The I-shaped conveyor belt cleaner is a type of conveyor belt accessory installed on the return side of the conveyor belt, typically before the tail pulley. It removes bulk material, fine dust, and product residue from the belt surface, helping prevent material from entering the gap between the belt and pulley, which can cause jamming, belt damage, or tearing.

What Is a Floating Diagonal Plough?

A Floating Diagonal Plough is installed on the return side of a conveyor belt to remove material remaining on the inner surface of the belt. It is normally positioned before the tail pulley, where loose material can otherwise become trapped between the belt and pulley.

The plough uses a diagonal polyurethane (PU) blade that maintains contact with the belt surface and directs carryback toward one side of the conveyor. Its floating design allows the blade to follow minor belt movement while maintaining effective cleaning performance.

The Floating Diagonal Plough is especially suitable for reversible conveyor belts, as its design allows it to operate with the belt running in either direction.

Construction of a Floating Diagonal Plough

The Floating Diagonal Plough has a simple and durable construction consisting of several main components:

  • Floating PU scraper blade: Contacts the inner belt surface and removes carryback.
  • Scraper frame: Supports the blade and provides structural stability during operation.
  • Mounting brackets: Secure the plough to both sides of the conveyor structure.
  • Gravity-loaded mechanism: Allows the blade to maintain contact with the belt through its own weight.
  • Mounting hardware: Provides secure installation and allows convenient removal and blade replacement.

Working Principle of a Floating Diagonal Plough

The Floating Diagonal Plough is normally installed before the tail pulley or at another point on the return run where loose material may become trapped between the belt and pulley. The plough is suspended from mounting brackets attached to both sides of the conveyor structure.

The PU blade is positioned at approximately 45° to the direction of belt travel. As the belt moves, the blade scrapes carryback from the inner surface and directs it toward one side of the conveyor. The gravity-loaded mechanism allows the blade to maintain contact with the belt without requiring frequent manual adjustment.

As the blade gradually wears, the floating mechanism allows it to continue following the belt surface. When the blade reaches its wear limit, it can be replaced to restore effective cleaning performance.

Technical Specifications of a Floating Diagonal Plough

  • Product name: Floating Diagonal Plough
  • Product type: Diagonal return belt plough
  • Installation position: Return belt run, typically before the tail pulley
  • Blade type: Floating diagonal scraper blade
  • Blade material: Polyurethane (PU)
  • Optional blade material: PU FRAS
  • Frame material: Carbon steel or stainless steel
  • Suitable conveyor: Unidirectional or reversible conveyor
  • Suitable belt width: Approximately 650–2,200 mm
  • Adjustment method: Gravity-loaded
  • Blade angle: Approximately 45°
  • Material discharge: Toward one side of the belt
  • Customization: Available according to belt width and conveyor structure

Advantages of a Floating Diagonal Plough

  • Suitable for reversible conveyors: Designed for belts operating in either direction.
  • Floating PU blade: Follows the belt surface for consistent cleaning.
  • Gravity-loaded operation: Maintains blade contact without frequent adjustment.
  • Belt-friendly design: Helps minimize damage to the belt surface and mechanical splices.
  • Reduces tail pulley buildup: Removes carryback before it reaches the tail pulley.
  • Easy blade replacement: The worn PU blade can be replaced quickly.
  • Extends belt service life: Helps reduce abrasive wear on the belt and pulley components.
  • Low maintenance: Simple construction requires minimal routine maintenance.
  • Flexible construction options: Available with carbon steel or stainless steel components.
  • Suitable for demanding applications: PU FRAS blades can be selected for applications requiring flame-retardant and anti-static properties.

Floating Diagonal Plough vs. V-Plough

Both the Floating Diagonal Plough and V-Plough are installed on the return side of a conveyor belt to remove carryback from the inner belt surface and reduce material buildup around the tail pulley. The main difference is the blade configuration and the direction in which the material is discharged.

The Floating Diagonal Plough uses a diagonal blade to direct carryback toward one side of the belt. It can be used on both unidirectional and reversible conveyor systems, making it particularly suitable for applications where the belt needs to operate in both directions or where carryback needs to be discharged to one side.

The V-Plough uses two scraper blades arranged in a V configuration. It directs material from the center of the belt toward both sides and is generally used on unidirectional conveyor systems.

Therefore, the Floating Diagonal Plough is a suitable choice for reversible conveyors or applications requiring one-sided material discharge, while the V-Plough is commonly used on one-way conveyors where material needs to be diverted to both sides.

Applications of a Floating Diagonal Plough

The Floating Diagonal Plough is suitable for conveyor systems handling bulk materials and applications where carryback on the return belt needs to be controlled.

  • Coal handling conveyors
  • Stone and aggregate conveyors
  • Sand and cement conveyors
  • Mining and mineral processing conveyors
  • Raw material handling systems
  • Animal feed processing conveyors
  • Grain and agricultural product conveyors
  • Bulk material handling systems
  • Conveyor systems requiring reduced carryback and tail pulley buildup

Belota Supplies Floating Diagonal Ploughs

Belota supplies Floating Diagonal Ploughs for industrial conveyor systems, featuring wear-resistant PU scraper blades, robust construction and a gravity-loaded floating design.

The product can be selected according to the belt width, pulley dimensions, belt travel direction and actual installation conditions. Belota can also provide customized solutions to suit different conveyor configurations.

In addition to Floating Diagonal Ploughs, Belota supplies a range of conveyor belt cleaning solutions, including primary belt cleaners, secondary belt cleaners, PU belt cleaners, PU Nano belt cleaners, ceramic belt cleaners and tungsten carbide belt cleaners.

Customers can provide their conveyor belt width, belt specifications, pulley dimensions, belt direction and operating conditions for technical consultation and product selection.

Contact Belota for a suitable Floating Diagonal Plough solution for your conveyor system.