Air Supported Belt Conveyor
Using a cushion of air to support the loaded belt, the Robson Airglide brings economic, efficiency and environmental advantages to your business.
No internal rollers or bearings – Low maintenance – ATEX Certified – IP64 Sealed
A cleaner, safer, more efficient conveying technology
The Robson ‘Airglide’ air-supported belt conveyor is a development of the traditional belt conveyor, which instead of having belt-carrying idlers and rollers, employs a cushion of air to support the loaded belt over its full length. The air-supported belt conveyor is a cleaner, safer and more energy efficient method of belt conveying when compared to traditional belt conveyors.
How it works
Small fan units supply low-pressure, filtered air to the plenum below the belt support trough. Low-pressure air then passes through the plenum at regular spacings between the belt support trough and the belt, creating a cushion of air which breaks the friction between belt and trough. Fan spacings are typically every 30m, and the belt is driven by the main drive motor. The Robson Airglide can be used in applications from short distances to hundreds of metres in length.
Modular by design
The air-supported belt conveyor design uses the latest sheet metal fabrication technology, providing strong but lightweight construction. Sections are generally pre-assembled and delivered to site as head, tail, 3m intermediate sections, and variable length make-up sections, all designed to bolt together quickly and cost-effectively to form the requisite length of conveyor.
Sealed to IP64
Each casing section is sealed with self-adhesive sealing tape between the joints, and sealing is certified to IP64. This high standard of sealing ensures containment of product and dust, and prevents the ingress of moisture, insects etc. It is also an important factor in the ATEX compliance of the design.
Built to last
The robust and weatherproof materials, and the design of the Robson Airglide Conveyor, ensures the conveyor will last, and that the product is safe. The design makes the Airglide suitable for installation in open or enclosed gantries.
Airglides are available ATEX rated for use in explosive atmospheres and flammable dusts.
Category 1 for Dust Zones 20 (Internal)
Category 2 for Dust Zones 21
Category 3 for Dust Zones 22
Belt Width | 600mm | 800mm | 1,000mm | 1,400mm |
Length | <200m | <300m | >300m | >300m |
Max Incline | 20º | 20º | 20º | 20º |
Capacity | 100TPH | 200TPH | 500TPH | 850TPH |
Drive | Shaft mounted helical bevel | Geared motor unit | |||
Bearings | Plummer block bearing | Flanged bearings | |||
Belt Options | Antistatic| Fire resistant | Food safe | Oil resistant | Hard wearing | |||
Fans | Spark free running | ATEX rated | |||
Tension Unit | Below 50m - Tail tension unit | Above 50m - Gravity tension unit | Option: Winch tension unit | |||
Sensors | Speed switch | Pressure switch | |||
Optional Sensors | Blockage sensor | Flame sensor | Belt tracking | |||
Construction Materials | Conveyor case and internals - stainless steel | Conveyor support structure - galvanised mild steel | |||
Explosion / Fire Protection | Suppression units | Explosion vent panels | Deluge systems | Spray systems | |||
Conveyed Materials | Dry bulky materials in the form of crumbs, grains, pellets, shreds, dust, powder, flake, or crushed products of bio-matter, sludge and aggregate | |||
ATEX |
Zone 20 internally - Zone 22 externally |