Martin Engineering’s Modular Transfer Point System Increases Options, Reduces Installation Downtime

“This is a rugged solution designed to fit most standard conveyors and belt widths, regardless of what material is being transferred,” said Dave Mueller, Conveyor Products Manager at Martin Engineering. “Our Center for Innovation (CFI) is constantly looking for ways to engineer equipment to improve safety and our customer’s bottom line. That’s why the kit doesn’t just streamline labor, time and production, but it’s also a logistical solution, shipped in a single crate.”

The transfer chute is a heavy-duty horizontal enclosure for the loading zone. Each system can be ordered with a “loading zone,” “settling zone” and/or “stilling zone.” The width and length of the components are determined by the receiving belt’s width and speed and the dust characteristics of the material being transferred, as dustier applications often require longer settling or stilling zones.

Listed under a single part number, the kit includes a chute wall weldment, wear liner assembly, wear liner plate, outer chute supports, top cover, tail panel/clamp/rubber sheet, installation hardware and an owner’s manual. The skirt seal is sold separately, since it is a single piece that runs the entire length of the chute, and skirting is the most frequently replaced wear part in most transfer points.

The loading zone controls air turbulence and connects to both the drop chute and settling zone. When cargo hits a belt with great velocity, fines and lumps splash up the sides of the belt. Without a properly sealed enclosure, the material will spill underneath the conveyor, creating a hazard, restricting access and fouling other components. The settling zone follows the loading zone and helps mitigate dust emissions, while the stilling zone further calms turbulent air flow. Dust is collected, mechanically filtered or settled back into the cargo stream prior to leaving the chute and continuing as a conventional open air conveyor.

The Transfer Point Kit solves three common problems. The first is that transfer chutes are normally shipped in different packages that sometimes don’t arrive at the same time. Upon delivery, inventory is stored until scheduled downtime, increasing the chance of loss or misplacement.

Another problem is, for most new transfer chutes on the market, some components can be prepared and assembled beforehand, but generally, new chutes need to be completely fabricated during downtime. The inability to build the structure before a shutdown increases the project budget and contributes to lost production time.

The third problem is, after construction, transfer point chutes are commonly a single system that requires significant engineering and construction to be modified. Changes to existing transfer points can be challenging, but to accommodate new belt support equipment or adapt to increases in production, the chute is often raised or lengthened.

The Transfer Point Kit addresses these problems, as chute sections are 1) delivered in a single crate with every component for assembly included, 2) able to be assembled prior to the shutdown and installation, saving time and money, and 3) fully modular, making future changes easy without expensive construction projects.

The transfer point system accommodates belt widths of 18-72 in. (450-1800 mm) and an internal chute width of 9-59 in. (228-1498 mm). Each modular section is either 4 feet (1.21 meters) or 6 ft. (1.82 m) long and constructed of mild steel, 304 stainless steel or 316 stainless steel, with a thickness of 0.25 in. (6.35 mm), 0.5 in. (12.7 mm), or 0.75 (19.05 mm) to accommodate a wide variety of materials and conditions.

The Transfer Point Kit installation is covered under the Absolutely No Excuses Guarantee as long as a Martin Engineering technician is involved in the installation process. Although assembly instructions are clear and easy to follow, another benefit of involving a factory-trained Martin expert is that customers who have ordered the kit have experienced a significant reduction in assembly and installation time. Moreover, once the system is started up and tested, there is a knowledgeable person on hand to offer advice on adjustments to ensure optimum performance.

“After installation, Martin Territory Managers or partner distributors are available to offer support,” Mueller added. “The feedback for the kit has been excellent. Customers get the heavy-duty Martin quality they’ve come to expect in a more convenient, efficient and sustainable package.”

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