Dynamics Of A Belt Conveyor System And Problems Likely To Be Encountered

The belt conveyor system has been proven to be an efficient and utterly convenient means of moving materials especially in mass production plants that manufacture bulky materials like motor vehicles and packaging industries. Their cost effectiveness is also valuable as they save these kind of industries on the costs of paying for human labor to haul heavy products.

The Different Types Of Belt Conveyors Are:

1. Slider bed belt conveyors

2. Roller

3. Horizontal

4. Incline and Decline

There are 'receptor' belts, used at docking ports and inclined walkways to move people between floors in some storeyed structures like airports and malls.

5. Brake and Meter belt conveyor

6. Metal Piano and Hinge Conveyor

7. Wire mesh belt conveyor

8. Portable Conveyor

The belt conveyor is essentially a system of pulleys at both ends of a rotating belt (conveyor belt). One is powered (drive pulley) while the other is not (idler pulley). In other such systems, both pulleys are powered. The pulleys power the belt and move the material on it forward.

The belt itself is made of layers of material, the inner to shape it, called a carcass and the cover, on which materials lie as they are conveyed. The carcass is mostly made out of rigid polyester while a rubbery surface is preferred for the cover.

They are mostly used at points where there are self-unloading vessels (like at sea ports), in escalators, tills at supermarket counters and moving walkways.

Another type of belt conveyer is supported by air, and used mainly in the food and mining industry. The belt is supported by a steady stream of air, propelled by a fan under the belt. A single fan can span a length of over 150 meters of belt. The speed of propulsion, pressure and volume of air varies with the type of load being transported. These fans replace the standard powered pulleys.

Using air reduces the friction and dust otherwise generated by drive pulleys. Maintenance costs are therefore costs significantly reduced. Using an air supported machine also implies less noise, and goods remain intact, unlike the conventional system where the contact may abrade the packaging and distort or damage the products being moved. They are also relatively faster. Given that there is no contact with the weight being transported, movement on steeper planes is easier.

Risks And Problems Associated With Using Belt Conveyor Systems.

1. One risk associated with these belts is the risk of operators getting caught between pinch points.

2. When the belt size is not picked out correctly, it may cup (fold). High temperatures can also cause belt cupping.

3. Material being conveyed, especially if they are too big, may hit and completely tear the cover over time.

4. When goods are trapped at the pinch point, the others that are in line behind it may spill over and drop. If they are fragile, that could cause significant financial losses.

5. Passing hot materials on the surface may cause the cover to crack, a situation that can be corrected by using silicone which can stand very high temperatures


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Jurgen is a mechanical engineer at Robotunits, who use automated means in developing belt conveyors. The outstanding features of their products are that they are suited to the customer's specifications, are of the highest quality , CE Compliant (European Conformity), are low maintenance and once a client places an order, they can deliver in as fast as 3 days, visit us at http://www.robotunits.com.au/conveyors/belt-conveyors/ for more info.