ABSTRACT
Spillage is the material lost that has fallen from the sides of the conveyor belt, typically at the feed zone, but can occur at any point along the conveyor. Spillage is a general term for all fugitive material. Erratic running of the belt is one of the major causes for material spillage. Feeding the belt before it is troughed fully, flattened impact rollers and improper skirt rubber sealing are some of the causes for spillage. Wrong concave or convex curves in an ascending conveyor cause spillage, till the belt rests on the rollers. Otherwise, the belt jerks up and down and throws the material out as spillage and also causes dust. Properly designed, maintained and operated dust control systems can reduce dust emissions and, thus, workers' exposure to harmful dusts. Dust control systems can also reduce equipment wear, maintenance and downtime; increase visibility; and boost employee morale and productivity.
