TOOLS · GLOSSARY

Bulk Materials — Belt Conveyor Glossary

175 terms on Bulk Materials, each with its working definition, the governing symbol or formula where one exists, and a link to the standard behind it.

175 terms · 13 with standards
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Fundamentals 16Parameters & Dimensions 125Idlers & Rollers 45Pulleys & Drums 33Conveyor Belt 48Take-up & Tension 20Drive & Power 37Cleaning & Transfer 25Structures & Frames 34Fastening & Splices 57Bearings & Housings 80Electrical & Control 51Safety & Monitoring 37Wear & Dust Control 41Engineering Materials 39Bulk Materials 175Installation & Service 36Design & Calculation 40Standards & Certification 31Trade & Logistics 24Applications & Industries 42

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175 terms

Anthracite

Anthracite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Power plants, briquette plants.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

Bituminous coal

Bituminous coal — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.85 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Power plants, cement kilns.

ρ 0.85 t/m³

Lignite (brown coal)

Lignite (brown coal) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.75 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Lignite power plants, briquettes.

ρ 0.75 t/m³

Coal slack (fines)

Coal slack (fines) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Boiler feed, blending.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

Washed coal

Washed coal — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Washing plants, export.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

Coking coal

Coking coal — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.85 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Coke ovens, steel plants.

ρ 0.85 t/m³

Petroleum coke (petcoke)

Petroleum coke (petcoke) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Cement kilns, calcination.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

Metallurgical coke

Metallurgical coke — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.50 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Blast furnaces, foundries.

ρ 0.50 t/m³

Lignite briquette

Lignite briquette — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.85 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Domestic fuel, gasifiers.

ρ 0.85 t/m³

Charcoal

Charcoal — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.25 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Metallurgy, briquettes.

ρ 0.25 t/m³

Iron ore lump

Iron ore lump — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.20 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Blast furnace feed.

ρ 2.20 t/m³

Iron ore fines

Iron ore fines — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Sinter plants, pelletising.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Magnetite ore

Magnetite ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.40 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Beneficiation, pellet feed.

ρ 2.40 t/m³

Hematite ore

Hematite ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.50 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Direct reduction, export.

ρ 2.50 t/m³

Magnetite concentrate

Magnetite concentrate — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.50 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Pelletising plants.

ρ 2.50 t/m³

Iron ore pellets

Iron ore pellets — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.20 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Direct reduction, blast furnace.

ρ 2.20 t/m³

Sinter

Sinter — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.80 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Blast furnace feed.

ρ 1.80 t/m³

Mill scale

Mill scale — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Sintering, recycling.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Steel scrap

Steel scrap — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.20 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Steel meltshop, foundries.

ρ 1.20 t/m³

Blast furnace slag

Blast furnace slag — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Cement, road base.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Steel slag

Steel slag — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Aggregate, recycling.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Copper ore

Copper ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Copper concentrators.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Copper concentrate

Copper concentrate — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.80 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Smelters, export.

ρ 1.80 t/m³

Bauxite

Bauxite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Alumina refineries.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Alumina

Alumina — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Aluminium smelters.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Manganese ore

Manganese ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Ferroalloy plants.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Chromite ore

Chromite ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.50 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Ferrochrome, refractories.

ρ 2.50 t/m³

Nickel laterite ore

Nickel laterite ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Nickel smelters, HPAL.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Lead ore

Lead ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.50 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Lead concentrators.

ρ 2.50 t/m³

Zinc ore

Zinc ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.30 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Zinc concentrators.

ρ 2.30 t/m³

Zinc concentrate

Zinc concentrate — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Zinc smelters.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Tin ore (cassiterite)

Tin ore (cassiterite) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.60 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Tin smelters.

ρ 2.60 t/m³

Gold ore

Gold ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: CIL/CIP plants.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Silver ore

Silver ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Leaching plants.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Ilmenite

Ilmenite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.30 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Titanium dioxide plants.

ρ 2.30 t/m³

Zircon sand

Zircon sand — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.70 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Ceramics, refractories.

ρ 2.70 t/m³

Rare earth ore

Rare earth ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: REO separation.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Tungsten ore

Tungsten ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.60 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Tungsten concentrators.

ρ 2.60 t/m³

Molybdenum ore

Molybdenum ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.30 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Mo concentrators.

ρ 2.30 t/m³

Antimony ore

Antimony ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.50 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Antimony smelters.

ρ 2.50 t/m³

Cobalt ore

Cobalt ore — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.30 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Cobalt refineries.

ρ 2.30 t/m³

Limestone

Limestone — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Cement, lime, aggregates.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Dolomite

Dolomite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Refractories, aggregates.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Gypsum

Gypsum — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Cement, wallboard.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Anhydrite

Anhydrite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Cement, sulphuric acid.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Quartz / silica sand

Quartz / silica sand — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Glass, foundry, fracturing.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Feldspar

Feldspar — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Ceramics, glass.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Kaolin (china clay)

Kaolin (china clay) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Paper, ceramics.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Ball clay

Ball clay — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Ceramics, refractories.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Bentonite

Bentonite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Drilling mud, foundry sand.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

Talc

Talc — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Paper, cosmetics, plastics.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Graphite

Graphite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.70 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Refractories, batteries.

ρ 0.70 t/m³

Barite

Barite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.30 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Drilling mud, weighting.

ρ 2.30 t/m³

Fluorite / fluorspar

Fluorite / fluorspar — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Metallurgy, chemicals.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Mica

Mica — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.60 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Electrics, fillers.

ρ 0.60 t/m³

Rock salt

Rock salt — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Chemical, de-icing.

ρ 1.30 t/m³

Sea salt

Sea salt — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Food, chemical.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

Soda ash

Soda ash — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Glass, detergents.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Phosphate rock

Phosphate rock — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Fertiliser, phosphoric acid.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Perlite

Perlite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Insulation, filtration.

ρ 0.30 t/m³

Vermiculite

Vermiculite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Insulation, horticulture.

ρ 0.30 t/m³

Magnesite

Magnesite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.90 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Refractories.

ρ 1.90 t/m³

Magnesium oxide

Magnesium oxide — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Refractories, feed.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

Borax

Borax — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Glass, detergents.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Sulphur

Sulphur — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Sulphuric acid, fertiliser.

ρ 1.30 t/m³

Crushed stone

Crushed stone — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Concrete, road base.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Crushed gravel

Crushed gravel — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.70 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Roads, concrete.

ρ 1.70 t/m³

Stone dust (crusher fines)

Stone dust (crusher fines) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Base courses, asphalt.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Railway ballast

Railway ballast — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.70 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Track construction.

ρ 1.70 t/m³

Cement clinker

Cement clinker — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Cement grinding.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Portland cement

Portland cement — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Concrete, construction.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Cement raw meal

Cement raw meal — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.20 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Kiln feed.

ρ 1.20 t/m³

Fly ash

Fly ash — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Cement, concrete.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

Bottom ash

Bottom ash — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Cement, fill.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Lime (quicklime)

Lime (quicklime) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Steel, construction.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Hydrated lime

Hydrated lime — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Water treatment, mortar.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

Calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.20 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Fillers, paper.

ρ 1.20 t/m³

Titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Pigments.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Carbon black

Carbon black — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Rubber, plastics.

ρ 0.40 t/m³

PVC resin

PVC resin — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.60 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Plastics processing.

ρ 0.60 t/m³

Plastic pellets

Plastic pellets — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.60 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Injection moulding.

ρ 0.60 t/m³

Silicon carbide

Silicon carbide — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Abrasives, refractories.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Urea

Urea — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.75 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Fertiliser, resin.

ρ 0.75 t/m³

Ammonium nitrate

Ammonium nitrate — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.85 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Fertiliser, blasting.

ρ 0.85 t/m³

NPK compound

NPK compound — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Agriculture.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

DAP fertiliser

DAP fertiliser — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Agriculture.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Potash fertiliser

Potash fertiliser — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.20 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Agriculture.

ρ 1.20 t/m³

Ammonium sulphate

Ammonium sulphate — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.00 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Fertiliser, chemistry.

ρ 1.00 t/m³

Wood chips

Wood chips — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Pulp, biomass boilers.

ρ 0.30 t/m³

Sawdust

Sawdust — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.25 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Pellets, board.

ρ 0.25 t/m³

Wood pellets

Wood pellets — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.65 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Biomass power, export.

ρ 0.65 t/m³

Bark

Bark — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Biomass boilers.

ρ 0.40 t/m³

Straw (baled)

Straw (baled) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.15 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Biomass, feed.

ρ 0.15 t/m³

Rice husk

Rice husk — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.15 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Biomass, silica.

ρ 0.15 t/m³

Bagasse

Bagasse — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.20 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Sugar mills, biomass.

ρ 0.20 t/m³

Biomass (general)

Biomass (general) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.35 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Power plants.

ρ 0.35 t/m³

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF)

Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Waste-to-energy.

ρ 0.40 t/m³

Municipal solid waste

Municipal solid waste — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Waste-to-energy.

ρ 0.40 t/m³

Glass cullet

Glass cullet — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.30 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Glass furnaces.

ρ 1.30 t/m³

Paper & cardboard (baled)

Paper & cardboard (baled) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Recycling plants.

ρ 0.30 t/m³

Rubber crumb

Rubber crumb — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.50 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Recycling, asphalt.

ρ 0.50 t/m³

Textile waste

Textile waste — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Recycling.

ρ 0.30 t/m³

Mine tailings (dewatered)

Mine tailings (dewatered) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Tailings stackers.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Filter cake

Filter cake — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.20 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Dewatering, backfill.

ρ 1.20 t/m³

Foundry sand

Foundry sand — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Foundries, reclamation.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Filter dust

Filter dust — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Cement, recycling.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

Dry sludge

Dry sludge — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Incineration, landfill.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

Oil shale

Oil shale — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Shale oil, power.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Tar sand

Tar sand — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 2.00 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Bitumen extraction.

ρ 2.00 t/m³

Cement kiln dust

Cement kiln dust — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Recycling, soil stabilisation.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

FGD gypsum

FGD gypsum — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.15 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Wallboard, cement.

ρ 1.15 t/m³

Clay (dry lumps)

Clay (dry lumps) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.20 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Brick, cement raw mix.

ρ 1.20 t/m³

Clay (wet, sticky)

Clay (wet, sticky) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Ceramics, brick.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Shale

Shale — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Cement raw mix, brick.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Marl

Marl — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.60 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Cement raw mix.

ρ 1.60 t/m³

Crushed granite

Crushed granite — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Concrete aggregate.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Crushed basalt

Crushed basalt — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.70 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Road base, rail ballast.

ρ 1.70 t/m³

Sand (wet)

Sand (wet) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.75 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Dredging, concrete.

ρ 1.75 t/m³

Silica sand

Silica sand — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.55 t/m³; abrasiveness very high. Typical duty: Glass, foundry, frac sand.

ρ 1.55 t/m³

MAP (11-52-0)

MAP (11-52-0) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Fertiliser blending.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

TSP (triple superphosphate)

TSP (triple superphosphate) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.95 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Fertiliser.

ρ 0.95 t/m³

Lime ammonium nitrate

Lime ammonium nitrate — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.90 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Fertiliser.

ρ 0.90 t/m³

Coconut shell

Coconut shell — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.50 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Activated carbon, fuel.

ρ 0.50 t/m³

Empty fruit bunch (EFB)

Empty fruit bunch (EFB) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.25 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Biomass power.

ρ 0.25 t/m³

Peat (milled)

Peat (milled) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.35 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Power, horticulture.

ρ 0.35 t/m³

Tyre shreds (TDF)

Tyre shreds (TDF) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Cement kilns, WtE.

ρ 0.40 t/m³

Aluminium scrap

Aluminium scrap — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.50 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Remelting, sorting.

ρ 0.50 t/m³

Copper scrap (chopped)

Copper scrap (chopped) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.20 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Remelting.

ρ 1.20 t/m³

Battery scrap

Battery scrap — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.50 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Recycling plants.

ρ 1.50 t/m³

Electronic scrap (WEEE)

Electronic scrap (WEEE) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Recycling, sorting.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

Aluminium dross

Aluminium dross — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.80 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Recycling, salt cake.

ρ 0.80 t/m³

Waste paper (mixed)

Waste paper (mixed) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Recycling.

ρ 0.30 t/m³

Plastic film (baled)

Plastic film (baled) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.15 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Recycling, RDF.

ρ 0.15 t/m³

PET flakes

PET flakes — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.40 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Recycling, fibre.

ρ 0.40 t/m³

Wood waste (mixed)

Wood waste (mixed) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.30 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Biomass, board.

ρ 0.30 t/m³

Compost (screened)

Compost (screened) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 0.60 t/m³; abrasiveness low. Typical duty: Agriculture, landfill.

ρ 0.60 t/m³

Tailings (thickened)

Tailings (thickened) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.45 t/m³; abrasiveness high. Typical duty: Dry stacking, backfill.

ρ 1.45 t/m³

Paste backfill

Paste backfill — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.80 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Mine backfill.

ρ 1.80 t/m³

Concentrate (sulphide)

Concentrate (sulphide) — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.90 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Smelters, export.

ρ 1.90 t/m³

Flotation tailings

Flotation tailings — bulk material for belt conveying. Typical bulk density 1.40 t/m³; abrasiveness medium. Typical duty: Tailings dams.

ρ 1.40 t/m³

Bulk density (loose)

Mass of a material per unit volume in a freely poured state. The first number you need for any capacity calculation.

ρ = m / V (t/m³)CEMA 550

Bulk density (compacted)

Density after the material has settled or been vibrated. Use it for chute, silo and stockpile loads, not for belt capacity.

ρ_c ≥ ρ_l (t/m³)

Angle of surcharge

The angle the load actually forms on a moving belt — lower than the static angle of repose because the belt carries material away.

β ≈ (0.5…0.75) · αCEMA 550

Angle of internal friction

Slope of the yield locus; governs how easily a bulk solid shears against itself and therefore how it flows.

φ (°)

Wall friction angle

Friction between the bulk solid and the chute or hopper wall. High values are the usual cause of build-up and blockage.

φ_w (°)

Cohesion

Internal bonding force between particles at zero normal stress; makes damp material arch instead of flowing.

c (kPa)

Adhesion (stickiness)

Tendency of wet or clay-like material to stick to belt, chute and idler surfaces, driving carry-back and cleaner wear.

Moisture content

Water mass as a share of total wet mass. Above roughly 8–12 % most bulk solids stop behaving as free-flowing.

w = (m_wet − m_dry) / m_wet · 100 %ISO 589

Surface moisture

Water held on the particle surface rather than inside pores. Surface moisture is what makes material sticky.

Hygroscopicity

Ability of a material to absorb moisture from ambient air, changing its flow behaviour between seasons.

Particle size distribution

Share of each size fraction in a bulk solid. Fine fractions control dusting, stickiness and cleaner selection.

PSD (mm, % passing)ISO 3310

Lump size (maximum)

Largest single particle the stream contains. It sets the minimum belt width and the impact-zone design.

a_max (mm)ISO 5048

Fines content

Mass share below about 1 mm. High fines mean more dust, more carry-back and faster idler sealing failure.

< 1 mm, %

Abrasiveness

How aggressively a material wears steel and rubber. In practice it is expressed as a CEMA class or a relative index.

CEMA 550

Abrasion index

Measured wear rate of a reference steel against the material; used with the lump size to pick the abrasion-resistant grade.

AI (—)ASTM G65

Corrosivity

Tendency to attack steel, usually through moisture, salt or acid content. Drives galvanising, painting and stainless selection.

Dustiness

How readily a material throws off airborne dust at transfer points; the main driver of dust suppression choice.

Dust explosibility

Whether airborne dust can ignite and propagate an explosion. Decides whether Ex-rated motors and controls are mandatory.

IEC 60079-10-2

Minimum ignition energy (MIE)

Smallest spark energy that can ignite a dust cloud. Values below 10 mJ demand strict earthing and no hot work.

MIE (mJ)IEC 60079

Kst value

Maximum rate of pressure rise of a dust explosion; splits dusts into St 1, St 2 and St 3 hazard classes.

Kst (bar·m/s)VDI 3673

Combustibility

Whether the conveyed material itself burns — determines fire detection and deluge requirements on long conveyors.

Segregation

Separation of coarse and fine fractions during transfer or stockpiling, causing inconsistent product quality.

Degradation (attrition)

Breakage of particles from impact and repeated handling. Lower free-fall heights and use impact beds to limit it.

Fluidisation

Aerated fine powder behaving like a liquid — it will not stay on the belt and pours through every gap.

Aeration

Air trapped between particles during filling; it lowers bulk density and causes flushing at the discharge.

Arching (bridging)

Stable arch of cohesive material across a hopper outlet that stops flow completely. Usually solved by geometry, not vibration.

Rat-holing

A narrow flow channel forms in the centre of a bin while material at the walls stays static and ages.

Flushing

Sudden collapse of an aerated column of powder, flooding the belt with a surge load. A classic cause of chute spillage.

Compaction

Increase in density from stacking pressure. Deep stockpiles are far denser and heavier than the loose figure suggests.

Caking (freezing)

Material setting into hard lumps during storage or frost; requires impact or breaking equipment before the belt.

Spontaneous combustion

Self-heating of coal, biomass or sulphide concentrates in storage; a fire risk on covered and reclaim conveyors.

ISO 1928

Flowability

Overall ease with which a material flows under gravity; quantified by the flow function from shear testing.

ffc = σ₁ / σ_c

Particle shape

Angular or flaky particles interlock and abrade far more than rounded ones of the same size and density.

CEMA material class

Classification of a bulk solid by density, size and abrasiveness together; it drives the whole component specification.

Class 1…5CEMA 550

Load cross-section

Area the material occupies on the belt, made up of the trough area plus the surcharge above the belt edges.

A = A₁ + A₂ (m²)ISO 5048

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