Weba Chute Systems has supplied eight chutes to a copper mine in the DRC. This follows on from an initial successful order for four transfer towers for an overland conveyor system. Ted Cruickshank, Project Manager explains: “We had to design for ore conditions that were extremely sticky. The bulk density of the material is 1.7 and the maximum lump size is 375 mm. The belt width is 1,200 mm and design capacity is 1,500 t/h with a belt speed of 1.9 m/s. Designing these chutes posed a major challenge in that the material has a 60:40 fines ratio. We had to design the transfer points to be able to absorb the impact of the larger sized material and also to alleviate any blockages.”

The company’s renowned system uses a ‘super tube’ effect in conjunction with a cascade lining system. This innovation results in 95% of the material running on material at all times. The bottom layer of particles in the product stream moves in a tumbling motion as opposed to sliding down the chute. This means that wear is reduced significantly. In many instances the lips remain completely covered by material, thereby providing longer life.