There are multiple moving parts and components that help power a conveyor system. Idlers, winches, bearings, couplings, gearboxes, motors, fluid couplings, and scrapers work in unison to transport materials from Point A to Point B.

One of the more often overlooked parts of a conveyor setup is none other than the belt itself. This pivotal component helps support and transport the product safely to its intended destination.

WHAT IS A MINING CONVEYOR BELT?

A mining conveyor belt is one of the most essential components of a conveyor system. It transports ore and other materials from the mining site to processing facilities or loading areas. 

Conveyor belts are powered by a motor that runs off electricity or other power sources. 

Depending on the application and several other considerations, the composition of the belt could include a plastic or rubber compound, fabric materials, and steel cables. It’s supported by rollers that allow it to safely and efficiently move ore and other materials at a predetermined speed. 

CONVEYOR BELT COMPOSITION

Conventional conveyor belts are comprised of three layers:

The top layer, or cover, is what the product rests on during transportation. 

The middle layer, also known as the carcass, helps support the belt. The carcass tends to be made of either metal or woven fabric. 

Finally, there’s the bottom cover to complete the belt makeup.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONVEYOR BELTS?

It’s critical to choose the right type of conveyor belt to ensure safe and reliable operation. Using the wrong belt can lead to catastrophic consequences and unplanned downtime.

These are the different types of conveyor belts available:

Multi-ply—Consists of various layers of fabric separated by rubber, which helps deaden impact. Tend to be longer-lasting and are used for underground applications. 

Straight-warp—Ideal for tunneling applications, they’re most often used in rock quarries and rock crushers. Impact and tear resistance are the two premiere attributes, which feature yarns and polyamide on both sides. A straight-warp belt can achieve higher troughability at narrower belt widths and higher PIW ratings.

Steel-cord—Steel cables running the entire length of the belt anchor this type of conveyor belt, which is used for underground applications.

Solid woven belts—These are more popular in Europe and Asia and not used often in the U.S.

Heat-resistant—Designed to withstand high temperatures.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A MINING CONVEYOR BELT

If you’re shopping for a mining conveyor belt, you should first decide your tensile strength requirement, cover thickness, and cover type depending on the material being transported and loaded. Also of particular importance is the operating environment in which the conveyor transports material.   

Conveyors that move packaging or light materials in temperature-controlled warehouses won’t have the same demands as those transporting heavy products underground in mines and quarries.

This is why the application and environment should be the two top considerations when selecting a mining conveyor belt.