Applications Where Belt Conveyor Systems Can Be Used

A conveyor belt is a continuous metal/rubber/ fabric loop which is used as a

carrying medium in a conveyor belt system. A conveyor system consists of two
major parts which include a pulley system and the carrying medium. Normally,
either the two or one of the pulleys is powered to create motion in the system.
Most belt conveyor systems uses motors to create motion. A simple conveyor
system has two pulleys; however, some may have more than two depending on
the application. They are designed differently to suite a wide range of
applications.

Classification of conveyor belts and their applications:
Type A - These belts are abrasion and impact energy resistant. They are made
from pure natural rubber and they should not be used in applications where
temperatures above 70
o
C are involved. These belts are used to mainly in
hardworking/harsh conditions to carry lumps. They are mostly used in ports
during loading and unloading of ships, cement works to carry raw materials and
cement, sugar factories to carry pulp mills just to mention a few.

Type F - These conveyor belts are flame resistant. They have flame resistant
covers and are mostly made from chloroprene rubber. They have similar
conditions as Type A. These types of belts are mostly used in underground coal
mines.

Type T - These are heat resistant belts. Theyre covered with EPDM. Therefore,
they are used to convey materials with high temperature. Unlike the Type A and
Type F. The Type T conveyor belts can operate within a temperature of between
100
o
C to 400
o
C. Furthermore, most are also resistant to acids. Most of these belts
are used in steelworks, foundries and cement works. As long as the material to be
carried is of high temperature, then, this is the recommended type of belt to use.

Type O - These conveyor belts are oil and grease resistant. Their maximum
operating temperature is about 90
o
C. Most of them are also resistant to both
aromatic hydrocarbons and acids. This belt conveyor system uses Nitrile covers
which are responsible for its oil resistant property. They are used in glass works
companies where oil impregnated waste should be disposed and to carry complex
treated fertilizers in fertilizer industries.

At times, an application may require special types of conveyor belts and
therefore, considering only properties which have been mentioned above may
not be enough. For instance:

Antibacterial belts - Such belts are used for sanitary conveyance. They have a
special surface which is antibacterial to minimize or eliminate chances of
contamination.

Other special belts which have been designed for specific applications may
include those with textured surfaces, this reduces chances of slipping. Heavy duty
conveyor belts are designed specifically to carry heavy materials. In fact, most of
them are made from chains.
Conveyor belt system may also be customized. Good examples are those that are
found at the airport which are used at airport check in.

Conveyor belt systems play significant roles in most industrial applications such as
carrying heavy equipment; transfer products from production points to
warehouse; theyre used in escalators - they make work easier and efficient.
Therere so many conveyor systems available in the market and thus, its wise to
go for the best quality since it will guarantee optimal performance.