Problem
The Holcim cement plant in Orizaba, Mexico was experiencing increased costs due to fugitive cargo and dust piling around the plant’s petroleum coke conveyor transfer point. Material blocked access, degraded conveyor components, and required expensive maintenance. Outsourced labor using rented equipment required weekly downtime to clean the area, further increasing the cost of operation and lowering production.
Solution
After performing a thorough assessment, the Martin Engineering team presented a detailed proposal. Technicians then installed a Martin® Impact Cradle MD to support the belt and quickly settle material. Martin® Slider Cradles were fitted along the chute box to center the load, and Martin® ApronSeal Skirting was added to contain fugitive material and dust by effectively sealing the belt.
Results
Since installation, the operator reports an 80% reduction in spillage and only a single occurrence of downtime for cleanup in two months. The result is lower maintenance costs, improved safety conditions, and increased production, causing management to review similar solutions for other transfer points throughout the plant.