7/28/2019 Storage and Handling Rev 2
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Fenner conveyor belting is tightly wound onto
a centre core. Through the centre core is a
square hole to facilitate handling during
production. The roll of Fenaplast conveyor
belting is enclosed within a coated
polypropelene bag that is sewn to fit snugly
over the roll and provide protection during
transport. Fenner steel cord conveyor belting
is further protected by an hexagonal steel
frame welded to each side of the centre core.
Rubber compounds used in Fenner steel cord conveyor belting,
like all other high grade natural rubber, are subject to attack
by
ozone (0 ), ultra violet light, heat, oils and solvents. PVC
and
Nitrile rubber used in Fenaplast conveyor belting is resistant
to
many oils but also adversely affected by ozone, ultra violet
lightand heat.
The presence of ozone is predominant in the atmosphere where
electrical storms occur. South Africa ranks high in the world
for
this climatic condition. A high concentration of ozone
together
with ultra violet light causes oxidisation of the rubber.
Degradation of the rubber compound from oxidisation
manifests
itself as surface cracking or perishing as it is commonly
termed.
Such attack is most severe when the rubber is static and
under
stress. Thus the rubber covers of a rolled up conveyor belt
in
storage can degrade. Also a belt left static on the structure
for
long periods would suffer from rubber degradation. In order
tominimise the problem Fenner incorporate anti-oxidants and
anti-
ozonants into the rubber compound which act as a barricade
against attack. The user can also assist by storing the belting
in a
position well sheltered from direct sunlight and sources of
ozone
such as operating electric motors and arc welding equipment.
PVC and Rubber compounds are degraded by heat. Some
polymers withstand the effects of heat better than others but
all
are degraded. Additives can be added to the cover rubber of
conveyor belts to enable them to perform under conditions of
prolonged high temperature. These are termed 'heat
resistant'
conveyor belts. Conveyor belting should not be stored in a
hotenvironment as it will seriously effect the life expectancy.
Ideal
storage temperature for conveyor belting is between 10C and
25C.
Fennaplast conveyor belting has good resistance to most
oils.
However, the rubber used in steel cord conveyor belting
(which
has a very high Natural rubber content) is readily attacked by
oils
causing swelling and reduction of physical properties.
Ozone and Ultra Violet Light
Heat
Oil and Solvents
3
x
Handling of Conveyor Belt RollsThe correct way to lift rolls of
belting is with a bar passed through
the centre core, then depending on the width and weight, the
roll
may be lifted by a fork lift truck or crane. If chains or slings
are
used on the bar at each side of the roll, a spreader bar should
be
used to prevent damage to the edges of the belt. If a spreader
bar
is not available use off-cuts of belting between the sling and
the
belt edge to help prevent damage.
x
Correct Storage ProceduresThe belt should be stored upright in
its original packaging. If
storage is likely to be for a long period it is preferable that
the roll
be suspended on a bar passed through the centre. This
facilitates regular turning of the roll to relieve
pressureconcentration points. The belt roll should be rotated
through a
few degrees every 3 to 4 months. Always store belting out of
direct sunlight. Never store belting in the vicinity of
operating
electric motors. Always keep belting clear of arc welding or
other
sources of high voltage. Ideal storage temperature is
between
10 and 25C. Store belting on firm ground away from any
possibility of oil contamination. A waxy film appearing on
the
surface of the conveyor belting is normal, It should not be
removed as this provides protection against ultra violet light
and
ozone.
