FOSTER YEOMAN LTD - SEAFORTH IMPORTING TERMINAL - CONVEYOR IDLER PROJECT

The conveyor system at Seaforth dock, Liverpool has been in operation for approximately 5 years and in that time has imported 1.7 million tonnes, a relatively low figure for this type and size of equipment, however a number of idler failures have occurred and empty running power figures show that the state of the idler bearings is deteriorating rapidly.

Investigation has shown that corrosion due to the salt atmosphere has caused rapid deterioration of the idler shafts and shells and that the seals can no longer maintain an adequate seal against rain water ingress, bearing failure being the result. With the high cost of full re-rollering it was decided to investigate a variety of manufacturer's idlers, to see if a long term solution could be found.

Horizon was the only manufacturer to offer a full plastic roller and after further discussions it was decided to try a trial batch of rollers with the further refinement of stainless steel shafts.

At the time of writing, the trial idlers have been installed for over a year and remain in a near-new condition.
The benefits in this application are clear and it is expected that an order for the full quantity will be placed in the near future.

Neil Hyde
Hyde Project Engineering Limited for and on behalf of Foster Yeoman Limited

Please click here and here to see more customer comments.