ZOOMRY

How to Choose a Conveyor Belt

Conveyor systems have several moving parts and components to power them: idlers, winches, bearings, couplings, gearboxes, motors, fluid couplings, and scrapers all work together to move material from point A to point B. However, the conveyor belt itself is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of a conveyor setup – yet it is critical for supporting and safely transporting products to their intended destination.

What is a conveyor belt?

A conveyor belt is one of the most important components of a conveyor system. It transports ore and other materials from the mining site to the processing facility or loading area. Powered by an electric or other energy‑source motor, the belt moves at predetermined speeds supported by rollers. Depending on the application, the belt composition may include plastic or rubber compounds, fabric materials, and steel cords.

Conveyor Belt Composition

Conventional conveyor belts consist of three layers:

• Top cover – the layer upon which the product is transported.
• Carcass (middle layer) – supports the belt, often made of metal or braided fabric.
• Bottom cover – completes the belt construction.

What are the different types of conveyor belts?

Choosing the right type is critical to ensuring safe and reliable operation. Using the wrong belt can lead to disastrous consequences and unplanned downtime.

• Multi-Ply – multiple layers of fabric separated by rubber to dampen impact. Durable, used in underground applications.
• Straight Warp – ideal for tunnel applications, quarries, and rock crushers. High impact and tear resistance, uses yarn and polyamide. Allows higher troughing at narrower belt widths and higher PIW ratings.
• Steel Cord – steel cables running the entire belt length, used for underground applications.
• Solid Woven Belts – more popular in Europe and Asia, less common in the United States.
• Heat Resistant – designed to withstand high temperatures.

Considerations for Choosing Mining Conveyor Belts

When purchasing a mining conveyor belt, first determine tensile strength requirements, cover thickness, and cover type based on the material being transported and loaded. The operating environment is also critical: conveyors moving packaged or lightweight materials in climate‑controlled warehouses have different needs than those transporting heavy products underground in mines and quarries. Application and environment should be your two primary considerations.

Above or below ground?

Underground
Underground mining belts are made from flame‑retardant materials. Special reagents, impregnating pastes, and rubber components are added during manufacturing to reduce the coefficient of friction and increase fire resistance.

Above Ground
The choice depends primarily on the characteristics of the raw material: moisture level, particle size, and wear characteristics. For example, highly abrasive materials like iron ore, metallurgical coke, and quartz require a more robust belt than moderately abrasive materials like ash or sand.

Nature of the material to be transported

Under ideal conditions, mining conveyor belts last three to ten years (depending on length, design, etc.). Sharp, jagged, abrasive materials can damage the belt more quickly. Choose a belt designed for your specific application and ensure good support in the loading area.

Fire Resistance

If your conveyor operates in an underground environment, it may need to meet MSHA Part 14 fire protection requirements. Be aware of all rules and regulations that affect belt selection to ensure safe and compliant operation.

Lifespan

Some belts last longer than others. Conveyors running underground or transporting materials from mines and quarries place higher demands on belts than lines moving empty boxes in factories. Understand your durability and robustness needs to avoid reduced productivity and increased downtime.

Pulley Diameter

Depending on the belt fabric thickness, consider the pulley diameter recommended by the manufacturer.

Corrosion Resistance

Belts can corrode – especially those containing metal. Corrosion can be a challenge for underground conveyors exposed to fluctuating temperatures, UV rays, humidity, and moisture. Climate‑controlled facilities may have less concern.

Belt Width and Length

Not all belts are made for the same application, so they don’t all come in the same size. Belts can be customized to fit desired length and width – know your sizing requirements.

Temperature

Rock and ore coming directly from the ground can reach 220 °F (104 °C). While not enough to catch fire, such heat can cause irreparable damage. Conveyor belts with specific thermal properties can help mitigate damage from hot materials.

FAQs

• Q: What is a coal conveyor belt?
  A: Coal conveyor belts are specifically designed to safely and efficiently transport coal. Zoomry has over 20 years of experience manufacturing custom conveyors for the coal mining industry.
• Q: What types of mining use conveyor belts?
  A: Coal, rock, precious metals, iron ore, lead, lithium – many mining operations use conveyor belts.
• Q: What is a quarry conveyor belt?
  A: Quarry conveyor belts transport materials such as sand, gravel, rock, marble, or crushed stone from the quarry to the end point.
• Q: What is TPH in conveyor?
  A: “TPH” stands for “tons per hour” – a key measurement for determining the ideal conveyor belt. TPH is related to belt speed.

Choosing the Best Mining Conveyor Belt

Don’t overlook mining conveyor belts when designing a conveyor system. While many different types exist, the belt is a key part of the overall puzzle that helps ensure productivity and meet profit goals.

Zoomry offers a full line of products such as Steel cord conveyor belt, Nylon conveyor belt, Fire Resistant Conveyor Belt, Heat Resistant Conveyor Belt and more. Contact us for more information.