Northwest Sand & Gravel

Twin Falls, Idaho: LOCATION
Aggregates: Sand & Gravel: INDUSTRY

The Challenge

Northwest Sand & Gravel faced recurring operational disruptions due to material becoming trapped in traditional tail pulleys. The plant, managed by Tony Traveller, experienced significant downtime as rocks frequently lodged between the fins of the standard wing pulleys, causing the pulleys to bend and ultimately leading to conveyor belt damage. Despite using the most heavy-duty traditional wing pulleys available, these issues persisted, resulting in excessive maintenance, increased labor costs, and reduced productivity.

“Often, the standard wings’ edges would become sharp, which would catch a belt splicing or contribute to the fast wear of the belt. But with the Chevron pulleys, we have had none of those issues.”

Tony Traveller

Plant Supervisor

The Solution

To overcome these challenges, Traveller turned to Superior’s Chevron Wing Pulleys. The Chevron Pulleys feature a V-shaped wing design specifically engineered to deflect material away from the pulley, preventing it from becoming trapped and causing damage. Traveller strategically installed the Chevron Pulleys in the most problematic and abrasive areas of his operation, including a 150-foot radial stacker, belts running from the primary impactor, and discharge belts from the screening circuit. This innovative solution was aimed at reducing downtime, minimizing maintenance, and extending the lifespan of the conveyor belts.

The Results

The implementation has yielded significant operational improvements. The V-shaped design has successfully eliminated the issue of material lodging, resulting in uninterrupted operations and extended belt life. Traveller reported that the Chevron Pulleys have withstood the test of time, running 24 hours a day, five to six days a week, with no issues. The plant has experienced a marked decrease in maintenance requirements, and the pulleys’ durability has led to cost savings that far outweigh the initial investment. The reduced downtime and enhanced performance have reinforced the value of upgrading to the Chevron Wing Pulleys, ensuring smoother and more efficient operations for the long term.