to restore each chute to optimal operating condition. Once this has been achieved, a proactive maintenance programme is implemented to ensure the systems remain in top form.
