Vicat starts up “Europe’s longest” conveyor belt

Hannover, Germany - The longest conveyor belt in Europe recently went into operation at the Vicat cement factory in Montalieu in eastern France, belt supplier ContiTech has announced.

The endless steel cord belt is about 13km long and does a twist and turn on the head and tail of the system to run parallel to the loaded belt on the return.

Limestone residues remain on the returning belt rather than falling underneath it.

Montalieu, which lies between Lyon and Geneva is home to the cement plant, which Vicat is using the conveyor to bring in limestone from the quarry 6.2km away.

French bulk handling Techmi built the entire conveyor system in partnership with ContiTech

The system is designed to blend into its surroundings; concrete walls and a cover encase the conveyor belt and people, animals and vehicles can cross over the construction.

ContiTech delivered its Stahlcord ST1000-5+5 X, a steel cable conveyor that’s resistant to abrasion, weather and corrosion. It’s also thermally stable, highly durable and low maintenance.

The endless belt does a twist and turn on the head and tail of the system to run parallel to the loaded belt on the return. This innovation allows a base construction no higher than just 80cm, and makes the system easier to keep clean as limestone residues remain on the returning belt rather than falling underneath it.