Germiston-based engineering and transferring chutes company Weba Chute Systems uses a scientific approach for the designing and engineering of transfer chutes that provide a longer equipment life, easier maintenance and improved plant efficiencies.

Weba Chute Systems MD Mark Baller says each project begins with a hands-on approach adopted by the engineering team, who together are able to leverage many years of field experience.

“When our team goes for a site visit at the start of the process, it identifies transfer issues and collaborates closely with the customer to develop a tailor-made solution. “We invest thousands of research hours into understanding the dynamics of bulk materials handling at transfer points. “Cost factors are front-of-mind for all stakeholders in the mining sector, so we have to ensure a solution that will increase the return on investment within a short period as possible,” he emphasises.

Baller explains that it is insufficient to view the design of transfer chutes in isolation from the broader working environment. He further indicates that taking a systems approach to bulk solids handling design is essential to ensure operational characteristics are matched throughout the plant. “This is a prerequisite to ensuring smooth materials flow through the entire plant.”

He says the results of Weba Chute System’s research, engineering and quality focus is reduced maintenance requirements in the final product, longer conveyor belt life, higher throughput as well as an improved transfer conditions.

“Employing sophisticated three-dimensional computer software for our system designs, we follow this up with quality manufacturing in our ISO 9001:2015 accredited facility. However, this capacity is only as valuable as the data that we get from our customers – so a close working relationship is a vital cornerstone for a successful outcome.”

Baller says optimising chute performance is a process of defining the geometry of the chute to reliably convey material from one point to another.

“The complexity of chute performance means that chute design should be carried out at the plant design stage and not added as a conveyance to transfer material from one point to another at a later stage.”

To ensure customer confidence and assurance that the product will meet its stated objectives, the company provides process and performance guarantees, backed up by its substantial support network.

He adds that this philosophy drives the company to constantly improve its products – and to find ever more effective ways of helping clients manage their production costs. The implementation of well-engineered transfer chute systems becomes a key strategy in achieving clients’ budgetary goals.