Industrial consumables and engineering firm Bearing Man Group’s (BMG’s) belting division has launched two products, the Megaroller idler range and the Super-Screw splice range, to assist in the conveying of sugar.

The Megaroller idler range is manufactured with virgin-grade high-density polyethylene, which allows for higher-impact forces from conveyed materials and ensures excellent resistance to abrasion and ultraviolet rays.

“Corrosion is a significant contributing factor to the increased requirement for maintenance in any sugar mill,” says BMG belting division GM Donovan Scott, adding that the Megaroller has higher resistance to corrosion than regular steel idlers.

Other features of this conveyor roller include low friction of coefficiency, the concentric design, which decreases vibration, reduced noise levels, and cost efficiency.

The environment-friendly roller, which can be recycled, is known for its extended service life.

Further, antiseize bearings, high-quality grease and a specially designed bearing housing incorporating a shock-resistant bearing cover, coupled with an effective nonbreathing sealing arrangement, enhance the efficiency of the system, the company adds.

Scott notes that the Megaroller idler range has been used on a trial basis at Illovo Sugar’s Noodsberg mill, in KwaZulu-Natal, for a few months. So far, three Megaroller idler rolls are in use at the mill.

Meanwhile, BMG reveals that the Super-Screw splice is manufactured in rolls of up to 25 m in length and is available in various strength ratings. These range from products suitable for Class 315 up to those suitable for Class 1 800.

The splice reduces downtime, resulting in production cost savings. The required tooling is also minimal, which makes the splice easy to install.

The Super-Screw splice requires three times less time to prepare for the fitment of a belt than regular cold splices. Regular cold splices also need to cure for up to four hours before the conveyor belt is operational again.

The new splice can also be used for patch repairs, which reduces the need to insert more belting into the existing system. This reduces maintenance costs and production losses.

Other benefits include flexibility, as well as scraper and V-plough-friendly features.

“BMG’s specialist belting division boasts a depth of experience in the sugar industry through years of involvement in the conveying aspects associated with sugar cane processing and refinement,” says Scott.

He adds that the division’s service to the local sugar industry is underpinned by a range of products, a technically competent team and a 24-hour support service.

“Value is added through BMG’s conveyor maintenance training programme. Conveyor belt splicing training is done at our customer’s premises or our workshops and this covers the South African National Standard for splicing plied fabric belting.

“Conveyor belt maintenance is also available as a separate course. This includes theory and practical training components.”

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