Belt conveyor: what it consists of, features, principle of operation

Belt conveyors are used in various spheres of production. They are used to move goods inside the shop or between departments. This equipment is installed at agricultural, metallurgical and mining enterprises. Belt conveyors work in large warehouses, ports and at checkouts in supermarkets. Why is this equipment so popular? What are the peculiarities of belt conveyors and what is their principle of operation?

Device of the belt conveyor

This is equipment with a simple design. It can be stationary or mobile. The belt conveyor consists of such elements:

• Frame.
• Tension and drive drums.
• Rollers.
• Conveyor belt.
• Cleaning systems.

The conveyor belt is the most stressed part, as this element of the conveyor rubs against the rollers and supports the weight of the loads. It is the most short-lived and expensive part. Most often installed belts are made of the following materials:

• Polymers.
• Rubber fabric material.
• Modules made of metal.
• Rubber with cables.

The principle of operation of the belt conveyor

The conveyor belt is closed. It is fixed and held on supports with rollers. The drive drum activates the belt movement at a predetermined pace. The tension drum controls the tension of the conveyor belt. To place the loads on the belt, loading units are used. On the other side of the conveyor, the load is picked up by a receiving unit. It is possible to remove loads from the conveyor belt while it is moving.

Features of belt conveyors

Conveyors differ in the way the belt is installed:

• In horizontal conveyors, an elastic belt is installed. It is used to transport piece products, bulk or lump goods in warehouses and sorting lines.
• In inclined conveyors, the belt is installed at an angle. Therefore, this equipment is suitable for moving goods from one level to another in a warehouse or production facility. This equipment is installed indoors or outdoors.
• The belt can be in Z and L shape or or rounded. Thanks to this, the conveyor can be placed even in tight spaces.

The design of the belt varies:

• Straight smooth surface is durable and used in various processes.
• Conveyors with chutes are used for transportation of bulk goods.
• Belt conveyor with baffles on the track is suitable for moving bulk goods at an incline of more than 30°.
• Conveyor with boards deliver large quantities of products, it is possible to move unstable cargoes.

Regardless of the length of the conveying belt and the speed of cargo movement on it, conveyors have high productivity. They are used as freestanding devices or integrated into complex mechanisms.

Small loads on belt conveyors are delivered to a distance of up to 20 meters. To transport goods and products over a larger area, several conveyors are installed. In this way it is possible to move goods for several kilometers.