WO2016034763A1

WO2016034763A1 - Frame structure and method for manufacturing frame structure for conveyor system

Info

Publication number: WO2016034763A1
Application number: PCT/FI2015/050538
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kari Salo; Juha Petteri VIINANEN
Original assignee: Grate Finland Oy
Priority date: 2014-09-05
Filing date: 2015-08-21
Publication date: 2016-03-10
Also published as: FI128401B; FI20145770A

Abstract

A frame structure for conveyor system (100) comprising: at least two beams (104a, 104b, 204a, 204b) arranged to support a conveyor (102) at least along the longitudinal dimension of said conveyor (102), and at least one maintenance structure (112) for counterbalancing the frame structure (100), said maintenance structure (112) comprising a planar element (108, 208) and a truss railing (110, 210), said structure (112) being attached to at least one of said beams (104a, 104b, 204a, 204b). Corresponding methods are also presented.

Description

FRAME STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING

FRAME STRUCTURE FOR CONVEYOR SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Generally the present invention concerns conveyor frame structures. Particularly, however not exclusively, the invention pertains to a modular frame structure for conveyor system for processing industry use that can be transported by standard intermodal freight transport containers essentially prefabricated eliminating largely the need for in-situ manufacturing.

BACKGROUND

Conveyor systems have become increasingly important in processing industry applications. From smaller scale manufacturing lines to kilometers- long raw material carrying lines different conveyors are applied in a myriad of different situations for various needs.

However, especially the bigger conveyor systems pose a lot of inconven- iencies. Traditionally, the known solutions are either partially or complete - ly manufactured in-situ, which causes tremendous safety and cost risks, one-off investments and inefficient use of resources since manufacturing in-situ is always more dangerous and arduous than manufacturing in a workshop. Additionally, other concepts that aim to solve some of the aforementioned problems involve, among other things, high transportation costs as ready- made structures are big, heavy and difficult to transport, and in fact, in many cases such ready structures might be impossible to transport with the transportation methods in use today.

Currently, these existing concepts revolve around the practice of using lattice and truss structures in the frame structures of the bigger processing industry conveyor systems. These structures are incorporated to constitute the whole frame structure, including the roof, walls and the floor or basis, since they comprise sufficient strength properties to support the conveyors with adequate but manageable weight properties. However, as mentioned these kinds of structures are big and very labor-intensive in manufactur- ing, which manufacturing has to be done at least partially in the target location leading to the discussed shortcomings.

Some prior art solutions are hereinafter presented.

JPH07277460A discloses a currently well-known and widely used solution of a frame structure for conveyor system, which consists of using a counterbalancing and supporting common girder structure directly underneath the conveyors and the support stage on which the conveyors lie.

KR20100088879A discloses a frame structure for a conveyor system that consists of a sturdy lattice platform on which a number of conveyors lie and, which whole frame structure, is further supported by support towers. Further, CN202765775U discloses a light-weight tape machine frame structure and conveyor thereof.

Even further, WO2012104092A1 discloses a very light-duty purpose conveyor system and frame for check-out counters.

Therefore, it is obvious that a processing industry conveyor system frame structure solution is needed that overcomes the discussed shortcomings of said manufacturing and transportation aspects while maintaining the structural properties demanded from such structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the embodiments of the present invention is to at least alleviate one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks evident in the prior art arrangement particularly in the context of processing industry conveyor system frames. The objective is generally achieved with a modular frame structure for conveyor system comprising prefabricable elements, which may be cost-effectively transported by standard intermodal freight transport means and assembled in-situ with minimal manufacturing effort and that allow the usage of large supporting distances with low construction height. One of the advantageous features of the present invention is that it may be prefabricated in modules in a factory or a metal workshop and delivered to a work site as subassembly elements, wherein the elements may with bolt connections and without needing any welding work be assembled as a working frame structure for conveyor system. This effectively eliminates a tremendous amount of in-situ manufacturing needs, which saves costs and time, improves worksite safety and reduces risks significantly compared to solutions that require full-scale in-situ manufacturing. Another one of the advantageous features of the present invention is that the modules constituting the frame structure for conveyor system are designed so that they may be delivered by standard intermodal freight transport means. For example, a standard 40-foot container fits 2-4 prefabricated modules of the device according to the present invention. For this reason, it is possible to transport the frame structure around the globe with standard intermodal transporting means eliminating the need for special transportation arrangements.

Even further, one more advantageous feature of the present invention is that the conveyor system parts, such as rolls, bearings and carrying mediums, may be installed to the preassembly elements in metal workshop environments in the prefabrication process, which eliminates site works and enables more accurate installation of the components, such as accurate alignment of conveyor idlers. This is an important aspect since these as- pects affect the reliability of the conveyor system's functioning and lifespan of the components. For example, when done in-situ the accuracy of said aspects is far more difficult to achieve than in metal workshop conditions. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a frame structure for conveyor system comprising:

-at least two beams arranged to support a conveyor at least along the longitudinal dimension of said conveyor, and

-at least one maintenance structure for counterbalancing and supporting the frame structure, said maintenance structure comprising a planar ele- ment and a planar truss railing said structure being attached essentially adjacent to at least one of said beams, characterized in that the truss railing is a load-bearing structure used to support the frame structure.

According to some preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention the truss railing is used to counter-balance and/or stiffen the frame structure. This is essentially important to the present invention because the truss railing carries a large portion of the forces from the conveyor and the beams and may balance the loads which are eccentric to the center of gravity of the conveyor structure.

According to some preferred exemplary embodiments of the present in- vention the maintenance structure of the frame structure comprises structural stiffness and rigidity to hold the maintenance platform loads which in many cases are considerably higher than the loads due to the conveyor structure itself and the material transported. This is largely due to the planar truss railing structure that comprises stiffness and rigidity to carry weight substantially at least in the longitudinal dimension of the frame structure hence constituting a substantially load-bearing structure of the frame structure, This complies with standards and ensures the balance and rigidity of the frame structure. According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention the frame structure may comprise two maintenance structures imposed on either sides of the conveyor.

According to some exemplary embodiments the conveyor system frame structure may be used for conveyors that may carry powders, granular materials, slurries, bulky light and/or heavy raw materials and products such as minerals, bio fuels, coal, ore and processing industry waste.

According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention the two beams arranged to support conveyor structure comprise I-beams or H- beams. According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention the frame structure comprises a conveyor, which is preferably a belt conveyor.

According to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention the frame structure comprises a cover, which may be a self-standing structure that stiffens the frame structure. The cover may extend at least partially over the longitudinal and vertical dimensions of the conveyor. Additionally, the cover structure covers at least the conveyor and optionally additionally the one or more maintenance structures. The cover may be fas- tened to either or both of the supporting beams and/or to the maintenance structure truss railing.

According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention the frame structure for conveyor system comprises the suitable capabilities to be attached by mechanical fastening means to another structure, such as another frame structure optionally to continue and/or extend the frame structure, optionally constituting a modular frame structure.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a method for manu- factoring the frame structure for conveyor system comprising:

-prefabricating a module comprising the supporting beams attachable to a conveyor, -prefabricating a maintenance structure module comprising the planar element and the planar truss railing attached thereto, and

-fitting the prefabricated modules into intermodal containers. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the pre- fabrication of the module comprising the supporting beams attachable to a conveyor may comprise also attaching a conveyor to the beams such as to constitute a module. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the method comprises the item of prefabricating a cover module. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the method comprises the item of prefabricating a transverse supporting beam module. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the pre- fabrication of any module is done at a factory, metal workshop or in similar working conditions.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the mod- ule comprising the conveyor and supporting beams attached to said conveyor is prefabricated so that it fits in an intermodal container with at least one another such module. Preferably, the conveyor technology and respective idlers and bearings are chosen in accordance to the application whereas the beams are chosen and manufactured in accordance to the aforemen- tioned conveyor considerations and the application.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention any of the modules is prefabricated so that it fits in an intermodal container with at least one another such module.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the maintenance structure is manufactured in accordance to the conveyor- beam structure so that the maintenance structure can support essentially approximately twice as much as the conveyor. However, the actual load- bearing capacity is always designed by application in relation to the conveyor and transported material high loads on the maintenance platform as defined by safety regulations. Preferably, the truss railing's grid or lattice geometry, structure and formation are chosen in accordance to the required weight and rigidity properties required in accordance to the con- veyor module properties.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention a preferred number of the modules are transported via intermodal freight means to in-situ location, wherein the frame structure is to be assembled and op- tionally used. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the prefabricated modules may be assembled in-situ to constitute the frame structure for conveyor system. Although the frame structure and method embodiments do not require the use of a conveyor system, i.e. they focus on the structure and manufacturing of the frame structure for the conveyor, they however enable the utilization and adaptation of a conveyor system into the frame structure. The conveyor system may hence be added as part of the structure from the be- ginning or it may be installed to the frame structure at a later point. This increases flexibility and also makes it easy to adapt or exchange parts at any time. The frame structure may be however preferably, although not completely mandatory, designed with conveyor requirements in mind making it more suitable for specific conveyor system applications.

The previously presented considerations concerning the various embodiments of the device (frame structure for conveyor system) may be flexibly applied to the embodiments of the method mutatis mutandis and vice versa, as being appreciated by a skilled person. Similarly, the conveyor sys- tern structure obtained by the method and corresponding arrangement is scalable in the limitations of the entities according to the arrangement.

As briefly reviewed hereinbefore, the utility of the different aspects of the present invention arises from a plurality of issues depending on each par- ticular embodiment.

The expression "a number of may herein refer to any positive integer starting from one (1). The expression "a plurality of may refer to any positive integer starting from two (2), respectively.

The term "exemplary" refers herein to an example or example-like feature, not the sole or only preferable option.

Different embodiments of the present invention are also disclosed in the attached dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS Next, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are reviewed more closely with reference to the attached drawings, wherein

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional projection of an embodiment of a frame struc- ture for conveyor system in accordance with the present invention.

Figs. 2a & 2b depict two cropped axonometric projections of two different views of an embodiment of a frame structure for a conveyor system in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of designing a module of a frame struc- ture for conveyor system to fit in an intermodal container.

Fig. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a frame structure for conveyor system 100 according to the present invention.

The frame structure for conveyor system 100 comprises essentially at least two beams 104a, 104b, a planar element 108 and a truss railing 1 10, said planar element 108 and truss railing 1 10 optionally constituting a maintenance structure 1 12. Additionally, the frame structure 100 may comprise a conveyor system 102, a cover 106 and a plurality of essentially transverse supporting beams 1 14 for elevating the frame structure 100, and optionally additionally for supporting the frame structure 100 or part of it thereon. Additional elements and means, such as supporting and fastening means, known to a person skilled in the art may be incorporated appropriately according to various embodiments. The conveyor system 102 (depicted in the figure with dotted line to implicate the whole functional system that constitutes the conveyor system), which is optional feature for the frame structure 100, preferably comprises a belt conveyor. As an example, a typical feasible belt conveyor comprises at least two pulleys (at least one of which is a drive pulley), belt as a carry- ing medium and conveyor belt idlers or rollers, which may be adjustable, self-aligning and consist of a number of separate units or modules. Such conveyor constitutes a structure, which may be used for carrying various different materials, including raw materials and complete products. How- ever, obviously other essentially horizontal conveyor technologies, such as roller and chain conveyors are also suitable to be utilized in the frame structure 100. The two beams 104a, 104b comprise preferably I-beams and/or H-beams, i.e. beams with I- or H-shaped cross-sections, for supporting the conveyor 102 structure. The beams 104a, 104b are laid essentially longitudinally along the conveyor 102 to support and attach the conveyor 102 to the frame structure 100. The beams 104a, 104b carry horizontal and vertical forces acted by the conveyor and transfer them to the other parts of the frame structure 100, including the truss railing 1 10, cover 106 and the transverse supporting beams 1 14.

The beams 104a, 104b may comprise different feasible cross-section shapes in terms height, width, flange thickness and web thickness, and web openings. Optionally the beams 104a, 104b may comprise beam structures with other feasible cross-sections. The beams 104a, 104b are used for supporting the conveyor 102 structure to which they are also attached. The beams 104a, 104b are scaled and measured in relation to the size and weight of the conveyor 102 and/or load requirements. For example, when the conveyor system 102 load requirements increase the web and flange thicknesses may be consequently increased resulting in a stronger frame structure 100 while at the same time retaining the bigger overall and outline dimensions of the whole structure. One or more of the beams 104a, 104b are attached also to the cover 106. Optionally, both of the beams 104a, 104b are attached to a number of supporting structures 1 14.

The beams 104a, 104b may be of any suitable material also well-known to a person skilled in the art. Some such exemplary materials comprise structural steels. According to some embodiments aluminum or coated steel may be used.

The structure may also comprise a cover 106. Said cover may be used for the frame structure's 100 structural integrity reasons but also for protecting the conveyor system 102 and the material conveyed thereon. The cover 106 comprises at least essentially planar material formed, e.g. by bending the material, to fit the system structure 100. The cover 106 covers preferably at least the conveyor system 102 and optionally additionally the maintenance structure 1 12. The cover 106 may be attached to either or both of the beams 104a, 104b, truss railing 1 10 and/or the transverse supporting beams 1 14. The cover 106 may be attached to aforementioned structures essentially directly or by additional support structures used to e.g. bridge gaps between any of the said structures. For example, additional trusses, beams, rods or bars used may be used to attach the cover to any of said parts. The cover 106 preferably comprises any metal or alloy feasible from the perspective of rigidity, tensile, weight and strength properties. Some merely exemplary materials include aluminum or steel sheet metal, and other relatively thin profile sheets. The cover 106 may comprise cross- sectionally essentially curved shape with essentially flat, waved of similar- ly structured surface, such as corrugated sheet. The curved shaped depicted in the embodiment of figure 1 is for example especially suitable for reducing loads caused by rainwater, snow and such occurrences as well as supporting the overall frame structure 100. In some less preferred but feasible embodiments, more than one cover 102 may be utilized, such as that for example one is to cover the maintenance structure 1 12 and the other the conveyor system 102 structure. The different covers may differ in shape. The planar element 108 may be used as a floor of the maintenance structure 1 12. The planar element 108 may be attached at least to the truss railing 1 10 and one of the beams 104a, 104b, and optionally to the supporting beams 1 14. The planar element 108 may comprise metal or other suitable material.

The planar element 108 consists of an element on which the maintenance personnel can walk and work on. The element 108 consists of two parts namely of a walking surface and the kick-plates mounted on the sides of the element 108. The element 108 can be made of gratings or checkquered plate or other suitable material or a combination of these. The element 108 is manufactured as a long element suitable still for container transportation. The element is fixed at worksite to the cross beams with bolt connections. The truss railing 1 10 is used to support and stiffen the frame structure 100. The truss railing provides the strength properties needed to support and balance the otherwise (i.e. the structure 100 without the truss railing 1 10) uneven load distribution, especially when the conveyor system 102 is functioning and carrying weight and when the maintenance structure is being used by workers. The truss railing 1 10 is designed such that it carries partly the weight distributed from the conveyor to the beams 104a, 104b. It is important that the truss railing 1 10 is in balance with the beams 104a, 104b such that neither (truss railing 1 10 and the beam 104a, 104b structure) is too stiff or flexible in respect to the other. The beams 104a, 104 and truss railing 1 10 are load-bearing such that they carry weight of the frame structure and the design loads for the maintenance platforms at least essentially longitudinally. However, the beams 104a, 104 and truss railing 1 10 also carry vertical dead and imposed loads. The frame structure 100 hence constitutes as such that the truss railing 1 10 is often able to carry more load than the beams 104a, 104b, which often is mandatory since the maintenance structure 1 12 constituted by the truss railing 1 10 and the planar element 108 may have a higher load-bearing capacity (n/m) than the conveyor system 102.

The truss railing 1 10 and the planar element 108 are manufactured, in relation to the conveyor system 102 properties and requirements, such that the maintenance structure is able to withstand e.g. at least twice as much weight as the maximum load on the conveyor system 102. This complies with the common practices used in such conveyor system frame structures, wherein the calculated maximum load-bearing capacity for a maintenance structure may be 500kg/m although for its conveyor the calculated load- bearing capacity is in fact lower. The truss railing 1 10 is designed with hollow section profiles with sizes defined based on the application specific requirements. In relation to the varying loading requirements of different sizes and applications of the frame structure, the individual profiles and materials of the truss railing 1 10 may comprise different feasible cross- section shapes in terms height, width, flange thickness and web thickness, and web openings.

The truss railing 1 10 and planar element 108 preferably essentially constitute a maintenance structure 1 12 (depicted in the figure with dotted line to implicate the functional arrangement constituted by the said elements). However, said maintenance structure 1 12 needn't be a maintenance structure 1 12 or used for maintenance but instead it may comprise additionally optionally only the planar element 108 and the truss railing 1 10 as a struc- ture for counterbalancing the frame structure 100. The frame structure 100 may comprise also two of said maintenance structures 1 12 on essentially either side of the frame structure 100.

The transverse supporting beams 1 14 for elevating the frame structure 100 and optionally additionally for supporting the frame structure 100, load or part of it thereon are made of metal or other suitable alloy. They may be used to strengthen, stiffen and distribute and transfer loads of the frame structure 100. The supporting beams 1 14 hold up essentially the whole frame structure 100 and they may be attached to at least the beams 104a, 104b, planar element 108 and the truss railing 1 10. At least two transverse supporting beams 1 14 are used to hold up the frame structure 100 but also more than two may be used. The supporting beams needn't be perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the frame structure 100 but they may be essentially transverse to the longitudinal direction in a preferred but suitable angle to carry out their designed purpose.

The joining and fastening means of various parts, elements, modules and components, including the aforementioned and others, comprise means well-known to a person skilled in the art. Such means comprise, inter alia, welding and mechanical fastening, such as bolting.

The various applications for the invention comprise at least quarries, mines, harbors, steel factories, paper and cellulose factories and glass factories. The frame structure for a conveyor system may be used to carry materials such as bulky, granular and powder solid materials and products ranging from small and light to big and heavy. Additionally the conveyor system structure may be used to carry mixtures of solids and liquids, such as slurries. The frame structure for a conveyor system may be also used to carry ATEX classified materials.

The frame structure for a conveyor system is suitable for aboveground as well as underground use. These different applications may be achieved with different embodiments of the present invention comprising different components for example to comply with EN standards regarding different equipment requirements for above ground and underground applications.

As being appreciated by skilled readers, the configuration of the disclosed components may differ from the explicitly depicted one depending on the requirements of each intended use scenario and selected technologies, wherein the present invention may be capitalized.

Figures 2a and 2b depict two cropped axonometric projections of two dif- ferent views 200a, 200b of an embodiment of a frame structure for a conveyor system in accordance with the present invention.

The figures 2a & 2b depict the already aforementioned essential parts of the present invention in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the complete view 200a having a cover 206 and the view 200b without a cover 206. The essential parts comprise essentially at least two beams 204a, 204b, a planar element 208 and a truss railing 210 and optionally a conveyor 202, a cover 206 and essentially transverse supporting beams 214. The figure 2b depicts more closely the important truss railing 210 and planar element 208 construction, which may optionally constitute and be used as maintenance structure e.g. for the conveyor system's maintenance purposes.

The truss railing 210 constitutes as the stiffening and counterbalancing el- ement, without which the frame structure wouldn't be comprise the crucial stiffness and mass distribution properties that enable the operation and use of the structure for heavy process industry applications. As also depicted in the figure 2b the truss railing comprises beams and columns joined together to comprise an outline and a web, i.e. the truss, of the railing. Fea- sible truss railing properties comprise truss form achieved by crossing, lattice and similarly arranged forms. The truss railing comprises preferably metal or alloy bars, rods, beams or at least similar semi-rigid structures.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of designing a module of a frame structure for a conveyor system to fit in a standard intermodal container 302. The figure depicts an exemplary situation wherein three conveyor system modules 300a, 300b, 300c comprising the beams attached to the conveyor system are fitted inside a standard intermodal container 302. Said container 302 is preferably a 40-foot container (with standard height and width dimensions) in which it is easy to fit the preferred some 1 meters long conveyor system modules. In the depicted example, the module 300a, 300b, 300c dimensions are such that two of the modules 300a, 300c may be piled on top of each other in a horizontal position whereas one of the modules 300b may be additionally fitted in the container 302 with them in a vertical position. Other configurations, such as fitting only two modules horizontally the other on top of the other and fitting two modules vertically adjacent to each other and two on top of them, are possible depending on the conveyor system dimensions. Other embodiments of fitting modules inside an intermodal container 302 are also possible. These include, inter alia, using lower modules to fit more modules vertically in a 40-foot container and using shorter modules to fit the modules in a 20-foot container. Indeed, a myriad of different configurations exist, but the conveyor systems are preferably designed such that at least 2, 3 or 4 conveyor system modules 300a, 300b, 300c fit as described in a 20- or 40-foot container. This also means that the conveyor system's belt or other conveying medium width range is preferably 400mm- 1800mm. In order, for the two conveyor modules to fit in an intermodal container the modules are designed such that the height of the modules is some 900mm- 1000mm tall. Obviously, according to other embodiments the module may be manufactured to be less tall or taller than some 900mm- 1000mm, such as 200mm-400mm, 400mm-600mm, 600mm-900mm or more than 1000mm tall. However, at some point the embodiments wherein said modules are essentially taller than 1000mm they may not anymore fit inside intermodal containers 302 and hence present less preferred embodiments.

Manufacturing other modules may follow the same principles but because of their relatively smaller sizes they may be more easily fitted according to various configurations in 20-foot and 40-foot containers.

Designing and manufacturing the frame structure in modules in a factory, metal workshop or in similar working conditions (as also described here- inafter in the method embodiment description section) allows for creating prefabricated modules 300a, 300b, 300c that are easy and quick to transport to and assembly as a working system in any worksite. This kind of arrangement saves time and costs and reduces risks in a working site as well as in the whole manufacturing and delivery process of such conveyor.

Compared to the state of the art solutions the system reduces the costs of the whole process, including logistics, manufacturing and assembly, about 20% and in-situ assembly/manufacturing time from 7- 8h per assembled meter to some l,5h per assembled meter.

Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention. At 402, referring to the initial state of the method the application of the conveyor system structure and the conveyor system requirements for said application are defined and transferred into the frame structure's requirements. At 404, the module comprising the beams for supporting a conveyor system is manufactured in a factory, metal workshop or similar conditions. This method item comprises at least determining the conveyor technology/type, conveyor requirements, and manufacturing suitable beams and their support structures for the conveyor.

Optionally additionally, a conveyor system may be attached to the module. The conveyor may be attached to the beams by feasible joining and/or fastening means. Additionally, the conveyor parameters, such as idler angles, may be configured and/or inspected. This is especially beneficial as this kind of pre- fabrication in said conditions improves the accuracy and level of manufacturing and saves time as well as reduces risks later in the process. At 406, the module comprising the truss railing and planar element are manufactured in a factory, metal workshop or similar conditions, optionally as to constitute a maintenance structure. The truss railing and the planar element are manufactured in relation to the conveyor system requirements such as that they withstand the required maximum load of the conveyor system.

The truss railing preferably comprises steel or other alloy structure with angled bars (web) such as that it constitutes as a handrail but also as a stiffening structure that counterbalances the conveyor system structure.

At 408, an optional method step, the cover module is manufactured in a factory, metal workshop or similar conditions.

At 410, the prefabricated modules are fitted in intermodal containers. Said modules are arranged so as that for example one 40 foot container fits 2-4 conveyor system-beam modules depending on the size of the module. Optionally, a preferred number of prefabricated modules are sent to a site by intermodal freight means using intermodal containers.

At 412, an optional method step, the prefabricated modules are assembled in the final application location into conveyor system frame structures to constitute and function as complete conveyor system. The modules may be attached to each other to comprise as long a conveyor system and frame structure as preferred. Configuration may be done in-situ to for example level the structure and make the conveyor go along a preferred path or route as well as to configure any potential off-settings caused by the trans- portation.

At 414, referring to the final state of the method the functioning or any part of the conveyor system may be tested to ensure proper functioning and assembly. Additionally, a plan for maintenance and optionally measures for carrying out maintenance may be set. Also, reconfigurations and/or shifting of parts may be done.

The scope of the invention is determined by the attached claims together with the equivalents thereof. The skilled persons will again appreciate the fact that the disclosed embodiments were constructed for illustrative purposes only, and the innovative fulcrum reviewed herein will cover further embodiments, embodiment combinations, variations and equivalents that better suit each particular use case of the invention.

Claims

1. A frame structure for conveyor system 100 comprising: -at least two beams (104a), (104b), (204a), (204b) arranged to support a conveyor (102) at least along the longitudinal dimension of said conveyor (102), and

-at least one maintenance structure (1 12) for counterbalancing and sup- porting the frame structure (100), said maintenance structure (1 12) comprising a planar element (108), (208) and a planar truss railing (1 10), (210), said structure (1 12) being attached essentially adjacent to at least one of said beams (104a), (104b), (204a), (204b). characterized in that the truss railing (1 10) is a load-bearing structure used to support the frame structure.

2. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, for conveying heavy and/or light raw materials, powders, slurries, granular mate- rials and bulk products such as bio fuels, coal, minerals, ore and processing industry waste.

3. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, comprising a conveyor 102, such as a belt conveyor, for moving material.

4. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, comprising a cover 106, 206 attached to at least the other of said beams 104a, 104b, 204a, 204b said cover 106, 206 essentially extending at least partially over the longitudinal and vertical dimensions of a conveyor 102.

5. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, wherein the truss railing 1 10, 210 structure, optionally the web of the truss railing 1 10, 210, is formed so as to stiffen the frame structure 100.

6. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, wherein the two beams 104a, 104b, 204a, 204b comprise I-beams and/or H-beams.

7. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover 106, 206 is a self-standing structure that optionally stiffens the frame structure 100.

8. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover 106, 206 is essentially curved, optionally comprising flat portions.

9. The frame structure 100 according to any preceding claim, com- prising the suitable capabilities to be attached by means of mechanical fastening or welding to another structure, such as another frame structure optionally to continue and/or extend the frame structure 100.

10. A method for manufacturing the frame structure for conveyor sys- tern according to any of the claims of 1-9 comprising:

-prefabricating a module comprising the supporting beams attachable to a conveyor 404, -prefabricating a maintenance structure module comprising the planar element and the truss railing attached thereto 402, and

-fitting the prefabricated modules in intermodal containers 410.

1 1. The method of claim 10, wherein the prefabrication of the module comprises also attaching a conveyor to the beams.

12. The method of claim 10-1 1, comprising the method item 408 of prefabricating a cover module.

13. The method of claim 10-12, comprising the method item of prefabricating a transverse supporting beam module.

14. The method of claim 10-13, comprising sending a preferred number of prefabricated modules to a site in intermodal containers.

15. The method of claim 10-14, comprising the method item 412 of assembling the prefabricated modules in-situ into the frame structure for conveyor system.

16. The method of claim 10-15, wherein the modules are manufactured to fit inside standard 20-foot or 40-foot intermodal containers, optionally such that at least two modules fit inside one such container.

17. The method of claim 10-16, wherein the prefabrication of any module is done at a factory, metal workshop or in similar working conditions.