Left: This air-supported belt conveyor carries chocolate                                                                     
         M&Ms through several areas of the Mars factory     
         in Ballarat, Victoria.

A breath of fresh air in new conveying technology.

Air-supported belt conveying is fast becoming recognised as an exciting new development in the world of industrial conveying.  As displayed in the diagram above, the basic concept behind it is similar to that of a hovercraft.  Air is blown up through an air plenum under the belt, so that the belt is actually riding on a cushion of air, thereby reducing friction. 

This technology is well suited to the full spectrum of material, from crushed stone to the finest food or mineral product, at rates of up to 3,000 tonnes per hour.  Air-supported belts can function at significantly steeper angles than troughing idler conveyors (up to 250).  The air requirements are very low (less than 7kpa).  Other advantages include:

  • Excellent energy efficiency
  • Reduction in moving parts
  • Very low maintenance costs
  • Dust covers that enclose the belt without covering other moving parts
  • Light weight overall conveyor
  • Large unsupported spanning distance
  • The ability to provide a controlled atmosphere around the product being transported.

Units are available in open trough design (with or without flat covers) or as a full 3600 tube with the belt running in the bottom half.  Modular construction allows easy transport from factory to site, and quick and easy assembly on the ground before being lifted into position.  With a hot-dip galvanised coating also available, these conveyors are amongst the hardest wearing ever.

If you would like to know more about how air-supported conveyors can help meet your specific needs get in touch with us today.