TOOLS · GLOSSARY
Fundamentals — Belt Conveyor Glossary
16 terms on Fundamentals, each with its working definition, the governing symbol or formula where one exists, and a link to the standard behind it.
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16 terms
Belt conveyor
Continuous bulk-handling machine that carries material on an endless belt supported by idlers and pulleys.
Troughed belt conveyor
The standard conveyor type: carrying idlers shape the belt into a trough so it can hold bulk material.
Troughing angle
Angle of the outer carrying idlers (commonly 20°/35°/45°). A larger angle raises cross-section area and capacity.
Surcharge angle
Angle at which the load settles above the trough; always smaller than the material's angle of repose, so it cuts usable capacity.
Conveyor capacity
Throughput of bulk material, usually in tonnes per hour. Rises with belt width, belt speed and troughing angle.
Bulk density
Mass of loose material per unit volume (coal ≈ 0.85, iron ore ≈ 2.3 t/m³). Directly scales capacity and power.
Belt speed
Linear speed of the belt; typically 1.5–5.0 m/s for bulk handling.
Belt tension
Running force carried by the belt; governs tracking, slip and drive sizing.
Belt sag
Mid-span dip of the belt between idler sets; kept below about 1–2 % of the spacing for stable running.
Friction coefficient
Specific main-resistance factor (≈ 0.02–0.04) used to add running resistances in a power calculation.
Lift height
Vertical rise the conveyor lifts the material; drives the largest part of the power demand.
CEMA class
North-American duty rating (A–E) that links idler and pulley load rating to belt width, speed and material weight.
Gallery / trestle
Enclosed or open structure supporting an elevated conveyor run.
Transfer tower
Structure where one conveyor discharges onto the next; it usually holds the chutes and dust control.
Convex / concave curve
Vertical curves in the belt line; each needs a minimum radius to avoid belt lift-off or over-stress.
Service factor
Multiplier applied to loads to cover starting, surges and duty severity.
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