As the exclusive sub-Saharan distributor for UK-based Samson Materials Handling, local bulk materials handling equipment distributor BLT South Africa (BLT SA) introduced a new Samson materials handling feeder to the region’s heavy minerals mining sector in January.

BLT SA’s Samson Materials Handling equipment project development manager Keith Dowie tells Mining Weekly that the MF0814T materials handling feeder enhances the manoeuvrability of particles in the heavy minerals and iron-ore mining sector.

He says the Samson feeder transports and facilitates the crushing of material at a quicker rate than that of competing feeders.

The MF0814T materials handling feeder moves material, which is transferred at a more reasonable rate compared with belt conveyors and a hopper bin, from the reception hopper to a dump site.

Dowie adds that the feeder was developed from Samson’s previous stationary, or wheeled, feeders.

“The new tracked machine, which has been modelled on the original Samson materials feeder, introduced in 2001, was developed to meet the demands of the mining and quarrying sector.

“Its automated handling systems are designed to join fixed and mobile equipment, offering flexibility and an economical alternative to expensive fixed bulk-handling installations,” elaborates Dowie.

The MF0814T feeder is manufactured at Samson’s workshop, in the Western Cape, while other feeders are imported from the company’s factories worldwide.

“The feeder has a holding capacity of up to 100 t and is designed for high accuracy in discharge control. It can also operate efficiently in arduous environments and can efficiently handle materials with a bulk density of up to 3.2 t/m³, and lumps of up to 400 mm. Typical materials that it handles include limestone, coal and coke, raw slag, alternative fuels, clays and shale, as well as heavy mineral ores.”

Further, Dowie maintains that the range is highly competitive in the market, as “it is a flexible and cost-efficient alternative to conventional underground hoppers, which can be installed above ground by bolting it to a flat concrete slab foundation”. He adds that this eliminates costly civil engineering work.

“Even in fixed installations, this portable system can be easily relocated for future plant development,” he notes.

In addition, the feeder has had a positive reaction from the market, with robust sales since 2001 and more than 750 units sold worldwide to date.

“The feeders are suitable for heavy-duty applications with continuous use, including impact loading from articulated dump trucks and large loading shovels. They also provide a buffer storage capacity without the need for large ramps or underground pits,” he explains.

Product Benefits
Samson’s feeder works to draw material from the tipping of the truck in a controlled stream, as this significantly reduces dust generation and, in turn, environmental pollution.

Another benefit of the feeder is its wide belt design, with vertical hopper sides, enabling faster truck discharge, efficient conveyance and a reduced risk of blockages.

In addition, the feeder uses steel apron bar technology, which provides the strength of an apron feeder, with clean operation, further enhancing the feeder’s performance. The feeder is durable in difficult conditions, owing to its conveyor chains, which are always outside the material flow. This significantly reduces chain wear and makes wear-and-tear inspection easy.

“Moreover, the MF0814T handling feeder is self-propelled and powered by an integrated Tier 3 diesel engine. Self-steering through a remote control unit can be deployed quickly and independently for flexibility, total control and optimum efficiency,” says Dowie.

The feeder also features an emergency stop facility as a key safety feature, while optional emergency pull cords can be installed on either side of the machine.

“As an additional advantage for our clients, BLT SA offers after-sales services, including technical advisory, parts and maintenance services,” concludes Dowie.