Apron conveyors — suitable duty\nFor which duty are apron conveyors most appropriately used in materials handling?

Introduction / Context:
Conveyor selection is governed by load, distance, material characteristics, and environmental constraints. Apron conveyors (pan conveyors) consist of overlapping metal pans attached to chains, designed to move heavy, hot, or abrasive lumps where belts would suffer damage or excessive spillage.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Material is bulky, possibly hot or abrasive (e.g., clinker, sinter, ore lumps).
• Conveying distance is modest and speed is low to moderate.

Concept / Approach:
Apron conveyors excel at short-distance transfer of heavy loads, accepting large lumps without spillage and tolerating heat and impact. They are not economical for long runs due to chain wear and power consumption. Small loads or fine powders over long distances are better handled by belt, screw, or pneumatic systems. For long heavy runs, troughed belts or overland belts are typically preferred where feasible.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Cement and steel plants routinely use apron conveyors under crushers, coolers, and stockyard reclaimers for short transfers of hot, heavy materials.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Small loads/long runs: belts or pneumatics are more economical.
• Heavy loads/long runs: belts or rail-mounted systems are favored where possible.
• Powders at high speed: not an apron duty; spillage and wear are issues.

Common Pitfalls:
Overspecifying aprons where belts suffice; chains add significant maintenance costs over distance.

Final Answer:
Heavy loads over short runs