Protoblast builds a range of abrasive recovery, but the Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System, first designed in 1975, is by far the most popular. The simplicity and reliability of this system are why they are successfully operating in hundreds of companies worldwide.
So, how does the Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System work?
The Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System tray is supported off the base using rubber blocks. When oscillated by the eccentric drive, the rubber blocks cause a rocking motion. The abrasive is then slightly lifted on the forward stroke, and when the tray returns to its original position, the abrasive lands a little further along.
The Oscillating Conveyor then feeds the abrasive into the bucket elevator, incorporating the Protoblast Airstream Abrasive Classifier. The Airstream Abrasive Classifier passes a stream of air through the falling used abrasive to effectively separate dust from abrasive particles. The speed and volume of the air can be adjusted to match the type and flow of used abrasive.
The dust particles are then carried through to the dust collector, and the abrasive scale and rust are collected in the waste chamber. The heavier clean abrasive particles are then recycled into the feed hopper above the blast pot.
How does it benefit your operations?
1. Low power requirements
The Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System requires far less power to run than inefficient pneumatic systems that have large high-pressure fans. Lower power requirements mean lower running costs.
2. Eliminates downtime
Without the Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System, used abrasive can quickly clog and block the system leading to downtime and regular maintenance.
In contrast, the Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System minimises maintenance as there is no high-speed abrasive in the recovery process that wears componentry like suction hoses and ducting. There are also no waffles or suction pipes to jam up or block since the abrasive is sorted efficiently and effectively into the waste chamber.
3. Self-cleaning
The Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System has been designed to be self-cleaning. As the abrasive passes over the top, the usable size falls through. The rest is passed into the live sieve that pre-screens waste to ensure oversize rubbish, rocks, and larger debris can’t enter the bucket elevator. This operates continually, removing the waste all the time to keep the abrasive clear.
This self-cleaning process also means there is no abrasive left on the conveyors after a few minutes, so the system isn’t exposed to dew or dampness that can cause further maintenance issues.
4. Ease of maintenance
The Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System has been designed to minimise maintenance and make the system easy to access when it is needed. The waste identified through the screening process falls into a bin which can be emptied periodically. The screen of the live sieve can also be removed in the unlikely case it becomes partially blocked by small stones.
In the rare event of flooding, the Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System can be fully accessed and cleaned, unlike pneumatic systems.
5. Efficient and economical long term
The Continuous Oscillating Conveyor System has been perfected over many years of operation to ensure it benefits your organisation for the long term.
Using minimal power consumption and a process that results in virtually no wearing parts, maintenance and energy costs are reduced in the short-term while giving you a reliable long-term asset that will continue to serve you in decades to come.