AU2019297206A1 - Conveyor belt scraper - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor belt scraper (10) including a mounting base (20) adapted to be mounted on a support structure. The conveyor belt scraper (10) includes a body portion (90) having a proximal end (95) extending away from the mounting base (20) and a distal end (150). A scraper blade (160) is located at the distal end (150) of the body portion (90). A fluid flow passage (85) extends through the body portion (90) and/or mounting base (20), the fluid flow passage (85) extending generally parallel to a tip of the scraper blade (160). A spray nozzle (170) is located in a lateral side of the body portion (90), the spray nozzle (170) being in fluid communication with the fluid flow passage (85).

Description

Conveyor belt scraper

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveyor belt scraper. In particular, the present invention relates to a secondary conveyor belt scraper for use with coal or various ores or minerals. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conveyor belt scraper can be applied to other applications and industries.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Coal is generally extracted by either underground mining operations, or open-cut mining operations. After extraction of the raw coal, it is necessary to process the raw coal into final products depending on the intended market, and the quality and composition of the raw coal. Typical processing includes crushing to a uniform size and beneficiation.

Beneficiation may include washing and other processes to remove ash, sulphur and rock particles. Coal has properties which dictate that coal particles and/or coal slurry are particularly susceptible to sticking to conveyor belts, especially at certain moisture levels.

[0003] During processing, and/or transportation, it is common for the coal to be

transported on conveyor belts between locations, and between process stages. It is typical for some coal to become stuck to the belt. This is especially common when the coal is wet or has been wet during beneficiation. It is important to remove any coal from the conveyor belt which has become adhered to the belt. This is important to prevent the coal from damaging any drive machinery located on the underside of the belt. This is also important in order to improve conveyor belt efficiency to ensure the majority of material is unloaded. Furthermore, any coal or sludge which proceeds to the underside of the conveyor belt can be difficult to access and hence remove at a later time.

[0004] In order to remove excess coal which has not fallen off the conveyor due to gravity as the conveyor belt changes directions, conveyor scrapers are often installed on the underside of the conveyor belt, adjacent to a roller which normally directs the belt around 180 degrees. The conveyor scraper is generally in the form of a metal blade which scrapes across the surface of the conveyor belt, physically scraping any coal from the surface. The scraped coal is caught and returned to the processing line. [0005] Whilst the process has been described with application in coal processing, it will be appreciated that it is applicable to processing other minerals, and use in other industries such as food processing and agriculture etc.

[0006] There are several drawbacks associated with existing scraper blades. One issue concerns the scraper blades being destroyed or at least damaged by the coal, and/or causing damage to the conveyor belt or mechanical clip. In order to extend the life of the scraper blades, some scraper blades are manufactured with resilient zones intended to elastically deform when the metal scraper tip encounters an obstruction.

[0007] Such resilient blades are known to still suffer from damage during use on account of the large loads that may be applied, and owing to the limited amount of elastic deformability or spring.

[0008] The process of replacing damaged scraper blades generally requires the conveyor belt to be stopped, which accordingly requires the coal processing or transportation to be temporarily halted. This can be costly due to replacement scraper blade costs, labour and undesirable process down-time.

[0009] Scraping alone may not be sufficient to remove some obstructions which require additional belt cleaning processes. In addition, additional belt cleaning components, such as spray bars, are an additional cost to the cleaning process. Accordingly, additional cleaning stages can have an adverse effect on the profitability of the operation.

[0010] Accordingly, existing scraper blades suffer from several disadvantages which may reduce their efficiency and longevity during use.

Object of the Invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0012] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a conveyor belt scraper comprising: a mounting base adapted to be mounted on a support structure;

a body portion having a proximal end extending away from the mounting base and a distal end;

a scraper blade located at the distal end of the body portion;

a fluid flow passage extending through the body portion and/or mounting base, the fluid flow passage extending generally parallel to a tip of the scraper blade; a spray nozzle located in a lateral side of the body portion, the spray nozzle being in fluid communication with the fluid flow passage.

[0013] The spray nozzle is preferably angularly inclined to direct fluid upwardly and laterally.

[0014] The spray nozzle is preferably angled at about 45 degrees relative to a plane passing through a lateral surface of the scraper blade.

[0015] The spray nozzle preferably has a wide mouth profile configured to generate a flat fan spray distribution.

[0016] The conveyor belt scraper further preferably comprises a shroud formed on the body portion between the scraper blade and the spray nozzle.

[0017] The shroud is preferably defined by a projection extending laterally away from the body portion.

[0018] The shroud preferably has a generally inverted V shaped profile having an apex located above the spray nozzle.

[0019] The fluid flow passage is preferably defined by a hollow shaft located in the body portion and/or mounting base.

[0020] The hollow shaft preferably includes a first engagement formation located at a first end of the conveyor belt scraper and a second engagement formation located at an opposing second end of the conveyor belt scraper.

[0021] The first engagement formation is preferably defined by a male projection and the second engagement formation is preferably defined by a corresponding female recess.

[0022] The conveyor belt scraper preferably includes a polymer seal located on at least one of the male projection and the female recess.

[0023] The polymer seal is preferably an O-ring.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning a conveyor belt including the following steps:

mounting a base of a conveyor belt scraper on a support structure such that a scraper blade of the conveyor belt scraper is located in contact with or close to the conveyor belt;

pumping a fluid through a fluid flow passage extending through a body portion and/or the base of the conveyor belt scraper, the fluid flow passage extending generally parallel to a tip of the scraper blade;

spraying the fluid toward the conveyor belt from a nozzle located in a lateral side of the body portion, the spray nozzle being in fluid communication with the fluid flow passage.

[0025] The method, further preferably includes the step of arranging a plurality of the conveyor belt scrapers end to end so that the respective fluid flow passages are coaxial and interconnected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a conveyor belt scraper according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the conveyor belt scraper of Fig. 1;

[0029] Fig. 3 is an end view of the conveyor belt scraper of Fig. 1;

[0030] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional end view of the conveyor belt scraper of Fig. 1;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the conveyor belt scraper of Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 6 is an end view of an end scraper for use with the conveyor belt scraper of Fig. 1;

[0033] Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the end scraper of Fig. 6;

[0034] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a spray nozzle of the conveyer belt scraper of Figs. 1 and 6.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a perspective view depicting two rows of conveyor belts scrapers according to the invention;

[0036] Fig. 10 depicts the two rows of conveyor belt scrapers of Fig 9 in operation;

[0037] Fig. 11 is a top sectional view of a row of conveyor belt scrapers according to the invention; and

[0038] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a conveyor belt scraper according to a second embodiment. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0039] A conveyor belt scraper 10 is disclosed for use with conveyor belts. The conveyor belt scraper 10 includes a mounting base 20 adapted to be mounted on a support structure. The conveyor belt scraper 10 is a secondary scraper. Secondary scrapers are generally deployed after a primary, belt cleaning scraper, which serves to remove the bulk of material from the belt, so that the secondary scraper can effectively remove further difficult to remove material which is not shifted by primary scraping and gravity.

[0040] Referring to Fig. 1, the mounting base 20 has two laterally extending projections in the form of feet or tabs 30, 40. Each of the tabs 30, 40 is located an equal distance from an axis of symmetry XX of the mounting base 20, when viewed from the end view. The tabs 30, 40 define recesses 50, 60 which enable the conveyor belt scraper 10 to be mounted to a mounting bar 65, as depicted in Figs. 9 and 10, which extends in a direction which is generally perpendicular relative to the direction of movement of a conveyor belt (not shown). The mounting bar is typically positioned on the underside of the conveyor belt, near where the conveyor belt changes direction at a roller, normally by an angle of approximately 180°.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 1, a hole 70 extends through the conveyor belt scraper 10 in the region of the mounting base 20. The hole 70 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis YY. The hole 70 is circular, and when a plurality of the conveyor belt scrapers 10 are arranged longitudinally in abutment, the holes 70 are coaxial.

[0042] A hollow shaft 80 extends through each hole 70. The shaft 80 is fabricated from stainless steel or another suitable engineering material such as a durable polyurethane polymer. The shaft 80 is cast into the conveyor belt scraper 10 during manufacture.

Flowever, it will be appreciated that the shaft 80 could alternatively be inserted at a later stage after the casting process. Alternatively, the shaft 80 may be omitted from the design.

[0043] The body portion 90 of the conveyor belt scraper has a proximal end 95 extending away from the mounting base 20 and a distal end 150. The body portion 90 is integrally formed with the mounting base 20 from a polymer which provides resilient properties that facilitate elastic deflection when loaded.

[0044] A scraper blade 160 is located at the distal end 150 of the body portion 90. The scraper blade 160 is defined by a planar steel plate, as shown in Fig. 5. [0045] The scraper blade 160 is fabricated from a durable material such as hardened steel, tool steel, stainless steel or another suitable material. Each blade 160 has a generally rectangular body. As shown in Fig. 5, a portion of the blade 160 is embedded in the distal end 150 of the body portion 90. The embedded portion of the blade 160 includes at least one and preferably a plurality of apertures 165. The apertures 165 enable the polymer of the body portion 90 to bond with the scraper blade 160 to provide improved blade bonding, and reduce the likelihood of the blade being pulled out by impact forces during conveyor belt scraping.

[0046] The hollow shaft 80 defines a fluid flow passage 85 within the conveyor belt scraper 10. The fluid flow passage 85 extends through the body portion 90 or the mounting base 20, and the fluid flow passage 85 extends generally parallel to a tip of the scraper blade 160.

[0047] The hollow shaft 80 includes a first engagement formation located at a first end 120 of the conveyor belt scraper 10 and a second engagement formation located at an opposing second end 130 of the conveyor belt scraper 10. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the first engagement formation is defined by a male projection 140 and the second engagement formation is defined by a corresponding female recess 150. The male projection 140 is sized to couple with the female recess 150 such that the conveyor belt scrapers 10 can be coupled end to end. This enables a plurality of the conveyor belt scrapers 10 to be arranged end to end with a single fluid flow channel 85 extending through the assembly.

[0048] At least one of the male projection 140 and the female recess 150 includes an annular groove for seating an O-ring or other sealing element to improve the fluid seal. In some embodiments, more than one seal may be provided.

[0049] The conveyor belt scraper 10 includes a spray nozzle 170 located in a lateral side of the body portion 90. The spray nozzle 170 is in fluid communication with the fluid flow passage 85 by way of a channel 180. The channel 180 extends perpendicular to the fluid flow passage 85. In addition, the channel 180 is angled upwardly at about 45 degrees relative to a vertical plane, and accordingly about 45 degrees relative to a plane passing through a vertical, lateral surface of the scraper blade 160. Accordingly the angle

represented as F in Fig. 4 is approximately 45 degrees. As such, the spray nozzle 170 is angularly inclined to direct fluid in a direction which has both upward and lateral components.

[0050] The spray nozzle 170 may be used to direct fluids such as water or air, or other gasses or liquids. In the application of water, the spray nozzle 170 can be used to wash material from the conveyor belt at high pressure. In contrast, in the application of air, the spray nozzle 170 can be used to blow material from the conveyor belt. In an alternative embodiment, the spray nozzles 170 may be water vapour misting nozzles to generate a spray of mist to assist in settling dust.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the spray nozzle 170 has a wide mouth profile configured to generate a flat fan spray distribution. This wide mouth profile dictates that the liquid jet fans out from the nozzle 170 creating a spray distribution which extends parallel to the axis YY. As such, within a short distance from the conveyor belt scraper 10, the width of the spray jet is as wide as the conveyor belt scraper 10 between the first end 120 of the conveyor belt scraper 10 and the opposing second end 130. Accordingly, when the conveyor belt scrapers 10 are arranged end to end in a row, as described before, the spray jets extend across the full length of the assembly of conveyor belt scrapers 10, such that the full width of an adjacent conveyor belt can be scraped and sprayed simultaneously.

[0052] The spray nozzle 170 has an attachment portion for connection with the channel 180. In particular, the distal end of the channel 180 terminates in a projection or boss 185 extending from the body portion 90. Referring to Fig. 8, the base of the spray nozzle 170 includes a plurality of barbs 175 which can be driven into engagement with the inner wall of the channel 180. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the engagement between the spray nozzle 170 and the channel 180 may be by way of threaded fitting or taper.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the spray nozzle 170 is replaceable. In contrast, the spray nozzle 170 may be integrally formed with the channel 180 or permanently secured to the channel 180 during manufacture.

[0053] In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the spray nozzle 170 has a wide mouth profile to generate a fan distribution pattern. However, it will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the conveyor belt scraper 10 may deploy several spray nozzles 170 along the length of the fluid flow passage 85. In such an arrangement, the spray nozzles 170 may be cone distribution or point distribution nozzles. In such an arrangement, the spray nozzle liquid distribution pattern may overlap at the conveyor belt surface. [0054] The spray nozzles 170 are located on the upstream side so that they face forward to the oncoming belt.

[0055] As depicted in Fig. 1, the body portion 90 includes a shroud or cover 200 which is located on a lateral wall of the body portion 90. The shroud 200 is located vertically between the scraper blade 160 and the spray nozzle 170. The shroud 200 is defined by a projection extending laterally away from the body portion 90. As shown in Fig. 1, the shroud 200 has a generally inverted V shaped profile having an apex 210 located above the spray nozzle 170. The shroud 200 projects laterally away from the wall of the body portion 90 beyond the horizontal position of the spray nozzle 170. Accordingly, the shroud 200 guards the spray nozzle 170 from falling debris, such as coal particles. In this way, the shroud 200 protects the spray nozzle 170, reducing the likelihood of damage, or blocking of the spray nozzles 170.

[0056] Referring to the end view of Fig. 3, the body portion 90 has a profile having the shape of a diamond that has been truncated on the lower side. Accordingly, the body portion 90 has first and second opposing projections 105, 115 which extend laterally. At the interface between the body portion 90 and the mounting base 20, the body portion 90 narrows, defining a region of reduced cross sectional area, providing increased flexibility. Accordingly, if the conveyor belt scraper 10 experiences an impact force during scraping, the body portion 90 is resiliently deformable, permitting elastic deformation of the tip of the scraper blade 160.

[0057] The spray nozzles 170 may be operated continuously or intermittently. In addition, the spray nozzles 170 may be used to distribute water. Flowever, the spray nozzles 170 may alternatively be used to distribute other liquids which are required or desired during the beneficiation process.

[0058] Each end of the row of conveyor belt scrapers 10 terminates at an end scraper 15. The end scraper 15 has no blade, and the upper portion of the body portion 90 defines a solid polymer block which serves the purpose of supporting the two lateral edges of the conveyor belt. The end scraper 15 also includes a spray nozzle 170. The input of the shaft 80 of the end scraper includes a female threaded connection which enables a water or other fluid line to be connected.

[0059] The male projection 140 of the end scraper 15 at the opposing end of the row of coupled scrapers 10 is capped to prevent water egression. [0060] Referring to Fig. 12, a conveyor belt scraper 10 according to a second embodiment is disclosed. The second embodiment is structurally and functionally similar. However, the male projection 140 is defined by a spigot 250 which is integrally formed with the body portion 90 of the conveyor belt scraper 10. The spigot 250 is sized to fit with a corresponding female recess or socket 150 located at the opposing end of the scraper 10. The spigot 250 may be less costly to manufacture and simplifies the manufacturing process on account of less parts being required to fabricate the scraper 10.

[0061] In the embodiment of Fig. 12, the spray nozzle 170 is depicted as a fishtail type nozzle 172, to achieve a wide fanning jet of air or water.

[0062] Whilst the conveyor belt scraper 10 is described and shown with a spray nozzle 170 located on one side, in an alternative arrangement, the spray nozzles 170 may be positioned on each side of the conveyor belt scrapers 10, so that fluid can be sprayed to both sides of the conveyor belt, before and after engagement with the scraper blade 160.

[0063] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (15)

Claims:

1. A conveyor belt scraper comprising:

a mounting base adapted to be mounted on a support structure;

a body portion having a proximal end extending away from the mounting base and a distal end;

a scraper blade located at the distal end of the body portion;

a fluid flow passage extending through the body portion and/or mounting base, the fluid flow passage extending generally parallel to a tip of the scraper blade;

a spray nozzle located in a lateral side of the body portion, the spray nozzle being in fluid communication with the fluid flow passage.

2. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle is angularly inclined to direct fluid upwardly and laterally.

3. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 1, wherein the spray nozzle is angled at about 45 degrees relative to a plane passing through a lateral surface of the scraper blade.

4. The conveyor belt scraper of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spray nozzle has a wide mouth profile configured to generate a flat fan spray distribution.

5. The conveyor belt scraper of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a shroud formed on the body portion between the scraper blade and the spray nozzle.

6. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 5, wherein the shroud is defined by a projection extending laterally away from the body portion.

7. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 6, wherein the shroud has a generally inverted V shaped profile having an apex located above the spray nozzle.

8. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow passage is defined by a hollow shaft located in the body portion and/or mounting base.

9. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 8, wherein the hollow shaft includes a first engagement formation located at a first end of the conveyor belt scraper and a second engagement formation located at an opposing second end of the conveyor belt scraper.

10. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 9, wherein the first engagement formation is defined by a male projection and the second engagement formation is defined by a corresponding female recess.

11. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 10, wherein a polymer seal is located on at least one of the male projection and the female recess.

12. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 11, wherein the polymer seal is an O-ring.

13. The conveyor belt scraper of claim 1, wherein an integrally formed spigot extends away from one end of the conveyor belt scraper, the spigot being in fluid communication with the fluid flow passage, further wherein a corresponding socket is located at an opposing end of the conveyor belt scraper.

14. A method of cleaning a conveyor belt including the following steps:

mounting a base of a conveyor belt scraper on a support structure such that a scraper blade of the conveyor belt scraper is located in contact with or close to the conveyor belt; pumping a fluid through a fluid flow passage extending through a body portion and/or the base of the conveyor belt scraper, the fluid flow passage extending generally parallel to a tip of the scraper blade;

spraying the fluid toward the conveyor belt from a nozzle located in a lateral side of the body portion, the spray nozzle being in fluid communication with the fluid flow passage.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of arranging a plurality of the conveyor belt scrapers end to end so that the respective fluid flow passages are coaxial and interconnected.