Modern Approach Streamlines Belt Installation at Jimblebar Mine
The team at Belle Banne Conveyors, part of the Fenner Conveyors Group in Australia, recently facilitated the installation of conveyor belt on a critical conveyor system at Jimblebar Mine. The project took approximately seven days to complete and involved various factors unique to usual installation projects.
Unprecedented Scale and Precision
The exceptional aspect of this installation was the 333-meter-long conveyor belt Flaking Station – the longest single structure ever supplied by the company. This massive structure required thorough planning and engineering expertise – both of which Belle Banne Conveyors are well-known in the industry for delivering.
In addition to the Flaking Structure, the project utilised several pieces of Belle Banne Conveyors-designed belt handling equipment: a Hydraulic Pony Drive, three 90° Turning Frames, a 150kNm Belt Winder, and a 34T Belt Puller, as well as a 10T Winch to facilitate efficient belt handling throughout the installation process.
The use of specialised belt handling equipment ensured efficient movement of the conveyor belt throughout the removal and re-installation process.
Engineered Methodology
Belle Banne Conveyors developed the installation methodology for this specific conveyor system back in 2012 when Belle Banne Conveyors was engaged for the last belt change out. Twelve years on, this project marks the third time the Belle Banne Conveyors Projects Team has delivered a successful change-out using this approach - this time installing Fenner Conveyors belting in the process.
WA Manager, Dan Luther, said the team’s extensive experience and innovative techniques allow for a seamless installation, minimising downtime, and maximising efficiency.
Customer Value
Belle Banne Conveyors were engaged to project manage the belt installation job, which included the assistance and training of BHP personnel in executing the specialised methodology using the equipment. Engineer and Projects Manager, Cameron Trott, said this format allowed the customer to benefit significantly from Belle Banne Conveyors’ engineering expertise.
“The customer hadn’t previously used a Pony Drive in conjunction with the Belt Puller equipment, so there were some parts of the methodology they were unfamiliar with – one being how to ‘crack’ the belt flake with the winch.”
This provided an opportunity for Belle Banne Conveyors to enhance their customer service offering.
“We executed the installation, but we also used the opportunity to train site personnel on the proper use of the Pony Drive for the management of the Belt Flake. By explaining the reasons behind each step, we ensured that the equipment was operated efficiently and safely.”
The Pony Drive was required as the primary means to pull the belt as the line pull exceeded Belt Puller’s upper limit. To prevent belt slip, the Belt Puller worked in conjunction with the Pony Drive, providing slack side tension.
“By ‘cracking’ the flake we were able to prevent overloading the turning frames and flaking structure, and by using a winch we negate the requirement for a second belt puller – a practice which sets Belle Banne Conveyors apart from other service providers in the industry.”
The successful completion of the Jimblebar belt installation project underscores Belle Banne Conveyors as a leading provider of specialised and highly engineered belt handling equipment and project execution.
Belle Banne Conveyors’ commitment to quality and their ability to deliver value to their customers make them a trusted partner in the conveyor industry and an integral part of the Fenner Conveyors Group.
