Transnet, South Africa’s largest port operator, has introduced new belt-cleaning technology at its Richards Bay bulk minerals terminal. This move aims to improve efficiency and reduce maintenance challenges at one of the country’s key import-export hubs. The terminal, located in KwaZulu-Natal, handles approximately 20 million tonnes of commodities annually, including exports such as magnetite, ferrochrome, bauxite, and woodchips, while importing materials like sulphur, coking coal, and alumina.

The facility operates a network of about 30 conveyors, transporting bulk materials around the clock. Given the high volume of operations, minimizing transfer times is essential to maintaining shipping schedules. However, excessive spillage, blockages, and material buildup can lead to conveyor damage or operational disruptions. To address these challenges, Transnet has implemented CleanScrape belt cleaners from Martin Engineering, a company specialising in bulk material handling solutions.

The CleanScrape system is designed to efficiently remove carryback material using tungsten carbide wear tips arranged in a helical pattern across the discharge pulley. This approach minimizes contact pressure while ensuring up to 95% of residual material is cleared, extending the service life of the cleaning system up to four times longer than conventional blades. Additionally, the system requires minimal maintenance, with only occasional tension adjustments needed.

Transnet first trialled CleanScrape technology in 2015 to address excessive spillage and material adhesion on select conveyor belts. Following a successful pilot, the system was expanded to additional conveyors, particularly those in areas with limited access for maintenance. As part of a broader plant upgrade, Transnet has now installed CleanScrape® cleaners on 12 more conveyor belts, ensuring all primary belts at the terminal are fitted with the technology.

To further enhance conveyor cleanliness, Transnet has also integrated Martin Engineering’s SQC2 secondary belt cleaners. These secondary units feature durable blades capable of withstanding highly abrasive materials and incorporate a slide-in/out mechanism for safe and efficient servicing. The combination of CleanScrape® primary cleaners and SQC2 secondary cleaners has contributed to significant reductions in spillage and maintenance requirements.

Cyril Dludla, Technical Supervisor at Transnet, highlighted the improvements brought by the new system: “There has been a significant reduction in spillage since the installation of CleanScrape® belt scrapers. As a result, we plan to expand the use of these systems across the entire Richards Bay facility.”

Janco Shulze, Sales Representative at Martin Engineering in KwaZulu-Natal, noted the positive impact of the partnership with Transnet: “We are pleased to support Transnet in optimizing its bulk handling operations. The reliability of CleanScrape® means maintenance teams can focus on other critical areas, ensuring uninterrupted conveyor performance.”

Transnet’s investment in advanced belt-cleaning solutions aligns with broader efforts to enhance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness at its terminals. By reducing material spillage, extending equipment lifespan, and lowering maintenance demands, the adoption of CleanScrape contributes to a more streamlined and sustainable port operation.

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Transnet’s Richards Bay bulk minerals terminal handles  an extensive array of materials for import and export.

CleanScrape uses a matrix of tungsten carbide wear tips lightly tensioned  across the discharge pulley in a three-dimensional helix shape.

The low-profile design of CleanScrape makes it ideal for situations where access is difficult and space is limited

Martin’s SQC2 Secondary Belt Cleaner features a unique  slide-in/-out assembly for safe and easy blade replacement.