Extension cross Redler conveyor for a second boiler

In essence, the system draws coal from an in-ground holding bunker at a constant rate of 68TPH and feeds it to overhead boiler day hoppers.

TENOVA Takraf  Africa’s Andrew Wager describes the system as consisting of a reclaim Redler chain conveyor, drawing a pre-determined volumetric load from a holding bunker and transferring it to a belt conveyor, which lifts the coal and  inclines it 24m up a 21degree incline. ”From the belt conveyor it transfers into a cross Redler conveyor, which distributes the coal evenly in the bunker above the boiler, via three pneumatic slides on each of two hoppers and a final outlet,” he says.

He adds that because Lignite is a ‘sticky’, relatively poor grade of coal, which is not free flowing, special design considerations had to be taken into account in the calculations and ultimate design.

RCR project engineer, Craig Weston, explains that the second boiler installation is an independent structure to the first, and in light of the recent catastrophic earthquakes in New Zealand, and with the project being near the epicentre of the first earthquake, more emphasis has been put on personnel and equipment protection.

Wager says that the brief from RCR was to cater for a combined movement of 120mm from one bunker to the other in the event of an earthquake. “After due consideration, we opted for a slip joint design in the casing and a spring assisted tension end,” Wager says.

Weston says that the ingenuity and excellent service they have received from Tenova Takraf has encouraged RCR to continually do business with them.

“They are excellent engineers and go the extra mile to provide equally excellent service,” he concluded.

This is the third order received by Tenova Takraf Africa from RCR Energy Systems in New Zealand for fuel handling systems over the last five years.

RCR Energy provides comprehensive turnkey Engineer, Procure and Construct solutions for utility, power and industrial energy projects, as well as overhaul and refurbishment of plants utilising renewable energy, biomass, coal, gas and liquid fuels.

RCR’s service business is one of the largest fully accredited service and packaged boiler company in Australasia. With an extensive workshop and service network in key utility and industrial centres throughout Australia and New Zealand, RCR provides 24-7 emergency and service support to the local market.

© Tenova TAKRAF / BulkInside