Mines can save time and money by moving larger volumes of their mined materials using the Helix 800 – the new flexible screw conveyor manufacturered by global bulk materials handling equipment manufacturer Hapman, says product manager Mike Zeluff.

“Launched in July, the Helix 800 is one of the largest flexible screw conveyors in the mining industry, moving up to 30 ft3 a minute. The conveyor also includes a 20 ft3 integral hopper,” hesays.

Zeluff adds that the inclusion of a large storage hopper improves producer throughput, as the hopper evenly and consistently feeds the conveyor, providing optimum flow and output from the conveyor to the main process.

“The extended hopper size also provides a storage-like environment, where raw material can be in a preprocessing stage and operators are not committed to continually feeding the large conveyor.”

The Helix 800 is also suitable for use in other sectors, such as the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, wastewater, and food and beverage industries, where mate- rials such as powders, crystals, granules, flakes and pellets need to be conveyed in large volumes, he notes.

Zeluff adds that, to ensure the customer gets full value for money, the evaluation and purchase of the Helix 800 begins with a free analysis of material flow and a budget proposal.

“The material test provides our customers with a risk-free purchase. “They know before the equipment is installed on the plant floor how the material will behave in the hopper and conveyor. “Further, any flow issues will have been addressed before purchase.”

He stresses the importance of conducting this type of analysis when using large-volume conveyor hoppers. “The analysis can determine if any flow-aid devices are required to ensure proper flow as the level in the hopper decreases.”

Zeluff further emphasises that efficiency and equipment durability are important for improving a mine’s materials handling processes. He maintains that Hapman is well suited to helping mines deal with the demanding characteristics of minerals, especially to ensure that a mine’s minerals processing procedure is suitable for the design parameters of its conveying equipment.

The company offers a variety of conveyor choices that move bulk materials in a way that suits the working environment of the client. “At Hapman, we engineer our products so that they can deal with heavy-duty conditions. “This ensures that our clients do not have to look elsewhere for their materials handling requirements”.

Hapman provides companies with a choice of heavy-duty augers and long-lasting conveyor material options with tough finishes to ensure that the equipment is durable, thereby reducing downtime caused by a breakdown in equipment.

The company’s equipment is fitted with computerised controls to regulate transfer speeds and discharge rates so that there are fewer work stoppages to clear clogs.

“We show clients how to convey material over longer distances without degradation or segregation because we know it is important to their processes. “Our completely sealed systems also minimise dust build-up, and prevent product spillage and contamination problems.”

Some of Hapman’s conveyor models are also portable, enabling one conveyor to do the work of two or three conveyors. “Small footprints, installation flexibility and custom configurations eliminate the need to force-fit our equipment into the clients’ process, enabling them to maximise their production space,” says Zeluff.

Further, dust collectors eliminate the expense of auxiliary fans and filters, which means that all Hapman products reduce cleaning and maintenance time.