Materials handling equipment supplier 
Big Lift Trucks (BLT) has a range of apron belt feeders, designed for bulk materials handling in sewage treatment plants.

“Bulk materials handling equipment 
designer and manufacturer B&W Mechanical Handling’s Samson surface feeder offers flexibility for efficient materials handling reception in diverse applications, including sewage treatment plants,” says BLT products manager Clinton van den Berg.

He says that this system, which requires less civil works, provides an economical 
alternative to expensive fixed installations, adding that operating costs and maintenance requirements are significantly lower than with conventional materials handling systems. “These robust bulk materials handling systems are also available as mobile equipment and are suitable for conveying materials 
to screw feeders, conveyors and bucket 
elevators,” he says.

Samson surface feeders receive sewage sludge directly from tipping trucks and loading shovels, providing a buffer storage 
capacity, without the need for large ramps or underground pits. 
This system, which is a reportedly flexible and cost-efficient alternative to conventional 
underground hoppers, is installed above ground by being bolted to a flat concrete slab foundation, eliminating costly civil 
engineering works. 
The company reports that even in fixed 
installations, this portable system can be 
easily relocated for future plant development.

The unique Samson wide-belt design, with steel apron bar technology, ensures a reliable material flow, even of wet and sticky mate-
rials, without the risk of bridging. 
Trapezoidal apron bars support the load through to the conveyor chain rollers, with the conveyor belt riveted above the steel apron bars to seal the load within the Samson body. Conveyor chains are always outside the 
material flow, which means that chain wear is reduced and inspection is easy, reports the company. Close contact flexible rubber side seals mounted outside the loaded area 
prevent side spillage.

Chain rollers support the load, reducing frictional losses and power consumption. A positive conveyor chain drive prevents slippage and allows high-torque transmission within compact dimensions.