Next-generation transfer points offer dust-free operation

Cleveland Cascades Ltd is at the forefront of the design and
manufacture of handling systems for dry bulk materials and has
extensive practical experience handling a wide range of dry bulk
products. Recently the company introduced an entirely new
transfer point concept which is designed to eliminate dust
production, spillage and the degradation or segregation of
materials during handling. Based on the proven Cleveland
Cascade loading chute technology, the system is so effective that
expensive, high-maintenance energy-consuming dust extraction
and filtration systems are not required and spillage problems are
avoided. The following schematic is an example of a Cleveland
Cascade transfer point showing various elements of the design,
but with the flexible outer shroud omitted for clarity. The system is
The diagram on the right clearly shows how a dry dusty bulk
materials speed of descent is reduced by the Cleveland Cascade
transfer point as the material flows down a series of inclined deflectors.
Material fed from the delivery conveyor enters the headchute
section of the transfer point from where it is directed to flow
into the deflector section. In the deflector section the material
flows downwards over a series of inclined deflector plates. This
action controls the material’s speed of descent and ensures the
material travels in mass flow without entrainment of air. The
angles of the inclined deflector plates can be adjusted to
optimize performance of the transfer point even when different
materials and flow rates must be accommodated, this can be
performed remotely from an operators position if required.
Where reception and delivery conveyors are set at an angle to
one another, each deflector plate is partially rotated in order to
gradually redirect the material flow into the correct orientation
whilst eliminating material degradation and dust production.
In the TaperFlow® section material is placed gently onto the
reception conveyor in the direction of travel minimizing impact
damage, belt abrasion and reducing the need for impact sections.
The TaperFlow skirtless delivery section further controls dust
production and helps ensure that material is placed uniformly on
the belt thus eliminating the need for skirting systems which
historically have been a major source of issues associated with
belt tracking and ongoing maintenance costs.
To accommodate inevitable surges in the amount of material
flowing through the transfer point, the surge capacity section has
the capacity to retain excess material without spillage until it can
be dispersed of to the reception conveyor through the
TaperFlow delivery section. The Cleveland Cascade transfer
point is available in a range of diameters selected to suit the
volume and characteristics of the material being handled,
typically between 40m3/hr and 6,000m3/hr.
The Cleveland Cascade transfer point provides dust-free
operation even though a dust extraction system is not required,
this means housekeeping tasks such as removal of spilled
materials and renewal of access door seals is eliminated reducing
operating costs. The inherently effective design of the Cleveland
Cascade transfer point means that build-up of materials in valley
angles is eliminated further reducing housekeeping costs.
Where highly abrasive materials are being handled, the
Cleveland Cascade transfer point can be supplied with material
running surfaces lined with one of a number of protective linings
including ceramic tile, hardox steel, UHMWP plastic or
chromium carbide.
The system comprises modular pre-assembled construction
which enables different heights to be accommodated typically
between 1m and 30m. The system is easy to integrate into your
conveyor system whether the project is a new build or a
refurbishment of an operational facility. Cleveland Cascade
transfer points are engineered to match the customer’s precise
requirements, and a variety of special features can be
incorporated if required.
The Cleveland Cascade series of transfer point designs have
been developed using the latest dynamic modelling technology
to achieve superior material handling performance incorporating
mass flow techniques. This helps to ensure reduced
housekeeping and maintenance costs whilst promoting dust
controlled operation, spillage elimination and reduction in
material degradation or segregation. Further benefits include
compliance with environmental protection standards and the
ability to demonstrate adoption of best practice in minimizing
environmental pollution.
The Cleveland Cascade transfer point is one of a family of
systems produced by Cleveland Cascades Ltd for producers and
shippers of difficult to handle dry, dusty bulk materials.