Savvy contractors are always looking for new working practices that will cut costs and conveyors could well be a perfect solution for many projects. Belt Conveyor specialist, Coveya explains all.
In recent years modular and manoeuvrable conveyor systems have proved beneficial in making savings to labour and machinery costs on construction sites, whilst also contributing to significant reductions in project timescales.
On a site where speed is of the essence a conveyor system can fulfil tasks that would previously require a large workforce, and complete them far more quickly than human beings ever could.
In addition, there is a huge range of applications in which these systems can be utilised. Whether it’s demolition, excavation or the transfer of materials around a site, the modular conveyor has advantages, not just in capacity – but the ability to overcome obstacles and access problems that would otherwise slow down progress.
A conveyor, whether utilised for short or long periods of time, is easy to install, operate and dismantle and, providing they are correctly specified and designed, will usually provide returns that far outweigh their investment.
So what are some of the more specific benefits of opting for this class of machinery?
In the first instance, materials can be transferred in areas where it would be unsafe or impractical to use wheeled plant and, by eliminating the likes of dumpers and loaders from the process, on site emissions and noise will also see a reduction.
Moreover, removing human hands from transportation of materials reduces the risk of employee injury, frees the workforce from what can often be back-breaking and menial tasks, and increase productivity – unlike a labourer, a conveyor will not feel fatigue and will maintain the same level of production throughout the lifetime of a project.
Basement Excavations
Contractors involved in basement excavations who have not used a conveyor on site before will find that there are a number of belt conveyors available on the market, and selecting the correct conveyor for a particular application might be a bit of a daunting task.
Below is a simple checklist to steer you towards the right path.
6 tips for choosing the right solution
1. Make sure the system is robust and suitable for ‘harsh’ environments – you don’t want to be plagued by breakdowns.
2. Get a site survey by a reputable supplier – a conveyor expert can help you make more savings and avoid creating more problems.
3. Get your supplier to provide drawings – sometimes these are needed for site licenses and approvals.
4. Make sure the right equipment is specified – this is important especially when working with inclines to maximise capacity, speed and performance.
5. Make sure you use a supplier who can set everything up for you and will be able to dismantle when required.
6. Make sure your supplier can provide a speedy and efficient back-up service which will help avoid any downtime in the event of a breakdown (always ensure that any parts for your conveyors are kept in stock ready for prompt despatch).
Fixed Length Conveyors
Ideal for larger open sites or quarries, these heavy duty conveyors are designed for use where extensive areas are being worked on, usually outside buildings, but can be used inside on large renovation projects where access is suitable.
These conveyors can be either lifted easily by crane or excavators of a suitable size, allowing repositioning of the equipment as the job progresses.
Coveya has recently launched a new product into its UK hire fleet that has been making significant improvements to material handling tasks of this nature on-site.
The Monstaveya HC1000 has recently been in action on the A34 Chilton Interchange near Didcot. This project involves building a new on-slip road with a large culvert beneath. Backfilling this structure presented a challenge to wheeled plant and personnel but the Monstaveya HC1000 overcame this with ease.
At 12m long, with a 1,000mm wide belt, the conveyor can discharge a throughput of up to 500tph. The excavator on site was able to load the belt constantly and approximately 2,000m³ of material was transferred in record time.
The unit has been designed with efficiency and ease of use in mind. It is suitable for handling virtually all types of excavated material or demolition spoil and is stackable, which allows three conveyors to be transported on a truck, giving 36m (118ft) in one delivery. With no install or dismantling required the conveyor can be operating within 20 minutes of arriving on site.
About Coveya
Coveya is a specialist conveyor provider with an extensive hire fleet of conveyors available for a wide range of applications and industries. The service begins with a free of charge site visit to assess the application prior to quoting.
An experienced team will calculate accurately which conveyors are required to provide the most efficient solution. The conveyors are then delivered to site by dedicated transport and installed professionally by one of the company’s skilled fitting teams.
The service continues following installation with regular planned maintenance visits by experienced service engineers. Once the system is no longer needed on site, operatives will return to remove the conveyors quickly and efficiently.
Coveya is also able to offer designed solutions for a specific application and for contractors who may wish to purchase a conveyor with special features.
Based in Bristol, Coveya can service all parts of the country. London with its huge basement and cellar market remains a fertile ground for conveyor systems and engineers and fitting teams can be found in the capital on any given week day.
For further information on Coveya click here.
