A mining operation located in the mountains of Chile required an equipment method to handle and convey Ammonium Nitrate (NH4NO3) without degradation, 15 m vertically into a silo. Thier current method of air conveying was causing problems with damaging the prill of the material, resulting in an oxidizing agent which was proving less than expected reaction performance.
The solution was installing a Hapman Series 6000 Tubular Drag Conveyor. This enclosed system is designed to handle a wide range of flowable materials and provides a high degree of protection, isolation and cleanliness. Degradation is limited due to gentle handling of the product in the tube and the use of a special Hapman chain which helps prevent wear and abrasion of the material being conveyed. This 152 mm diameter conveyor is constructed from a schedule 40 pipe for durability. A specially designed sprocket, with hardened teeth, drives the internal chain. This chain is connected to a heavy-duty gear reducer which is in turn driven by an energy-efficient 2 HP motor.
Prill degradation was eliminated, reaction performance when used as the oxidizing agent in detonations was excellent. The customer is very satisfied.