Lafarge Corporation, a large aggregates producer, is utilizing a giant, 48-in. by 180-ft. (122 cm by 55 m) radial stacking conveyor specially designed and built by Grasan for its Marblehead limestone quarry on the shores of Lake Erie near Sandusky, OH. Marblehead is the largest quarry operation in Lafarge’s USA Northern Division.
The conveyor belt unit is powered by two 75-hp (56 kW) electric motors and has a belt speed of 350 ft. (107 m) per minute and a capacity of 1,500 to 1,600 tons (1,361 to 1,451 t) per hour. The conveyor frame is made up of five welded sections and has a fixed height of 58 ft. (17.7 m). The stockpile radius is 169 ft. 9 in. (51.5 m to 23 cm).
The giant stacker has a twin radial drive with four axles and a total of 12 tires. It is powered by two 5-hp (3.7 kW) electric motors and has a travel radius of 32 ft. to 6 in. (9.7 m to 15 cm). The conveyor base is anchored to a huge concrete pylon through a swivel mechanism.
Shot limestone is processed through a primary crusher in the pit and then conveyed to the Grasan stacker, which feeds the plant’s surge pile. Under the surge pile is a 14-ft. (4.3 m) diameter tunnel that houses a 48-in. (122 cm) conveyor leading to the secondary crushing plant. Limestone from the surge pile enters the tunnel through openings in the top surface and is deposited on the conveyor belt via vibrating feeder pans.
Lafarge’s Northern Division utilizes several other Grasan stackers and conveyors for bulk handling of aggregates and slag. “We have found Grasan equipment to be very dependable and efficient with little maintenance,” said Tim Page, Northern Division operations manager. “That’s why we chose Grasan to engineer our giant new stacker. They work with you to design equipment that meets your exact needs.”
Grasan, of Mansfield, OH, is a designer and manufacturer of conveyor systems for aggregates, mining, steel mills and other bulk handling applications; crushing plants for aggregates and concrete recycling; screening plants; surge and storage facilities; and related equipment.
For more information, call 419/526-4440 or visit www.grasan.com.
