Conveyor Transfer Points: Improving Efficiency, Safety & Dust Control with Smart Engineering

 

In bulk material handling operations—from mining to agriculture, cement, steel, and ports—conveyor systems are the arteries of productivity. And at the heart of these systems lie the transfer points: critical zones where material is moved from one belt to another, from a chute onto a belt, or from a feeder into the system.

While essential, conveyor transfer points are often the most problematic parts of the system. They’re the origin of spillage, dust, belt misalignment, excessive wear, and costly downtime. In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges of conveyor transfer points, why they matter so much, and how innovations like AirScrape® from Scrapetec Trading are setting new standards for performance, safety, and sustainability.

What Are Conveyor Transfer Points?

Transfer points are the zones where bulk materials are transferred from one conveyor to another or from equipment like hoppers or chutes onto a conveyor belt. Because these areas handle large volumes and often involve changes in direction or height, they are naturally prone to challenges such as:

  • Material spillage

  • Dust emissions

  • Impact and belt wear

  • Blockages and build-up

  • Safety hazards

If not properly managed, these issues can lead to expensive clean-up operations, unplanned maintenance, and potential health risks for workers.

Why Are Transfer Points So Problematic?

Despite being a relatively small component in the system, poorly designed or maintained transfer points can have major consequences:

1. Dust Generation

As bulk materials drop or slide into the transfer chute, especially dry or fine particles, they can become airborne. Excess dust not only creates unsafe working conditions but also violates environmental regulations.

2. Material Spillage

If side sealing systems at the transfer point are ineffective, material can escape onto the floor or surrounding components. This results in waste, higher operating costs, and extra labor to clean up.

3. Belt Wear and Misalignment

Poorly controlled impact or inadequate skirting can lead to belt damage or misalignment, causing operational inefficiencies and downtime.

4. Maintenance Downtime

Transfer points are typically high-maintenance zones. Without the right technology, businesses face frequent shutdowns for cleaning, repairing, or replacing worn-out components.

Enter AirScrape®: The Transfer Point Game-Changer

To address these persistent problems, Scrapetec Trading developed the AirScrape® system—a revolutionary conveyor skirting and sealing technology that transforms how transfer points are managed.

AirScrape® is a non-contact, side-sealing system that mounts above the conveyor belt, using aerodynamic principles to control dust and prevent spillage without touching the belt. This innovative approach offers numerous benefits at the transfer point.

How AirScrape® Improves Transfer Point Performance

1. Dust-Free Operation

AirScrape® creates an inward air stream using its unique, diagonal blade design. As material is dropped onto the conveyor belt, this airflow draws dust back into the material flow rather than allowing it to escape into the environment. The result is up to 95% dust reduction at transfer points.

2. No Contact = No Wear

Unlike traditional rubber skirting that presses against the belt, AirScrape® sits just above it. This non-contact design means there’s no friction, dramatically reducing belt and skirting wear. It also eliminates the need for constant adjustments or replacements.

3. Superior Spillage Control

AirScrape® extends along the conveyor’s transfer point to form an effective seal. Combined with complementary products like TailScrape® and DustScrape®, it ensures material remains contained from entry to exit.

4. Quick Installation & Retrofitting

Designed for simplicity, AirScrape® can be installed on new or existing systems without major modifications. It’s modular, lightweight, and fits most standard conveyors, making it an easy upgrade for problematic transfer points.

5. Minimal Maintenance

With no moving parts and a self-adjusting design, AirScrape® dramatically reduces maintenance needs. Operators no longer need to constantly shut down conveyors to fix worn-out skirting or remove build-up.

The Bigger Picture: Environmental and Safety Gains

Beyond the technical advantages, improving conveyor transfer points with AirScrape® has significant environmental and safety benefits:

  • Cleaner Air: Reduced airborne dust means better working conditions, fewer respiratory risks, and improved visibility.

  • Lower Energy Use: With less friction and material loss, conveyor systems run more efficiently, reducing power consumption.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Dust and material control help meet strict environmental and workplace health regulations.

For industries under increasing scrutiny for emissions and safety standards, upgrading transfer points isn’t just good practice—it’s essential.

Where Are Transfer Point Systems Like AirScrape® Used?

AirScrape® is used across multiple sectors including:

  • Mining (coal, copper, gold, iron ore, etc.)

  • Cement and aggregate plants

  • Power generation

  • Fertiliser production

  • Ports and bulk terminals

  • Steel and smelting industries

Wherever dust control and spillage prevention are critical, AirScrape® delivers measurable results.

Case Studies: Results That Speak for Themselves

Across various global installations, AirScrape® has delivered:

  • Up to 98% reduction in material spillage

  • Up to 95% improvement in dust suppression

  • Extended belt life and reduced roller wear

  • Eliminated need for skirt replacement in high-wear zones

  • Significantly reduced maintenance downtime

One mining client in South Africa noted a complete elimination of dust clouds at the transfer point after installing AirScrape®, improving safety and reducing PPE reliance for nearby workers.

Complementary Solutions for Total Transfer Point Optimization

While AirScrape® is a standout product, Scrapetec Trading offers a full suite of solutions for complete transfer point control:

  • TailScrape® – Seals the rear of the transfer zone to prevent backflow and reduce dust and spillage.

  • DustScrape® – Works in tandem with AirScrape® to create a sealed chamber, further enhancing dust control.

  • PrimeTracker® – Keeps belts aligned, especially at the transfer zone, to prevent mis-tracking and edge damage.

Together, these tools create a total transfer point solution—efficient, low-maintenance, and built for heavy-duty industrial applications.

Final Thoughts: Transfer Points Deserve Attention

When it comes to conveyor systems, transfer points are often the weakest link. But with smart engineering and advanced skirting technology like AirScrape®, they can become a competitive advantage instead of a recurring headache.

By preventing dust, reducing spillage, extending equipment life, and cutting maintenance costs, AirScrape® transforms how industries approach material transfer. It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a smarter, safer, and more sustainable way to run your conveyor system.

Looking to optimise your conveyor transfer points?
Explore AirScrape® and discover how Scrapetec Trading can help improve your system’s performance, safety, and efficiency.

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