Conveyor systems drive efficiency in bulk material transport, but too frequently a misunderstood component – skirting rubber – is the difference between success and failure for your plant.
Skirting rubber is a barrier of defense: it keeps material contained, reduces fugitive dust, and defends your conveyor system from excessive wear. The choice of the right skirting rubber is no careless action; it’s an important one that impacts safety, maintenance, and your bottom line.
Why is Skirting Rubber So Necessary?
Installed on the sides of your conveyor belt, skirting rubber provides an airtight seal between the belt and the conveyor frame. It is used to avert spilling over material – coal, ore, or aggregates – which amounts to loss of product and danger.
Effective skirting also cuts down on airborne dust, a major problem for both regulatory purpose and employee health. And, it can prolong the life of primary conveyor components by cutting down on abrasion.
Aligning Skirting Systems with Rubber Selection
Your conveyor’s skirting system – whether fixed, adjustable, or modular – dictates the type of rubber you’ll need:
- Fixed Skirting: Highly resistant rubber exigencies, as it must withstand continuous friction. Flexibility is less important here.
- Adjustable Skirting: Requires a balance between toughness and elasticity. The rubber must survive movement without cracking.
- Quick-Clamp/Modular: In this instance, the rubber must be both tough and elastic to survive frequent replacement.
Selection of the right rubber for your skirting system can significantly improve sealing efficiency and service life.
Main Points to Consider When Specifying Skirting Rubber
- Composition:
- Natural Rubber: High elasticity and abrasion resistance for general-purpose.
- Polyurethane (PU): Low-friction and highly wear-resistant, ideal for high-speed or heavy-duty conveyors.
- Soft Rubber: Best seal, with low dust for powdery or fine material.
- Durometer (Hardness):
Hardness in durometers regulates sealing ability and the durability of rubber.
- Soft (38–40 durometer): Elastic, makes tight seals, most suitable for dusty environments.
- Medium/Hard (50–60 durometer): More durability for general-purpose sealability.
Optimal hardness is in-between sealing and wear.
- Width and Thickness:
Rubber skirting has to be the correct size for your conveyor to seal properly. Standard thickness is 6mm to 25mm and width from 75mm to 300mm. Any specific sizes can be made if necessary.
- Environmental Conditions:
Consider extremes of temperature, chemical exposure, ultra-violet light, and water, which all tend to degrade some rubbers. Heat-stable compounds are required for high-temperature service and chemically inert ones for chemical exposure.
- Conveyer Load and Speed:
Heavy loads and high speeds produce low friction. Polyurethane gives optimum wear under these conditions; softer rubber may be employed in slow-speed applications.
- Installation and Maintenance:
Simplified installation and repair reduce labor and downtime. Simple replacement is assured by rapid-clamp mechanisms, so selection of compatible rubber is paramount.
- Safety and Compliance:
FRAS (Fire Resistant Anti-Static) or local standard compliance must be ensured, especially in aggressive environments.
Errors to avoid
- Incorrect material reduces service life and increases cost.
- Omitting environmental exposure accelerates deterioration.
- Incorrect hardness causes improper sealing or excessive wear.
- Poor sizing or installation causes leaks and uneven wear.
- Lack of regular maintenance causes unexpected downtime.
Optimising your skirting rubber is not only about preventing spillage—it’s maximising your plant’s performance, cutting maintenance, and achieving regulatory compliance. Don’t miss out on expert consultation, correctly gauge your plant’s needs, and spend on regular inspection to protect your business and your bottom line.
How to Maximise Skirting Rubber Longevity (Without the Guesswork)
Let’s get straight to it—your skirting rubber is an investment, and letting it wear out too quickly is just money out the window. Here’s what actually works if you’re serious about stretching those maintenance budgets:
- Start with regular inspections: Look for cracks, obvious wear, or anything that seems off. Small issues left unchecked can quickly lead to bigger, pricier problems.
- Keep skirting and belt zone free of debris: Debris accumulation accelerates wear and can be damaging to performance. Clean system = more system life.
- Get tension just so: Too tight, you burn rubber. Too loose, you experience a loss of containment. Stumbling upon the sweet spot and checking it regularly.
- Replace worn areas when you first notice them—putting it off only increases your risk and repair cost.
- Don’t neglect to lubricate any sliding skirting components. A little preventative maintenance prevents a lot of downtime in the future.
Why is the Right Skirting Rubber Critical?
Selecting the proper skirting rubber involves:
- Minimising material loss and waste.
- Better dust control and compliance.
- Extended equipment life.
- Enhanced workplace safety.
- Maintained maintenance schedules and expenses.
Conclusion
Rubber skirting is not a cookie-cutter case—it directly affects your plant’s bottom line, safety, and efficiency. Consider your material, hardness, size, environment, conveyor specification, and system configuration and select your best choice.
KBM Pacific is available with a complete selection of high-performance skirting rubbers and systems and valuable real-world experience. Call us today to discuss your requirements and help your operation stay at optimal efficiency and safety levels.
