Materials handling equipment distributor BLT South Africa (SA), in conjunction with materials handling equipment manufacturer Samson Materials Handling, hosted a stand at the Institute of Quarrying Southern Africa’s exhibition, held in Somerset West, Cape Town, on April 16 and 17.

BLT Africa director Ken Mouritzen tells Mining Weekly that on display at the BLT/Samson stand were material feeder and stockpiling equipment manufactured by Samson.

He explains that these particular products were on display to exhibit their enhanced mobility, flexibility, high production, minimal establishment and low-operation costs to quarry operators.

Mouritzen believes that the display was a success, saying that BLT is following up with interested parties.

BLT is the exclusive distributor in sub-Saharan Africa of Samson’s bulk materials handling equipment.

Material Feeder
The Samson material feeder provides a mobile solution to receiving general bulk materials. This is useful where a fixed plant is not a viable option.

Material feeders, which are installed above ground, can receive materials directly from loading shovels and tipping trucks.

The machine’s wide apron belt design has a low loading height, enabling trucks to discharge directly to the entry section of the unit. Material is then drawn directly from the truck onto the forward-moving apron belt into the unit.

Material can be either continually discharged to another conveyor system or stored within the unit. Once the material in the unit has been moved onto the next process stage, the entry section of the material feeder is ready to accept the next load.

Boom Feeder
The Stormajor boom feeder, also displayed at the exhibition, combines the benefits of the Samson material feeder unit with a radial out-loading boom, both of which are mounted to a common chassis as a fully integrated mobile stacker that can also receive material from tipping trucks and loading shovels.

With a boom radial range of 130°, this stacker can efficiently create vast stockpiles with minimal machine movements. A hydraulic cylinder that is in tension can accommodate a wide angular range, allowing for the boom to be lowered almost horizontally.

This system allows for material with a low repose angle to be stockpiled at steep conveyor angles without material engulfing the main axle wheels.

Eco-Hoppers
One of Samson’s products that was not on display at the exhibition is the Samson Eco-hopper, designed for effective dust control during the grab discharge cycle in diverse industries, particularly in quarrying and mining.

Effective dust control is particularly beneficial amid the environmental pollution caused by fugitive dust, a major problem in dry bulk handling.

These robust grab unloading hoppers offer handling rates of up to 5 000 t/h – depending on grab crane performance – and suit the characteristics and flow properties of most bulk material, including coal, iron-ore, gypsum, copper concentrates, soda ash and woodchips.

Equipment Distributor
BLT distributes Samson’s extensive range of fixed and mobile conveying equipment to sectors – such as mining, aggregates, agriculture, ports and terminals, transport, environmental and power – throughout Africa.

The range distributed by BLT encompasses link conveyors, grab hoppers and mobile shiploaders. This range, therefore, achieves an all-round materials handling solution, from truck intake to stacking and shiploading.

Samson equipment is designed for specific handling requirements, taking into consideration the widely differing handling characteristics of each bulk material.

These automated handling systems require minimal civil works and offer a suitable alternative to expensive fixed installations. Operating costs are low and maintenance requirements are minimal.

BLT provides a technical advisory, spare parts, maintenance and 24-hour support service throughout the country. Operator training and specialist condition monitoring facilities are also provided.

Close international associations provide BLT with an advantage in a highly competitive sector, enabling the company to offer the local market the latest products and trends.

In addition, an ongoing in-house staff and management training programme ensures efficient equipment selection, application and repair.