How to choose the right conveyor belt?

The conveying method of the rubber conveyor belt depends on the conveying capacity of the conveyor belt and will be restricted by terrain and environmental protection conditions. It is the prerequisite for determining the carcass material, structure, safety factor, and conveyor belt length for heavy-duty rubber conveyor belts. The rubber conveyor belt has the characteristics of heat-resistant belt, wear-resistant belt, fire-resistant belt, oil-resistant belt, alkali-resistant belt, acid-resistant belt, heat-resistant belt, and cold-resistant belt. It is mainly used for the transportation of solid materials in various mining, metallurgy, steel, coal, hydropower, building materials, chemical, food, and other enterprises.

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

Selection of carcass material and structure of rubber conveyor belt:

The performance of the conveyor belt is closely related to the material, structure, and number of layers of the belt core. The multi-layer cotton canvas belt has low strength, many layers, is not fatigue resistant, easy to mold, heavy-weight, and high energy consumption;

Nylon belts have high strength, great elasticity, lightweight, good impact resistance and bending resistance, good trough forming performance, mildew resistance, water resistance, and other properties that are better than cotton canvas conveyor belts. The disadvantage is that the elongation is large. When the tensioning stroke can be set to be longer, the nylon rubber belt can be preferred;

The strength of the polyester belt is similar to that of nylon. It has all the advantages of a nylon conveyor belt. Its elastic modulus is higher than nylon, its elongation is small, and its dimension is stable. It is an ideal transportation belt commonly used in industry.

The steel cord conveyor belt has high strength, good trough ability, small elongation, and short tensioning stroke. It is especially suitable for the transportation requirements of large transportation volume, high belt speed, and long-distance.

From the structural point of view, the rubber conveyor belt is mainly composed of three parts: carcass material, cover layer, and skim rubber material. The covering layer is a key part that determines its performance and use. According to the different materials used in the cover layer, the conveyor belt industry can be divided into two categories: heavy conveyor belts and light conveyor belts. The former uses rubber (including natural rubber and synthetic rubber) as the main raw material, so it is also called rubber conveyor belts. The scope is concentrated in the fields of heavy industry and infrastructure construction; the latter mainly uses polymer materials, which are mainly used in light industries such as food and electronics.

Cover rubber selection:

The choice of cover layer includes covering material, surface morphology, and thickness. The main components of the covering layer are various rubbers and plastics. Since the properties of various rubbers vary greatly, such as natural rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber have good abrasion resistance, ethylene-propylene rubber is particularly heat-resistant, but cyanide rubber has good oil resistance, and propylene butyl rubber is both heat-resistant and oxidation-resistant. Therefore, the choice of the type of covering material must be comprehensively considered according to the types of commonly used conveying materials, operating conditions, and working environment.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website haichuan.

Besides, the increase in the thickness of the covering layer is also conducive to improving the impact resistance and abrasion resistance of the rubber conveyor belt. Especially nowadays, the cotton canvas belt core has been replaced by a synthetic fiber fabric belt core. The performance of the belt core has been greatly improved, while the thickness is relatively reduced. To improve the overall performance of the belt, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the covering layer to give full play to its advantages and increase the service life of the conveyor belt. However, if the lower covering layer is too thick, the running resistance of the conveyor belt will increase. 

Conveyor belt systems play a crucial role in the mining industry, making operations more efficient and less costly. A mining conveyor belt transports mined materials from the site to loading areas or processing facilities. Choosing the right mining conveyor belt depends on the needs of your business.

Understanding Mining Conveyor Belts

At the heart of a conveyor system lies the mining conveyor belt, essential for moving ore and various materials from the mining site to processing units or loading zones. These belts, powered by motors running on electricity or alternative sources, come in various compositions, including plastic or rubber compounds, fabric materials, and steel cables. Supported by rollers, these belts move materials efficiently and safely at a set speed.

Composition of Conveyor Belts

Typically, a conventional conveyor belt comprises three layers:

• The top layer or cover supports the product during transit.
• The middle layer, also known as the carcass, provides additional support, often made of metal or woven fabric.
• The bottom cover completes the belt&#;s structure.

Types of Conveyor Belts

Selecting the correct conveyor belt system type is vital for ensuring safe and efficient operations, as using the wrong type can lead to detrimental consequences and unplanned downtime. The various conveyor belt types include:

• Straight-warp: Ideal for tunnelling, used in rock quarries and crushers. They feature impact and tear resistance, with yarns and polyamide on both sides.
• Multi-ply: Characterized by multiple fabric layers separated by rubber, these belts are durable and suitable for underground applications.
• Steel-cord: Employing steel cables along the belt&#;s length, these are designed for underground applications.
• Solid woven belts: More common in Europe and Asia, less so in the U.S.
  Heat-resistant: Built to withstand high temperatures.

Choosing the Right Mining Conveyor Belt

Application and environment are top considerations when selecting a mining conveyor belt. Consider tensile strength requirements, cover thickness, and type based on the material transported and loading method. For example, conveyors in temperature-controlled warehouses transporting light materials have different demands than those moving heavy products in underground mines.

Differentiate between above-ground and underground belts. Above-ground belts, typically made of highly flammable petrochemicals, pose a safety hazard if used underground. In contrast, underground mining belts incorporate flame-resistant materials and special agents to reduce friction and increase fire resistance.

For surface or above-ground belts, consider the properties of transported materials, including humidity levels, granularity, and abrasion characteristics. The nature of transported materials significantly affects belt lifespan; abrasive materials can damage the belt more quickly.

Additional Considerations

• Service Life: Consider durability based on your environment; belts in mines and quarries have different demands than factory lines.
• Temperature: High-temperature materials can damage belts; select a belt with appropriate thermal properties.
• Fireproofing: For underground conveyors, ensure compliance with fire resistance requirements like MSHA Part 14.
• Pulley Diameter: The recommended diameter varies depending on the belt fabric thickness.
• Corrosion-Resistance: Important in fluctuating environments, mainly underground.
• Belt Width & Length: Know your sizing requirements, as belts vary significantly in width and size based on application.

Luff Industries Quality Engineering and Expertise

While numerous components power a conveyor system, the belt is a critical part that warrants careful consideration. Understanding the types, compositions, and application-specific requirements of conveyor belts is essential in selecting the right one for your system, ensuring safety, efficiency, and operation longevity.

Leveraging our deep industry expertise and insights, we recognize the unique demands of various conveyor belt applications. Our dedicated team works hand-in-hand with every client, meticulously evaluating their specific needs and obstacles. Based on this, we craft and engineer conveyor belt system solutions that suit their distinct needs, guaranteeing superior performance, efficiency, and longevity.

Partnering with Luff Industries means you&#;ll get a custom conveyor belt system designed not just to meet but exceed expectations, enabling your operations to function smoothly and effectively.

Want more information on Steel Cord Conveyor Belts Manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.