25 Questions
What is the primary application of belt conveyors during the past 200 years?
Handling grains
What were the problems caused by carrying heavier materials on belt conveyors?
Wearing of the idlers
What is a development of the basic configuration of belt conveyors to increase carrying capacity?
Troughing the belt or fitting sidewalls
What is a remarkable example of a large-scale belt conveyor?
Carried 10,000 tonne/day of coal in the USA
What are impact idlers used for?
To reduce wear on the belt at the loading point
What are self-adjusting troughing idlers suspended on?
Springs
What are steel idlers usually used for?
Severe working conditions (handling corrosive materials)
What are return idlers in contact with?
The top cover of the belt
What is the required spacing of the idlers on the carrying side a function of?
Belt width, belt tension, and the bulk density of the conveyed material
What affects the belt tension and driving power requirements?
Frictional resistance
What happens if the last troughing idler set is positioned too close before the discharge point?
The edges of the belt will be stretched excessively
What is the recommended transition from troughed belt to flat belt for a 10° troughing angle?
One belt width
Why are conveyors often considered as an alternative to trucks over long distances?
Energy costs are often lower
What are the traditional disadvantages of conveyors?
Relative inability to handle curved routes
What is the potential for varying degrees of automation with conveyors?
High
What are conveyors often able to achieve in terms of availability?
Up to 90-95% availability
What are the key components of belt conveyors?
Belt, idlers, drive arrangements, power unit, loading and discharge arrangements, and belt cleaners
What factors do mining engineers consider when designing belt conveyor systems?
Belt tensions, take up force, idler spacing, and required motor horsepower
What is the function of the carcass in a conveyor belt?
To carry the tensile force
What determines the choice of carcass material for a conveyor belt?
Maximum tension in the belt, impact forces, and flexibility required
What are the covers of conveyor belts made of?
Natural or synthetic rubber
What is the purpose of adding additional layers of fabric called breakers to conveyor belts?
To increase adhesion, impact resistance, and cushioning
How can the carrying capacity of a belt conveyor be increased and material slippage on inclines be reduced?
Texturing the surface of the belt with cleats or flights
What enables conveyors to operate on steep inclines?
Sidewalls and transverse slats
How can the ends of a conveyor belt be joined together?
Vulcanized splicing or mechanical fasteners
Study Notes
Belt Conveyor Systems: Key Components and Considerations
- A 15-km belt conveyor in a UK coalfield can convey 3,200 tonnes/hr of coal at speeds of up to 8.4 m/s.
- A 3 m wide Japanese conveyor, running at 5.3 m/s, has conveyed sand and rock at a rate of 30,000 tonnes/hr.
- Components of belt conveyors include belt, idlers, drive arrangements, power unit, loading and discharge arrangements, and belt cleaners.
- When designing belt conveyor systems, mining engineers calculate belt tensions, take up force, idler spacing, and required motor horsepower.
- Most conveyors use a conventional flat belt, but special forms are available for specific applications.
- The carcass of a conveyor belt consists of a core, carrying the tensile force, and a cover to protect it from damage.
- The choice of carcass material depends on factors like maximum tension in the belt, impact forces, and flexibility required.
- The cover of the belt is made of natural or synthetic rubber, selected based on the nature of the conveyed material and environmental factors.
- Additional layers of fabric called breakers may be added to increase adhesion, impact resistance, and cushioning.
- Texturing the surface of the belt with cleats or flights can increase the carrying capacity and reduce material slippage on inclines.
- Conveyors with sidewalls and transverse slats enable operation on steep inclines.
- Jointing the ends of a conveyor belt can be done through vulcanized splicing or mechanical fasteners, each with its own advantages and limitations.
Test your knowledge of belt conveyor systems with this quiz on key components and design considerations. Learn about belt tensions, idler spacing, carcass materials, and more essential aspects of conveyor systems used in mining and material handling.
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