Various types of conveyor belts
A conveyor belt is the carrying medium of a belt conveyor system (often shortened to belt conveyor). A belt conveyor system is one of many types of conveyor systems. A belt conveyor system consists of two or more pulleys (sometimes referred to as drums), with an endless loop of carrying medium—the conveyor belt—that rotates about them. One or both of the pulleys are powered, moving the belt and the material on the belt forward.
The powered pulleyis called the drive pulley while the unpowered pulley is called the idler pulley. There are two main industrial classes of belt conveyors; Those in general material handling such as those moving boxes along inside a factory and bulk material handling such as those used to transport large volumes of resources and agricultural materials, such as grain, salt, coal, ore, sand, overburden and more.
What are the various types of conveyor belts?
The various types of conveyor belts are:
1. PVC Conveyor Belt: This belt is made of polyvinyl chloride and is used in diverse industries for conveying different types of materials. The main advantage of this belt is that it does not require any lubrication and hence, is easy to maintain.
2. PU Conveyor Belt: Unlike PVC conveyor belts, PU or polyurethane conveyor belts can be used for conveying both light and heavy materials. They are also resistance to heat, oil and abrasion, making them ideal for use in industries such as food processing and automotive.
3. Rubber Conveyor Belt: As the name suggests, this belt is made of rubber and is commonly used in heavy duty industrial applications where high temperatures or abrasive materials are being conveyed.
4. Nylon Conveyor Belt: Nylon conveyor belts are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in industries such as mining and quarrying. However, they can be susceptible to stretching over time.
5. Cotton Conveyor Belt: Cotton conveyor belts are often used in textile applications as they provide a soft surface that is gentle on fabrics. However, they can be less durable than other types of conveyor belts and are not recommended for use in heavy duty industrial settings.
What are the pros and cons of each type of conveyor belt?
Conveyor belts are used in a wide variety of industries and have many different applications. Different types of conveyor belts are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
PVC Conveyor Belts: PVC conveyor belts are one of the most popular types of conveyor belts on the market today. They are made from a strong, durable material that is easy to clean and maintain. PVC conveyor belts are also very affordable, making them a good choice for budget-conscious businesses. However, PVC conveyor belts can be damaged by sharp objects and are not as heat-resistant as some other types of conveyor belt.
Polyurethane Conveyor Belts: Polyurethane conveyor belts are more expensive than PVC conveyor belts, but they offer several advantages over their cheaper counterparts. Polyurethane conveyor belts are much more resistant to damage from sharp objects, and they can also withstand higher temperatures than PVC conveyor belts. Polyurethane conveyor belts are an excellent choice for businesses that need a durable, long-lasting solution for their conveying needs.
Rubber Conveyor Belts: Rubber conveyor belts are the most expensive type of conveyor belt on the market, but they offer the best protection against wear and tear. Rubber conveyor belts are also very resistant to heat and fire, making them an ideal choice for hazardous environments. However, rubber conveyor belts can be difficult to clean and maintain, and they are not as flexible as some other types of conveyor belt.
What factors should you consider when choosing a conveyor belt?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a conveyor belt, such as the type of product you will be conveying, the weight and size of the product, the speed at which the conveyor belt will be moving, and the environment in which it will be operating. You will also need to consider the length of time over which the conveyor belt will be in operation and any potential hazards associated with its use.
Applications of Conveyor Belts
Conveyor belts are used in various industries and applications. Conveyor belts are used in many industries, such as cement plants, paper mills, thermal power plants and steel plants.
1. Cement Plants: Conveyor belts are used to transport raw materials from one place to another in a cement plant. They are also used to transport clinker and other materials to the cement kiln.
2. Paper Mills: Conveyor belts are used to transport paper pulp and other materials from one place to another in a paper mill.
3. Thermal Power Plants: Conveyor belts are used to transport coal from the coal mine to the thermal power plant. They are also used to transport ash from the thermal power plant to the disposal site.
4. Steel Plants: Conveyor belts are used for transporting raw materials like iron ore and coal from one place to another in a steel plant.