BELT APPLICATION DETAILS
Select the cover compound from the wear mechanism, temperature and material exposure. Confirm raised profiles and special constructions against the conveyor layout.
| Observed condition / requirement | What to review |
|---|---|
| Abrasion | Material size, fines, sliding at loading, belt speed and the measured wear rate. Compare the stated test method as well as the abrasion result. |
| Cuts, gouging or impact damage | Lump shape, drop height, loading direction and support. Consider cut/impact properties and suitable reinforcement, not abrasion performance alone. |
| Hot product | Actual belt-contact temperature, hot lumps, fines, exposure time and cooling. Product temperature alone does not establish a safe belt temperature. |
| Oil or chemical exposure | Identify the substance, concentration, temperature and duration. Request compatibility for the compound rather than a broad “chemical resistant” claim. |
| Fire resistance / antistatic | Specify the standard, grade and required evidence for the complete belt construction. Keep this separate from abrasion grading. |
| Drive power | Assess the complete belt mass, rolling and flexure losses, running power, loaded-start torque and braking before changing cover thickness or compound. |
| Weathering or cold conditions | Confirm the actual temperature range, ozone/weather exposure and storage requirements. |
Use wear measurements and loading conditions to select the cover thickness. Before increasing the gauge or changing compound, review the complete belt mass, running power, loaded-start torque, braking and belt tensions, as well as pulley bending, splice preparation and reel handling.
Increasing cover thickness or changing the cover compound requires a drive-power and belt-tension review before the belt specification is finalised. Compare the existing and proposed belts at the required throughput, speed and operating conditions.
Use the specified mass per metre of the complete belt, including both covers, reinforcement and any profiles. Added cover increases the mass circulating on the carry and return strands. Review rolling and flexure losses, slider-bed friction where fitted, and drag from skirts and cleaners. Compare the proposed belt with the original as-new specification as well as the worn belt currently operating.
Pulley-side rubber deforms as the belt passes over the idlers. The energy lost through this deformation depends on the compound, temperature, speed, idler geometry and loading. A change of abrasion grade or hardness does not establish its rolling resistance. For slider-bed belts, check the running-side backing and friction against the support surface.
Calculate effective belt pull and pulley power for empty, part-loaded and fully loaded operation, including the most demanding credible loading pattern. Compare the required motor shaft power with the continuous capacity available after transmission losses and installation derating. Separately check breakaway and acceleration torque, loaded restart, starting time, starts per hour, drive current limits and motor heating. Verify load sharing where more than one drive is fitted.
Check slack-side tension for drive traction and belt sag, peak belt and splice tensions, take-up force and travel, and the loads on pulleys, shafts and bearings. Review lagging condition and belt wrap for the expected dry, wet or contaminated conditions. A larger motor or additional take-up tension cannot correct an unsuitable belt, splice or pulley arrangement.
Review controlled stops, emergency stops, coast time and restart under the relevant loading conditions. Changes to belt mass or resistance can alter deceleration and braking demand. On a regenerative decline conveyor, lower running resistance can increase the power the braking system must absorb. Check brakes, holdbacks and controls for their separate functions.
For road profilers and other hydraulically driven conveyors, confirm the hydraulic motor, available pressure and flow, operating speed and cooling limits with the machine supplier. Include shared-circuit capacity and the additional mass or drag from a changed belt, profile or backing. Machine engine power alone does not establish the capacity available to the conveyor.
| Assessment input | Details required |
|---|---|
| Existing and proposed belt | Full construction, carry and pulley-side cover gauges, compound, mass per metre, profiles and the current wear condition. |
| Conveyor and loading | Length, lift or decline, speed, throughput, loading pattern, idlers or slider beds, skirts, cleaners and pulley arrangement. |
| Drive and operating records | Motor and gearbox ratings, starter or variable-speed drive details, measured power/current at a recorded load, loaded-start history and any trips or slip. |
| Tension and stopping equipment | Belt and splice limits, take-up type and force, wrap and lagging, brakes, holdbacks and the required starting/stopping sequence. |
Before the order is released, the responsible conveyor engineer should confirm the revised power and tension calculations, available drive capacity and any required equipment or control changes. Resolve excessive mechanical drag rather than increasing protection settings to accommodate it.
There is no fixed motor-power increase per millimetre of cover. Belt mass, compound behaviour and the conveyor arrangement must be assessed together; the circulating belt is not treated as additional product lifted on only the carrying strand.
BELT STANDARDS AND CONSTRUCTION
Fire-resistance and antistatic requirements depend on the specified belt construction, applicable standard and site acceptance criteria.
| Reference | What it addresses |
|---|---|
| AS 1332 | Textile-reinforced conveyor belting: construction and specified physical properties. |
| AS 1333 | Steel-cord conveyor belting: construction and specified physical properties. |
| AS 4606 Grade S | Fire-resistance and antistatic requirements for the relevant conveyor belting and accessories. |
| ISO 340 / ISO 284 | Laboratory-scale flammability / electrical conductivity requirements and tests. These do not, by themselves, establish Australian Grade S compliance. |
| DIN and other specifications | Use the exact standard, edition and grade. Similar grade letters do not establish equivalent tests, acceptance criteria or approval. |
Confirm the applicable standard and edition, belt designation, manufacturing location, construction sheet, test requirements and site acceptance documents. Where registration applies, check its exact design scope and supply conditions.
Retain the manufacturer’s identification, reel or batch reference, production test reports and any required conformity statement. Match them to the belt delivered and keep the records with the installation and splice history.
Raised profiles and special reinforcement need their own construction and machine checks.
A current designation, photograph or drawing helps identify the replacement. Unknown measurements can remain blank.
Conveyor maintenance, belt repairs, workshop refurbishment and component supply.
Based in Paget, Mackay. Site support across the Bowen Basin and surrounding regions.
45–47 Centurion Drive
Paget QLD 4740