Category Archives: Conveyor Equipment

Revolutionizing Waterway Transport: The Advantages of Barge Conveyors

Waterway transport has been a cornerstone of global trade for centuries, but recent technological advancements are revolutionizing how materials are moved along these vital routes. One of these important innovations is the barge loading conveyor, which offers many advantages over traditional methods.

From enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs to promoting sustainable logistics, loading conveyors are transforming the landscape of bulk material transport. This piece will explore how barge unloading equipment, ship loaders, and other related technologies are unlocking new potential for industries reliant on waterway transport. It will provide clear insights for decision-makers looking to optimize their logistics operations.

How Can a Barge Loading Conveyor Enhance Efficiency in Waterway Transport?

Barge-loading conveyors play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency of waterway transport. These systems are designed to streamline loading bulk material onto barges, eliminating the double handling of material often seen with traditional methods. Barge loading conveyors and ship loaders ensure a steady and continuous flow of materials such as iron ore, coal, and grain by integrating belt conveyors.

This process reduces loading times and minimizes labor costs associated with manual handling. Furthermore, the precision and control offered by modern conveyor systems help optimize production rates. Using barge-loading conveyors also significantly decreases the risk of material spillage and waste, contributing to cleaner, more sustainable operations. Overall, these innovations speed up the loading process and enhance the overall efficiency of waterway logistics.

Reducing Costs with Innovative Systems

Reducing costs is a crucial advantage of implementing barge-loading conveyors in waterway transport. These systems reduce the reliance on manual labor and heavy machinery, such as wheel loaders, which can be expensive to operate and maintain. By utilizing rail-mounted conveyor systems, companies can achieve more precise and efficient loading processes, cutting fuel and labor costs.

Additionally, the automation and continuous operation of belt conveyors minimize downtime, further enhancing cost efficiency. The reduction in material handling and spillage not only conserves valuable resources but also lowers clean-up and environmental compliance costs. Investing in these innovative loading conveyors can lead to significant long-term savings, making them a smart choice for businesses looking to optimize their logistics operations. These conveyors offer a cost-effective solution that aligns with modern demands for efficient and sustainable bulk material handling.

Boosting Production Rates

Barge-loading conveyors significantly boost production rates by streamlining the material handling process. Unlike traditional loading methods that can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, these conveyor systems provide a continuous and efficient flow of bulk materials. This uninterrupted operation is particularly beneficial for high-volume materials like iron ore, where even minor delays can impact overall productivity.

Advanced ship loaders and barge unloading equipment are designed to handle large quantities of material quickly and efficiently, thereby enhancing production rates. Moreover, the precision of conveyor systems allows for better control over the loading process, reducing the likelihood of bottlenecks and ensuring that materials are loaded evenly and consistently.

This increased efficiency translates to faster barge turnaround times, allowing for more frequent shipments and higher overall throughput. By integrating barge-loading conveyors into their operations, companies can achieve significant gains in productivity, making their logistics processes more robust and competitive.

What Do Barge Conveyors Have to Do with Sustainable Logistics?

Barge-loading conveyors contribute to more sustainable logistics by eliminating the double handling of material. Traditional loading methods often require multiple handling stages, where materials are moved from one mode of transport to another, increasing the risk of spillage and degradation.

Barge-loading conveyors streamline this process by providing a direct and continuous transfer of bulk materials from the production site to the barge. This process reduces the time and labor and minimizes the environmental impact of material loss and additional handling.

These systems ensure a more efficient and cleaner loading process by incorporating advanced technologies such as rail-mounted and belt conveyors. The reduction in double handling also lessens the wear and tear on equipment, leading to lower maintenance costs and extended equipment life. Eliminating double handling through barge-loading conveyors supports more sustainable and cost-effective logistics operations.

The Environmental Impact of Belt Conveyors

The environmental impact of belt conveyors is a critical factor in their contribution to sustainable logistics. Belt conveyors are designed to transport bulk materials efficiently, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel-powered machinery such as trucks and wheel loaders. This reduction in fuel consumption translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions, making belt conveyors an eco-friendlier option. Additionally, the precision and control offered by these systems help minimize material spillage and waste, further decreasing the environmental footprint of loading operations.

Belt conveyors are also quieter and produce less dust than traditional loading methods, enhancing air quality and reducing noise pollution in surrounding areas. Using durable, long-lasting materials in conveyor construction reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby minimizing waste and resource consumption. Adopting belt conveyors aligns with modern sustainability goals, offering a cleaner and more efficient solution for bulk material transport.

Why Choose Barge Loading Conveyors?

Choosing barge-loading conveyors offers numerous benefits that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of bulk material transport. These innovative systems streamline the loading process by providing a continuous and controlled flow of materials directly onto barges. Additionally, these conveyors are highly versatile and capable of handling various types of bulk materials such as iron ore, coal, and grain. They integrate seamlessly with other equipment like ship loaders and barge unloading equipment, offering a cohesive solution for waterway transport.

Choose Kemper for Your Barge-Loading & Unloading System Needs

Kemper  stands out as a trusted provider when selecting the right barge-loading & unloading conveyor system. With years of industry experience and a commitment to quality, we at Kemper offer customized solutions tailored to your operation’s specific needs. Our expertise in designing and building material handling systems ensures you receive a solution that enhances efficiency, reduces operational costs, and supports sustainable logistics practices.

From rail-mounted conveyors to state-of-the-art barge-loading and unloading systems, we can help you build a robust system capable of handling various bulk materials such as iron ore and coal. Our comprehensive service includes installation, maintenance, and ongoing support, ensuring your operations run smoothly and effectively. Choosing Kemper means investing in reliable, high-performance barge loading equipment designed to optimize your waterway transport processes. Contact us today to get started!



Why Choose Radial Stacking Conveyors for Superior Material Handling?

In the heart of many bustling industries, where every second counts and efficiency is not just an advantage but a necessity, material handling machinery plays a pivotal role in getting things done quickly and efficiently. Among these, radial stacking conveyors stand out as a cornerstone in the seamless execution of operations across various sectors. Their ability to transform and elevate the stockpiling process is impressive and industry-changing.

But what makes radial stacking conveyors so indispensable? How do they redefine the landscape of material handling, and what benefits do they bring to the table that make them a must-have in any operation concerned with bulk material? If you’re curious about the answers to these questions and want to learn more, keep reading.

What Are Radial Stacking Conveyors, and How Do They Work?

Radial stacking conveyors are versatile material handling machines designed to efficiently create large, organized stockpiles of materials by distributing them in a radial motion around a pivot point. These conveyors feature a long, moving belt that transports materials from a feeding point to the stockpile site. The critical functionality that sets them apart is their ability to rotate horizontally, offering a wide radius of operation.

This rotation capability, combined with adjustable heights and variable belt speeds, allows operators to precisely control the shape and size of the material pile, optimizing space and facilitating segregation or blending as required. By streamlining the stockpiling process, radial stackers enhance operational efficiency, reduce material degradation, and improve the ease of material retrieval in mining, agriculture, and recycling industries.

The Unparalleled Benefits of Radial Stacking Conveyors

Integrating radial stacking conveyors into material handling operations offers many advantages, revolutionizing how industries manage and stockpile bulk materials. Here’s a concise breakdown of the specific benefits that make these systems an essential asset across various sectors:

  • Cost Efficiency and Time Savings: Radial stacking conveyors automate the stockpiling process, significantly reducing the need for manual labor and associated costs. They enable faster creation of stockpiles, which minimizes downtime and enhances productivity. Additionally, directly depositing materials where needed reduces reliance on additional handling equipment such as wheel loaders, further reducing operational costs and time.
  • Enhanced Stockpile Management: These conveyors excel in optimizing space usage by allowing the creation of high and wide piles. Their capability for precise material placement improves the segregation and organization of stockpiles, making it easier to access materials when needed. This streamlined approach to managing stockpiles not only maximizes space but also enhances the efficiency of subsequent operations.
  • Versatility Across Industries: The adaptability of radial stacking conveyors to various materials and industry needs is one of their standout features. Whether handling ores, grains, or recyclable materials, these conveyors can be customized with adjustable belt speeds, widths, and angles to meet specific requirements. This versatility makes them suitable for many sectors, including mining, agriculture, and recycling.
  • Improved Material Quality: By minimizing material segregation and degradation, radial stacking conveyors help maintain the quality of the stockpiled material. Their gentle handling and precise placement capabilities ensure that the integrity of products is preserved, which is crucial in industries where material quality directly affects the success of the final product or operation.
  • Safety and Environmental Benefits: Implementing radial stacking conveyors in material handling operations contributes significantly to workplace safety by reducing the need for manual intervention. These conveyors can also help control dust emissions, thereby contributing to a healthier work environment and lessening environmental impact.
  • Scalability and Future-Proofing: The flexible and modular design of radial stacking conveyors allows easy integration into existing operations and scalability as demand increases. This adaptability ensures that investments in these conveyors continue to provide value over the long term, helping operations to remain competitive and accommodate growth.

Radial stacking conveyors enhance efficiency and productivity and offer cost savings, improved safety, and environmental benefits, making them indispensable in modern industry. Their versatility and ability to maintain material quality and manage stockpiles efficiently remain critical in achieving operational goals and staying competitive in a dynamic market landscape.

What Are Some of the Versatile Applications of Radial Stackers?

Radial stackers are celebrated for their remarkable versatility across various industries, thanks to their robust design and customizable features. In the mining sector, they excel by handling abrasive materials and creating large, manageable stockpiles under harsh conditions, thus improving operational efficiency. The agriculture industry benefits from their gentle handling capabilities, preserving the quality of sensitive products like grains and seeds through adjustable speed controls and optimal storage configurations. Similarly, the recycling industry leverages radial stackers’ adaptability to efficiently sort and stockpile various materials, from metals to textiles, enhancing the recycling process.

The key to the wide-ranging applicability of radial stackers lies in their flexible and customizable design, enabling them to meet the unique demands of different material handling scenarios. Whether in construction, managing aggregates and building materials, or in ports for bulk goods handling, their mobility and adjustable features like telescoping booms and variable belt speeds ensure you can tailor them for your most efficient operation. This level of customization and adaptability makes radial stackers an invaluable asset in efficiently managing and stockpiling bulk materials across diverse sectors.

How Radial Stacking Conveyors Optimize Stockpiling Processes

Radial stacking conveyors elevate stockpiling efficiency through their innovative design and operational capabilities, offering a strategic solution to creating organized, desegregated stockpiles. The ability to pivot around a central axis allows for precise material placement, optimizing space utilization and minimizing material segregation. This feature, paired with adjustable belt speeds and variable speed controls, permits meticulous management of material discharge rates, which is crucial for maintaining material quality, reducing degradation, and minimizing dust generation. These systems’ adaptability to control stockpiles’ shape and size significantly enhances retrieval processes, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

Furthermore, radial stackers’ durability and customization options are invaluable across various industries. Their robust construction ensures longevity even in harsh environments, while features like specialized belt materials allow for tailored solutions to specific material handling needs.. These features of radial stacking conveyors not only streamline stockpiling operations but also play a pivotal role in preserving the integrity of stockpiled materials, demonstrating their critical role in efficient material handling and storage processes.

Are You Ready to Change Your Operation for the Better with Radial Stacking Conveyors?

In an era where efficiency dictates success, radial stacking conveyors emerge as a beacon of innovation and practicality. Their ability to streamline operations and the tangible benefits they provide underscores their essential role in modern material handling and stockpiling processes. As industries continue to evolve and expand, the adoption and integration of radial stacking conveyors will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of material management. Contact us if you are ready to add radial stacking conveyors to your material handling operations. Don’t wait! Design and build a system with radial stacking conveyors to optimize your mineral processing operation today!




Ease Your Material Transport Woes: Discover the Power of Overland Conveyors

In the constant pursuit of progress and efficiency, industry leaders often grapple with material handling challenges. The task of transporting bulk materials over long distances is not just labor-intensive but also complex. This continuous uphill battle can drain resources and ruin productivity. But what if there was a solution that could turn this uphill battle into a smooth downhill ride?

Overland conveyors are that game-changer. They provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for material transport, turning obstacles into opportunities and making the impossible possible. Designed for long-distance bulk material transport, they are a reliable and economical alternative to traditional haul trucks.

So, if the journey of long-distance material transport feels difficult, it might be time to embrace the change overland conveyors bring. After all, every industry leader knows that the key to progress isn’t just overcoming challenges. It’s turning them into opportunities for growth. This blog will review how businesses like yours can benefit from using overland conveyors, so keep reading to learn more!

Overland Conveyors vs. Haul Trucks: A Cost-Effective Comparison

Maybe you’re already using haul trucks for your operations and are not convinced overland conveyors are the better option for long-distance bulk material transport. However, overland conveyors are often more cost-effective due to their energy efficiency and lower maintenance requirements. Their adaptability allows them to easily handle terrain changes and cross obstacles, simplifying installation and reducing costs. On the other hand, haul trucks may face challenges navigating difficult terrains, leading to higher fuel consumption and maintenance needs.

While the initial capital cost of overland conveyors can be higher than haul trucks, the lower operating costs and higher efficiency often provide a better return on investment in the long run. Overland conveyors also offer the advantage of consistent material transport without traffic delays or breakdowns common with haul trucks, and they require fewer operators, further reducing costs. So, overland conveyors often prove to be the more cost-effective choice.

Understanding the Key Components of Overland Conveying Systems

Understanding the key components of overland conveying systems is essential to maximize their efficiency and reliability. The foundation of any overland conveyor is the structure system, which supports the weight of the materials being transported and withstands harsh industrial environments. The operating components, including idlers, pulleys, scrapers, and accessories, ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the conveyor. The type of overland conveying system you might need varies depending on specific requirements like transportation distance and land topography.

The conveyor belt, another vital component, must be carefully selected as it endures the rigors of long-distance transportation. Each element, from the structure system to the operating components and conveyor belt, plays a critical role in the overall operation of the system. By carefully considering these components, businesses can ensure they choose the right overland conveyor for their specific needs. If you are looking for help with the design and build of your conveyor system, we have you covered!

Are Overland Conveyor Belts Reliable for Bulk Material Transport?

Overland conveyor belts, constructed from robust materials such as rubber, steel cord, and textiles, are reliable for transporting bulk materials over long distances. Their design minimizes friction, reducing wear and tear, and extending the system’s lifespan. These conveyor belts may also have advanced control systems that optimize performance and prevent issues like overloading or uneven material distribution.

Further enhancing reliability, many overland conveyor systems feature self-aligning components to maintain the correct belt path, reducing derailment or damage risks. The robust construction of these conveyor belts withstands rigorous demands, ensuring continuous operation even in harsh conditions.

Ease of maintenance is another factor contributing to their reliability. These systems are designed for straightforward inspection and maintenance, which is crucial for continued reliability. The durability, robust design, advanced control systems, and easy maintenance make overland conveyor belts ideal for industries requiring long-distance bulk material transport.

Why Choose Overland Conveyors for Your Long-Distance Material Transport Needs?

The standout advantage of overland belt conveyor systems is their unparalleled efficiency. These systems are engineered to move materials over diverse terrain, eliminating multiple transfer points and thus reducing material loss and maintenance costs. If you want to streamline your bulk material handling processes, overland conveyors could be your answer.

  • Unparalleled Efficiency: Overland conveyors offer a level of efficiency unmatched by traditional transport methods. This high efficiency translates to lower operational costs and improved overall productivity.
  • Adaptability to Diverse Terrain: These systems are designed to easily handle changes in terrain, making them ideal for locations with challenging topography.
  • Elimination of Multiple Transfer Points: Overland conveyors transport materials directly from the source to the destination, eliminating the need for multiple transfer points. This results in reduced material loss and maintenance costs.
  • Streamlined Material Handling: If you’re looking to simplify your bulk material handling processes, overland conveyors provide a streamlined solution. They can handle large quantities of materials efficiently, reducing the time and resources required for material transport.

Overland belt conveyors have emerged as a game-changing solution for long-distance material transport needs. Their ability to adapt to diverse terrains, eliminate multiple transfer points, and streamline material handling makes them an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency. So, if you’re on the hunt for a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method for transporting materials over long distances, it might be time to consider overland conveyors.

Finding the Right Overland Conveyor System

With their potential to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance reliability, overland conveyors are an excellent solution for business owners looking to optimize their operations in the aggregate industry. When designing an overland conveyor system for your business, you’ll want to work with the industry experts at Kemper Equipment. Contact us today to get started with all your overland conveyor needs.



How Can Galvanized Conveyors Lengthen the Life of Your Equipment?

In the aggregate industry, equipment longevity and operational efficiency are crucial for maintaining productivity. One of the key components that can significantly impact these factors is the type of conveyor system in place. And if you know anything about conveyor equipment, you probably already know that galvanized conveyors are a favorite in any mineral processing industry. This blog will go over the role of galvanized conveyors in enhancing the durability and lifespan of aggregate conveyor equipment and give more detail about why you might want to include them in your operation.

What Is Galvanization?

Galvanization is a process that involves applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting and corrosion. This technique is commonly used in various industries, including the construction of conveyor systems, where the materials are often exposed to harsh conditions. The galvanized coating serves as a shield, protecting the metal underneath from environmental factors that could cause wear and damage.

When applied to conveyors, such as galvanized roller conveyors, this protective layer enhances the overall durability and lifespan of the equipment. It can withstand the weight of the materials being conveyed, and its resistance to corrosion means less maintenance and longer operational efficiency. This benefit makes galvanized conveyors an optimal choice for heavy-duty applications like aggregate processing, where equipment needs to be robust and long-lasting.

What Makes Galvanized Conveyors Stand Out?

Galvanized conveyors stand out due to their superior strength, durability, and longevity. The galvanized steel used in these conveyors is renowned for its strength, making it an ideal choice for load-bearing applications. The galvanized coating also ensures that all parts of the conveyor, including sharp edges, are fully coated, enhancing overall protection. Moreover, galvanized conveyors require less maintenance compared to those with a paint-only protection system. Lastly, the process of hot-dip galvanizing not only provides corrosion resistance but also offers longevity, with some materials protected for up to 40 years under normal conditions.

How Does Galvanization Enhance Conveyor Durability?

Galvanization enhances conveyor durability by creating a protective coating around the conveyor material. This coating is highly resistant to abrasion, moisture, chemicals, and other environmental factors that can cause wear and tear. The process of galvanization involves a method called continuous hot dip, where the conveyor material is cleaned and then dipped in molten zinc. This results in a fully fused galvanized exterior that significantly increases the conveyor’s durability and lifespan.

What Are the Benefits of Galvanized Roller Conveyors?

Galvanized roller conveyors are a cornerstone in many industries, renowned for their durability and performance under demanding conditions. Used widely in sectors such as manufacturing, warehousing, and heavy-duty industries, these conveyors are designed to handle the most challenging tasks with ease. The benefits of choosing galvanized roller conveyors extend far beyond just protection, encompassing increased capacity, improved efficiency, customizable features, and cost-effectiveness. Here’s a more detailed look at the advantages of these robust, versatile conveyor systems:

  • Enhanced Protection: The primary benefit of galvanized roller conveyors is the superior protection they offer. The galvanization process coats the conveyor with a layer of zinc, increasing resistance to wear and tear, corrosion, and rust.
  • Improved Efficiency: Due to their increased capacity and durability, galvanized roller conveyors can improve the operational efficiency of your equipment. This productivity leads to increased productivity and reduced downtime.
  • Cost-Effective: Galvanized roller conveyors require less maintenance due to their enhanced durability, which translates into cost savings over time. The long lifespan of these conveyors also makes them a cost-effective investment for many businesses.

These benefits combined make galvanized roller conveyors an excellent choice for industries where heavy loads and harsh conditions are commonplace.

How Can You Maximize the Efficiency of Your Galvanized Conveyors?

The efficiency of galvanized conveyors can be maximized through several strategies. Firstly, designing efficient equipment is key, which involves choosing the right type of conveyor that suits your specific needs. Additionally, you can utilize energy-saving controls and devices to enhance the energy efficiency of your conveyor systems. It’s also beneficial to select the most efficient conveyor type and swap in a premium-efficiency motor where possible. Maximizing conveyor speed and ensuring quality can also increase productivity. An expertly installed conveyor system can optimize workflow efficiency and ensure seamless operations.

How Do Galvanized Conveyors Impact Your Bottom Line?

Galvanized conveyors can have a significant positive impact on your bottom line. They can elevate productivity by reducing workload and improving efficiency. A modernized conveyor system can reduce overall maintenance costs and improve efficiency, which would contribute to cost savings.

How Can You Choose the Right Galvanized Conveyor for Your Business?

Choosing the right conveyor system for your business involves considering various factors, including the type of materials being conveyed, the overall width and rail width requirements, and the desired roller capacity. At Kemper Equipment, we can assist in designing and building a system tailored to your needs, ensuring your equipment is long-lasting and productive for as long as possible.

By understanding the advantages of galvanized coatings and implementing proper maintenance practices, business owners in mineral processing industries can make informed decisions for their conveyor systems. Galvanized conveyors not only enhance the durability and lifespan of aggregate conveyor equipment but also empower business owners with the knowledge needed to optimize equipment longevity, streamline operations, and ultimately enhance overall productivity in the aggregate industry. If you’re ready to learn more about how galvanized conveyors can improve your systems, contact us to get started!



Everything You Wanted to Know About the History of Conveyors

Conveyors are essential to quarrying, mining, and mineral processing operations, but we sometimes take them for granted. Did you know that it was not so long ago in human history that these hardworking machines didn’t exist? Imagine your surface or open-pit mining operation without any conveyors— things would not be moving very quickly or efficiently, and the whole undertaking would be much more dangerous!

To show conveyors a little appreciation, we’re looking at their history from their roots in the late 1700s through decades of improvement and innovation that transformed them into the reliable machines we depend on today.

And if you have any questions about conveyors or how our conveyor systems might benefit your operation after you finish reading this piece, please feel free to reach out to us!

The Earliest Conveyors

If conveyors have a single inventor or first installation site, the passage of time has sadly lost that information. What is known is that while Henry Ford made conveyors famous with his automobile assembly product lines in the early 20th century, he did not invent them (as many people incorrectly believe). He just improved upon old technology.

Various sources point to 1795 as the year when conveyors first appeared. These early conveyors were short, made from leather belts and wooden beds, and were hand-operated. You would most likely find them in ports to move agricultural products from shore to ship.

Revolutionary Improvements

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in Great Britain during the 18th century, and then a little later in America, the phasing out of manual labor in many production environments began favoring steam-powered machinery. Steam power was the “hot” new tech at the time!

Less than a decade after the initial creation of conveyor belts, the British Navy put the first steam-operated conveyor into use. The year was 1804, and while you may think this new, machine-driven conveyor would have endured the challenging task of loading ships, it operated in a bakery that produced biscuits for sailors to eat! In any case, this improvement with steam technology meant that conveyors no longer had to be hand-cranked, making them more useful for more applications.

Machine-driven conveyors caught on quickly and began appearing in all sorts of industries, though it would still be almost 100 years before they would work in mining operations. Railcars were still the preferred method of moving aggregate and coal from within mines to surface operations for much of the 1800s. However, this preference began to change as new belt materials like rubber and steel appeared.

New Belt Materials

Some sources report that early conveyor belts used rubber, although this material certainly wasn’t ideal. It was prone to change based on temperature, becoming stiff and rigid in cold environments, or melting and getting sticky in warm temperatures. These problems lasted until 1844 when inventor Charles Goodyear patented vulcanized rubber.

His innovation made rubber a much more stable substance that didn’t react negatively to temperature changes. Eventually however, the mining industry turned to steel conveyor belts. Sandvik was the first manufacturer to produce these belts beginning in 1902.

It wasn’t until a few years later, in 1905, that mining engineer and inventor Richard Sutcliffe would introduce the first underground conveyor belt, made from layered cotton and rubber. At that time, the food production industry widely adopted steel belts. In contrast, rubber-covered belts became the norm in mining, quarrying, and mineral processing due to their superior durability and flexibility.

Rails are Out, and Conveyors are In

With Sutcliffe’s underground conveyor belt, mining and quarrying were revolutionized over the following few decades, as massive quantities of material could now move from the extraction point with much less labor. No longer did expensive rail lines need to be laid and maintained. And when a mine’s LOM (expected life of the mine) was over, a conveyor was much easier to pack up and remove than a rail line, which was pretty much permanent.

However, it did take some good publicity to popularize conveyors, as news of technical innovations didn’t spread as quickly back then as it does today. Plus, it was not as easy to purchase and set up conveyors in the early days as today, where all you need to do is call Kemper Equipment for all your conveyor needs.

In 1908, inventor Hymle Goddard patented the first roller conveyor, and things started moving. Henry Ford famously began using conveyors on the assembly lines in his Ford Motor automobile plants around 1913, and problem-solvers in countless industries began refining conveyors and inventing new types. In the quarrying, mining, and mineral processing industries, conveyors quickly replaced the locomotive and rail lines throughout the 1920s until the outbreak of war in the 1940s.

Conveyors Just Keep Getting Better

Several 20th-century conveyor innovations have gotten us to where we are today. America’s involvement in World War II slowed mining and quarrying at home. Still, wartime was great for conveyors – the rubber shortage spawned the first synthetic belt materials during this time.

The rapid growth in the post-war American economy in the 1950s spurred even more conveyor improvements. For example, the turnover conveyor belt system was patented in 1957, reducing the costs of running conveyors continuously, thanks to improved belt longevity. Another major conveyor innovation was the invention of the telescopic conveyor in 1992 by Thor.

The Present and the Future: Computerization and Customization

In recent years, computerization has made conveyor belts more reliable and easier to work with in quarrying, mining, and mineral processing operations. Conveyors are now “smart” automated systems and can alert operators to maintenance needs. They can also run, stop, and change speed in response to programmed commands. Computerization has led to more customization of conveyor systems to achieve the exact outcomes mine and quarry operators need.

Indeed, finding the right conveyor for your needs now often involves customizing a system that can efficiently and economically move material from the extraction point to stockpile and beyond, no matter what challenges the mine or quarry site present.

In the future, better machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) will likely refine conveyors to reduce maintenance and breakdowns and remove more direct human oversight while work is underway. The result will be increased safety in our mines and quarries, as well as increased efficiency.

Curious about what modern conveyors can do for your operations? Here at Kemper Equipment, we are dedicated to finding the best conveyor systems to revolutionize your mining and quarrying projects. Get in touch with us now to talk about your conveyor equipment requirements and goals.



Confused About Conveyor Systems and Parts? Where to Start

Conveyor systems can be an asset to any aggregate or mineral processing site, but it can be frustrating when you have an underperforming or broken system. Why wait until your conveyor system has broken down to learn about what options are available to update it?

At Kemper Equipment, we approach each conveyor system individually because they are unique to a site’s needs. Whether you are here with questions about a new conveyor for your business, updating an existing conveyor with our custom system designs, or conveyor components to fix a broken part, we can help.

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Understanding the Different Conveyor Types – And How to Find the Right Conveyors for Your Project Needs

Conveyor systems quickly “convey,” or move, goods and materials from one place to another to cut out human labor in various situations where time is of the essence, resources need to be transported in bulk, or conditions are treacherous. All of these factors explain why heavy duty conveyors are essential to the quarrying, mining, and mineral processing operations we work so closely with here at Kemper Equipment.

But what are the different conveyor types you should consider to best meet your production goals? Today’s post will offer a closer look at a variety of belt-based conveyor systems, which may incorporate numerous individual conveyor types.

We’ll also show you why conveyor systems are most often custom-designed to meet unique project demands. After all, no two sites are quite alike, and the wide variety of possible challenges presented by moving diverse materials frequently calls for advanced solutions that only customization can address.

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Conveyors vs. Trucks: What’s the best way to transport your materials?

The question of whether conveyors are better than “truck and shovel” systems in surface and open pit mining operations has long been debated in the industry. Conveyor systems can have a high upfront cost compared to trucks, which makes them less attractive to some businesses just getting started.

Trucks are common and readily available and often have a lower initial cost. However, they are also dangerous, inefficient, and rely on more direct human labor, which is why conveyors are very often a better choice for surface mining operations. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why.

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Maximizing Your Conveyor Uptime

When it comes to revenue, conveyor uptime is everything. If your equipment isn’t running then it’s not producing; and if it’s not producing, there goes your profit. Conveyor equipment is often the linchpin in any operation as it’s responsible for conveying your material from point A to point B. If you have to shut your conveyor equipment down for maintenance—even if it’s routine—doing so off-schedule can be costly.

In fact, any industry is subject to the damage unplanned downtime can cause. A study by Information Technology Intelligence Consulting Research indicates that for the average business, the loss of a single hour of productivity can cause anywhere from $100,000 to $5 million in lost revenue.

For an industry that depends on material handling equipment to stay efficient and profitable, a temporary shutdown can have far-reaching impacts on the rest of the production and supply chain. If material can’t be diverted from point A to point B, then that material collects at point A, threatening to create a buildup that can further halt production.

Downtime is unavoidable, however; but through careful management and planning, its effect on production and the bottom line can be minimized.

Unplanned conveyor downtime has consequences

The result of a shutdown or sudden downtime can cost you on production; but also affect costs to consumers and even shareholders. Due to the potentially long-lasting or far-reaching effects of unscheduled downtime, being able to optimize equipment performance and any processes in place is crucial to the overall health of a project and company.

These damaging stoppages can be caused by a number of things, including:

  • Power loss
  • Maintenance issues
  • Mechanical problems
  • Natural disasters/accidents (fire, inclement weather )
  • Loss of personnel (strikes, injuries)

This means there’s much more to solving the problem of “unplanned downtime” than just equipment and that not all of these things can necessarily be prevented. The best you can do to maximize your conveyor equipment uptime is by having the right plans and processes in place. There are a couple of ways you can accomplish this.

Adopt a more intelligent system

In mining and other operations that require the use of conveyors, one option being utilized in recent years is smarter systems. These systems often allow operators to remotely monitor and manage equipment performance. This might include an early warning system to alert workers that there’s a potential blockage on the conveyor somewhere, or that something may go wrong if operation isn’t adjusted.

Such systems not only allow equipment and projects in difficult-to-reach areas (as it is with mining) to be monitored, but they can also be regulated to prevent accidents and optimize operational efficiency.

Conveyor belts can be protected further by using machines like tramp metal detectors. They can be used to detect and pull metal from materials being processed on conveyor belts, which helps avoid damage to the equipment or causing a system shut down. Eriez is a manufacturer of industrial metal detectors and provide an excellent way to learn more about how to protect your conveyors.

Develop a preventative maintenance plan

To keep your conveyor equipment running well, you need to not only understand the life cycle of each piece of equipment involved, but also implement a consistent cycle of preventative maintenance. Many companies have the bad habit of pushing their equipment to the limit just to keep production going; however, without regular maintenance and conveyor part replacement, conveyors can easily succumb to overuse and break down long before they’re expected to.

Manage equipment obsolescence

This goes along with understanding the life cycle of your conveyor equipment. To truly optimize the life of your conveyors, it helps to have a good relationship with your parts supplier, as they will be able to notify you of when parts need to be replaced or a special offer on parts is available.

Conveyors wear down over time, even with regular maintenance, and if you know ahead of time that one of your conveyors becoming obsolete, you can make the necessary preparations so that production doesn’t stall when you find yourself in need of a new one.

It’s not always about the money

When a business shuts down unexpectedly, it can damage relationships—with customers, investors, etc. While you do have to worry about a drop in revenue, a lost or damaged relationship with the people you depend on for business every day could produce longer lasting consequences. By having a plan in place, you can offer those customers, shareholders, and investors some peace of mind in knowing that you’ve got a plan and are taking immediate action to minimize any lost productivity.

Managing your processes and maintenance plans is only part of the solution. To maintain a conveyor system that optimizes your production and profit, consult with the professionals.