
We are starting the CMA off with a bang with the launching of a brand-new training course. The CMA Transfer Chute Design course will be held in March and all details can be found on the website www.cmasa.co.za in the
Education and Training section.
Transfer chutes are used as a method to transfer bulk material from one conveyor to another. There are however many poorly designed chutes that cause plant downtime, spillages and generally low plant availability
due to blockages, excessive wear, impact damage to conveyor belting, misalignment due to skew loading, etc. The majority of these problems can be prevented by correctly designing the transfer chute.
We present and explain the basic design principles of “guided flow” hood and spoon chutes, rock/dead box chutes and combinations of these two chute concepts.
The course also covers the use of Discrete Element Modelling as a tool to supplement the traditional calculation methods. Since DEM is widely used throughout the industry, this forms an important part of the course and we focus on DEM analysis and calibration methods.
The course also covers the practical aspects:
• Understanding material properties – cohesion/ adhesion
• Minimising dust generation
• Minimising spillages
• Wear liner selection
• Diverter gate selection / flopper gate design
• Skirting and impact stations
The three days of theory are followed up with an (optional) assignment. Candidates who hand in the assignment may then write an examination. The course presenter is Henk Brink, who has had considerable experience in this field and is well respected in the industry. The assignments and examination are both moderated by an independent expert and successful
candidates are eligible for a certificate of competency in the design of transfer chutes.
Anyone interested in doing this course may contact the CMA or visit the website for dates and costs, and to download an application form. The course is generating high level interest. Numbers will be limited for
practical purposes, so please do not delay if you are interested in registering for this course.
Jay Pillay, Chairman