Raising the bar in elevator bucket performance

Industrial elevator bucket designs have not changed significantly since the 1950s. However, the introduction of Nylathane^TM brings a new technology to the industry. Nylathane is a unique polymer that combines nylon 6 with an elastomer. It has the durability of nylon with the slick release surfaces associated with polyurethane. This combination makes it ideal for bucket elevators in the cement industry where impact tolerance and discharge efficiency of sticky or powdery products are required to minimise downtime and maintain production efficiency.

Proven performance

Prior to its use in elevator buckets, Nylathane had been field-proven in even more demanding applications, such as track pads for tractors. Iron or steel elevator buckets can be prone to deformation or breakage due to impact from foreign objects or operational issues. Once deformed, their capacity and efficiency is diminished.

Deformed elevator buckets pose a risk of further damaging the bucket elevator system as they move through the system. Heavy iron or steel elevator buckets are difficult to manage when being repaired or replaced. Their weight is also a drain on system efficiency due to the amount of energy required to move the heavy bucket assembly. Should a bucket become detached from the elevator belt or chain, it would pose a serious threat of causing collateral damage throughout the system. Furthermore, some metals in certain applications are prone to becoming brittle over time. Finally, sticky powders have a tendency to collect in metal elevator buckets, reducing their capacity and clogging vent/drainage holes. Nylathane elevator buckets alleviate these problematic issues.

The characteristic advantages of Nylathane buckets are:

• Up to 75% lighter than steel or iron.
• Outstanding wear resistance.
• Superior impact strength.
• Self-cleaning surfaces.
• Static Dissipative (<108 Ohms).
• Non-sparking and non-corroding.

The practical advantages of Nylathane buckets are:

• Resists impact and retains original shape while metal buckets deform and lose efficiency.
• Reduced weight, thereby reducing overall amp load.
• Lighter buckets mean less wear and tear on other components.
• Lighter buckets are easier and safer to install and handle.
• Lighter weight and better impact absorption mean that Nylathane buckets are less likely to pull through the belt or chain than heavier steel buckets.
• Compatible with both belt and chain elevators.
• Ideal for handling wet or sticky materials.
• Static dissipative for use with combustible dust.

Specific to the cement industry, the Nylathane buckets, unlike metal buckets that permanently deform upon impact, can withstand impact and return to shape.

For bucket elevators conveying sticky products, such as slag, the flexibility and low coefficient of friction of Nylathane helps prevent product buildup and losses in capacity.

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