Conveyor Belt Selection Guide The Best Solutions for Different Materials

Many industries have incorporated conveyor belts into their material handling machines. There are several advantages to using the right type of conveyor belt. So what factors should one consider when choosing a conveyor belt? How do you know which type is most suitable for your materials and requirements? This guide will answer all of these questions along with a few more. 

Learning the Conveyor Belt Manufacturing Materials and their Properties 

The basis for the manufacture of conveyor belts is different materials, each of which has its own parameters and applications.  The following describes typical conveyor belt materials: 

• Rubbers are tough, pliable, and withstand abrasion. Best utilized when scrapping or moving coarse or heavy materials. 

• PVC – Light weight material that is chemically resistant and suitable for clean/food processing environments. 

• PU (Polyurethane) – Holds exceptional strength for food grade materials application since it is very oil and fat resistant. 

• Steel Cords – Extremely durable type well suited for moving large loads or sharp objects over long distances. 

• Fabrics are low density, flexible, and cost efficient but have less strength and resistance to high heat and harsh chemicals. 

Knowing the capabilities of the each material will assist you to settle for a belt type that is suitable to your industry application. 

Key Factors in Conveyor Belt Selection 

When acquiring a conveyor belt, knowing the factors provided below will assist you in determining whether it is appropriate for your application or not. 

Material type: the type of the material that you will be transporting, if so, what are its characteristics? Are they heavy or abrasive, sharp or chemical filled, and food grade? Belt characteristics vary depending on the material. 

Load capacity: every conveyor belt possesses a working load limit. Any kind of belt to be chosen should be adequate in weight for the materials expected to be moved with it. 

Environmental conditions: High or low temperature ranges, moisture presence, the effect of oils or chemicals will influence the conveyor belt usage. Therefore, a suitable belt material has to be selected. 

Belt speed: the degree of efficiency of some belts depends on the speed at which they are adapted. A fast moving application requires a high tensile belt whereas a fast application can use the reverse. 

Belt length and width: the dimensions of the conveyor system will impact the type of construction of the belt and the material used to make it. High tensile strength belts will be required with long conveyors since they will most likely need them. Wider belts can transport larger materials. 

Best Conveyor Belt Solutions for Different Materials 

With further in-depth researches, the following conveyor belt types can be considered as the most suitable for handling certain materials: 

a. Aggregate and Quarry Materials 

In the case of working with heavy duty materials like stones and gravel or even sand, it is best recommended to use a rubber conveyor belt with steel cords or reinforced fabric. Rubber belts, being abrasion resistant are ideal for continuous usage even in rough working conditions. Steel cord belts provide additional durability with increased tensile strength which is useful for long spans. 

b. Food Processing Materials 

PVC and PU conveyor belts are the most suggested materials for meat and other food products as these come in contact with food. These materials are clean and do not get affected by oils or fat, which means that they can be directly used in contact with food products. Among all other materials, PU belts are more comfortable and flexible and also have a good wear resistance. It therefore makes PU sundries suitable for multiple usages in food plants. 

c. Chemical and Fertilizer Materials 

If the main concerns are regarding the transportation of chemicals, fertilizers or other similarly corrosive materials, it is best to go with chemical resistant PVC or rubber belts. For most light chemicals, PVC belts are sufficient however in case of heavy abrasive materials rubber belts are far more favorable. 

d. Recycling and Waste Management Materials 

Conveyor belts designed for recycling applications are required to be extremely durable to resist sharp objects as well as excessive weight. The type of rubber belts that contain steel or fabric layer and are designed for such purposes integrate strength and reliability required to handle materials such as construction debris, glass and metal scraps which are tough to handle.  

e. Working in high-temperature surrounding 

Rubber belts which are heat resistant should be used in such places which are hot ex. cement plants or foundries. Such belts are made in a way that they are able to withstand the prolonged use at high temperatures which are harmful to normal belts. 

Countering a conveyor belt purchasing challenge 

To accomplish this goal, it is necessary to seek the assistance of the supplier who can assist in making an appropriate decision in line with the requirements of the client. As much as you plan to place an order, look for a supplier who deals in many materials, and has variety and knowledge of industry requirements. 

Kilomega has a variety of conveyor belts used in different industries like mining, quarries and even food processing and waste management. We appreciate that there are no two problems that are the same hence we get to know our clients and make all efforts to meet their needs and enable great material handling safely and effectively.