Superior conveyors save
$0.46/ton compared to trucks and loaders at Preferred Sands
Among the many efficiency action items in play at Preferred Sands is that of
replacing mobile equipment (excavators, haul trucks and loaders) with the right
conveyor systems for given material transfer and stockpiling applications. At
its Arizona-based plant, Preferred recently replaced mobile equipment with two
Superior Industries TeleStacker™ Conveyors for high-volume, low-cost
stockpiling. At its Nebraska site, the company reduced loader use by accessing
Superior Industries Portable Jump Conveyors.
“We conducted a cost/benefit analysis on conveyors versus mobile equipment,”
says Doyle. “With mine expansion, we examined how much material (and at what
cost) could be moved at a given transport distance with a given loader and
bucket size. At increased capacities, and to feed the hopper at the desired
rate, one obviously has to insert more mobile equipment. However, considering
the cost of fuel and labor, we needed to move more material with less mobile
equipment. Even considering the costs of new conveyor systems, the returns are
quickly realized,” he says.
Note that a recent study conducted by Superior Industries engineers at another
mining operation revealed some startling figures when applied to particular
parameters. After replacing haul trucks and loaders with conveyor systems, this
operation experienced savings as high as $0.46 per ton; $2,800 per day; $14,000
per week; $60,000 per month; and a whopping $700,000 annually.
The telescoping conveyor consists of a stinger conveyor mounted inside an outer
conveyor of similar length. The stinger conveyor has the ability to move
linearly along the length of the outer conveyor, thereby varying the location of
the discharge pulley. The height of the discharge pulley is variable as well as
the radial position of the conveyor. The three-axis variation of the discharge
pulley is essential in making the layered pile that overcomes material
segregation.