Belt Conveyors: Design, Types, and Capacity Calculation
The most common way to move bulk and unit loads — design, belt types, and capacity calculation.
What a belt conveyor is and where it is used
A belt conveyor moves bulk or unit loads on an endless belt running between a drive pulley and a tail pulley. Used in mining, cement, and metallurgical industries, warehouses, and logistics — anywhere large volumes of material need to move from a few meters to several kilometers.
Belt conveyor components
Main components: the conveyor belt, drive pulley (transmits torque from the drive), tail pulley (maintains belt tension), idler rollers (support the belt along its length), frame, drive unit (gear motor), and belt tensioning system (screw or gravity take-up).
Types of conveyor belts
Rubber-fabric belts — the standard, most common option. Heat-resistant belts — for hot materials such as clinker or sinter. Oil- and grease-resistant belts — where contact with petroleum products is possible. Belts with corrugated sidewalls — for inclined conveyors and materials at risk of spillage.
How capacity is calculated
Throughput depends on belt speed, belt width, the bulk density of the transported material, and the conveyor's incline angle — the steeper the incline, the lower the allowable speed and capacity, due to the risk of material sliding back.
Incline angle limitations
For most bulk materials on a smooth belt, the maximum incline is 15–20°. For steeper routes, belts with corrugated sidewalls and cross-cleats allow lifting material at 30–40° or more.
Need a belt conveyor for your application?
UK-ZTO-AN designs and manufactures belt conveyors to your process parameters — capacity calculation, installation, and service.