The apron feeder consists of heavy-duty conveyor chains, on which the apron pans are mounted. The chains run on support rollers that are mounted to the apron feeder frame. They are driven by chain sprockets and tensioned either mechanically or hydraulically.

Apron Feeders have been proven to be a reliable hopper discharge system for sticky materials as well.

 

Belt Framework

The framework consists of right- and left-hand beams (sectional steel to meet stability and rigidity requirements) which are connected by welded crossbeams. On the crossbeams are the beams and slide rails for supporting and guiding the tractor chain. The pre-assembled units are joined together to form one length. They are designed in a way that a skirting can be bolted onto the outer sides of the frame (no separate support required, no relative movements between skirting and apron feeder).

 

Tractor-Type Chains

The apron feeder consists of heavy – duty conveyor chains, on which the apron pans are mounted. The chains run on support rollers that are mounted to the apron feeder frame. Depending on the apron feeder size, it is either mechanically or hydraulically tensioned.

The chains are heavy tractor-type chains, which links are lifetime lubricated.

 

Apron Feeder Pan

An apron feeder pan is bolted to each link of the tractor chain. Every second plate is equipped with a carrier; this secures the material transport. The apron‘s specific contour assures that only very little material finds its way into the inside of the apron feeder.

 

Slide Rails

Slide rails are mounted under the apron feeder pans along the length; additional lubrication is not necessary. Furthermore in the input area, additional slide rails are attached in order to absorb shock loads.

 

Drive Unit

The apron feeder is driven either electro-mechanically or hydraulically. The conveying speed is infinitely adjustable; a back stop prevents the feeder from moving backwards. The gear temperature is monitored by PT100.

The operation of the apron feeder is continuously monitored by a rotation detector at the tail shaft.

 

Protection Guards

The protection guards consist of easy-to-remove protective covers that are mounted on the apron feeder frame as safety guards. The moving parts of the drive unit are protected from unauthorized intervention.

 

Sprockets

The drive shaft and tail shaft are fitted with replaceable gear rim segments. Sprocket segments allow replacement without taking off or splitting the chain,

 

Skirtings

The sidewalls serve as the skirtings, which are located above the apron feeder between feed hopper and apron feeder discharge. A special feed hopper design together with the transport of the material leads to a certain layer thickness. The skirtings of the apron feeder are designed according to the expected layer height.

The material on the apron feeder is transported by the conveying system. Thus, there is no relative movement between the material and the aprons. This therefore leads to low-wear operation.

The support rollers are screwed to the frame’s upper side and are lifetime lubricated. The tractor chain moves on these rollers. The support rollers are also lifetime lubricated. In the bunker feed-in area, support rollers are mounted shock-absorbed to reduce the shock loads on the apron feeder construction during tipping. The lifetime lubricated return rollers carry the outside edge of the apron feeder pans on the lower side of the frame.

The spillage conveyor is a chain conveyor mounted directly on the apron feeder. Some rest material adheres to the apron feeder pans. This material falls off on the return side.

 

Comprising:

• Drive shaft assembly with 2 cast chain wheels and pillow block bearings.
• Power transmission via geared motor
• Two sets of round link steel chain with scraper bars bolted at set intervals.
• Take up shaft assembly with 2 cast chain wheels and pillow block bearings.
• Pre-stressing of chains by tension spindles with springs.
• The trough between drive and tension shaft assembly is connected by bolted flanges

 

Monitoring

The operation of the spillage conveyor is continuously monitored by a rotation detector at the tail shaft.