Air Supported Conveyor

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Seattle, WA

DIX Corporation was awarded a design/build and install contract by Ash Grove Cement Company to replace the 519’ long clinker conveyor at their Seattle, Washington plant. The system selected to replace the existing roller conveyor was an air supported system. As the prime contractor, Dix teamed up with The Hendrick Group, who designed and built the system. The field work consisted of removing the belt, rolls and other components from the old system. The remaining box truss was used as the support base for the new system that was installed in 30’ sections. Because the original conveyor was installed in a closed gallery, Dix came up with a unique system to not only remove the old parts, but also to install the new sections. When completed, the conveyor becomes totally enclosed with an upper and lower plenum. The only place the belt hits a roll is at the head and tail pulleys. The reason for replacing the system was because of the clinker spillage and a dusty atmosphere that created safety and environmental problems. Once completed, both of these issues were eliminated. The installation was completed during a plant outage. This is the first air supported conveyor Ash Grove Cement Company has had installed and they are pleased with its performance.