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Top Types of Belt Conveyors And Their Uses

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Belt conveyors are important in many industries like mining, food processing, logistics, and manufacturing. There are different types of conveyor belts. These include roller bed, flat belt, modular, cleated, curved, and incline/decline designs. Conveyor belt systems move products quickly and safely. Lightweight belts are used in food and medicine because they are clean and flexible. Heavyweight belts carry large materials in mining and construction. Each belt type has special features for certain jobs.

Knowing about conveyor belt types helps people pick the best system for their needs.


Key Takeaways

  • Different belt conveyors do special jobs. Some move heavy things. Some handle food safely. Some work underground.

  • You pick the right conveyor by what you move. You also look at where you use it. You check how fast or far it must go.

  • Some conveyors, like tubular and mobile types, keep things clean. They also make it easy to move stuff in new places.

  • Safety features and strong materials help conveyors work well. They are good in hard places like mines and tunnels. They also work on rough ground.

  • Regular checks and expert help keep conveyors working well. This saves time and money.


Main Types of Belt Conveyors

Main Types of Belt Conveyors

Knowing about different conveyor belts helps companies pick the right one. Each belt conveyor type has special features for certain jobs. This part talks about the main types, both classic and special, and shows what they do.


Overland Belt Conveyor

Overland belt conveyors move lots of materials far away and over rough ground. They use steel cord belts to handle strong pulling. Large idlers and pulleys keep the system steady. These conveyors can go for many kilometers and handle sharp turns. They use concrete sleepers, not poured foundations, so they are easy to set up. Many drive systems and takeup parts help them run all the time. Overland belt conveyors can make energy when going downhill, which saves power. They are made to need less fixing and move lots of stuff fast.

Overland belt conveyors are very important in moving bulk materials. They carry things like iron ore, copper ore, limestone, granite, bauxite, sand, and aggregate. These conveyors work well on rough, hilly ground and big height changes.

Aspect

Details

Main Industry

Bulk material handling industry

Materials Conveyed

Iron ore, copper ore, limestone, granite, basalt, bauxite, phosphate rock, sand, aggregate

Application Examples

Often combined with ship loaders in ports

Terrain Adaptability

Handles rough, mountainous, fragmented terrain with extreme height differences

Capacity Implication

Designed for large quantity transfer per hour

Underground Belt Conveyor

Underground belt conveyors work in tough places with heat, little light, and tight spaces. They use flame-resistant belts to meet safety rules. Their small size lets them carry more and move fast. Strong belts stop breakdowns and save money. Important parts are idler rollers, drive units, chutes, starters, tail sections, and take-up units. Underground belt conveyors use fire-safe chemicals and special rubber for safety. Motors, bearings, and reducers are made to last in hard places.

  • Underground belt conveyors use flame-resistant belts for safety.

  • These belts lower friction and stop fires in tight spaces.

  • Parts are built to last a long time in tough spots.

  • Small size helps carry more and move quickly.

  • Belt designs are different from surface conveyors for safety and the environment.

Safety rules for underground belt conveyors include flame retardant belts, good lighting, anti-slip devices, temperature and smoke alarms, sprinklers, anti-tear devices, guard rails, brakes, hydraulic couplers, walkways, soft start devices, electric protection, fire gear, and emergency stops.


Tubular Belt Conveyor

Tubular belt conveyors use a belt shaped like a tube by rollers. The belt moves over rollers and pulleys with a drive unit. Materials travel inside the closed belt, so nothing spills or gets dirty. This design lets the system bend and keeps things safe from the environment. Tubular belt conveyors can move things up steep slopes, even more than 30°.

  • Tubular belt conveyors load at one end and unload at the other.

  • The drive unit moves the belt over rollers and pulleys.

  • Rollers hold up the belt and keep it moving smoothly.

  • Belt speed and direction can change.

  • The closed design keeps dust and dirt out.

Tubular belt conveyors are great for gentle and delicate things like coffee beans, tea, cereal, cement, fuel, grain, coal, and waste. The closed belt keeps things clean and stops spills, so they work well in public places and industries like food, plastics, chemicals, and medicine.


Roller Bed Belt Conveyors

Roller bed conveyor belts have rollers under the belt to lower friction and carry heavy loads. This design spreads the weight, so the belt lasts longer and uses less energy. Roller beds keep things moving and handle heavy loads well.

  • Roller beds use rollers to hold up the belt and lower friction.

  • They carry heavy loads and can handle curves and turns.

  • Good things about them are quiet work, less fixing, high load, steady movement, strong build, speed, and good performance.

Roller bed conveyor belts are used in factories for moving, packing, sorting, putting together, and checking items. They are also used in airports for bags, fast packing, assembly lines, and sorting parcels.


Long Distance Belt Conveyor

Long distance belt conveyors move materials over many kilometers. They use strong belts and tough frames. Some have smart systems to check belt alignment and tension. Long use can wear out belts, so strong materials and regular checks are needed.

  • What you move changes the conveyor’s design and wear.

  • You need to change things for load, ground, and material type.

  • Parts must last through nonstop use.

  • Weather and dust matter for how well it works.

  • Saving energy and safety rules protect workers and stop fires.

  • Automation and new tech make them more reliable.

Smart tools like wireless sensors, machine learning, and special monitors help keep these conveyors working. These tools find problems early, so repairs can happen before things break.


Incline/Decline Belt Conveyors

Incline and decline belt conveyors move things up or down between levels. They balance speed and control to keep things safe. You can change the layout and pick different belts for different slopes and products. They can work with other conveyor systems and machines.

  • Use different belt types like food grade, modular plastic, fabric, and belts with flights.

  • Change the angle to fit how high or low you need to go.

  • Power feeders, center drives, brake motors, and nose over splices help them work better.

  • Features like friction materials, scoop flights, pans, guards, chutes, and hoppers keep things steady.

  • Safety features like side rails and guides keep things moving safely.

Industries use incline and decline belt conveyors for moving materials, packing, shipping, food processing, loading and unloading, bowl feeders, changing heights in lines, hoppers, molding, stamping, and helping workers.


Tunnel Belt Conveyor

Tunnel belt conveyors are made for building and digging projects. They need to carry lots of material and keep workers safe by using machines instead of people. They move big amounts of dug-up stuff all the time. Extra drives are put in before sharp turns to lower belt stress and keep things safe. They must work well with tunnel boring machines.

  • Conveyors can handle tough paths with curves, corners, slopes up to 15 degrees, and even go up and down.

  • They can move things up to 15 kilometers.

  • Machines do most of the work, so fewer people are needed.

  • Systems are made to fit the digging method, ground type, and job site needs.

Tunnel belt conveyors follow safety and environmental rules like MSHA, ISO 340, and OSHA. Fire-safe belts, automatic fire systems, dust control, safety parts, and strict checks keep them safe and working well.


Corrugated Sidewall Belt Conveyor

Corrugated sidewall belt conveyors stop spills on steep slopes by holding materials with sidewalls and using cleats to stop rollback. The flexible belt lets you move loose stuff up steep angles, even straight up, without spilling.

  1. Corrugated sidewalls make strong pockets that hold materials tight.

  2. Cleats stop things from rolling back on steep slopes.

  3. The belt is strong, tough, and bends easily.

  4. Belt parts lower wear and stop spills.

  5. The design lets you move things up steep slopes or straight up.

Corrugated sidewall belt conveyors move small things like grains, sand, fertilizer, carbon black, and other tiny materials. They are used in farming, building, recycling, waste, food, and factories.


Mobile Belt Conveyor

Mobile belt conveyors are best where you need to move the system often. One mobile unit can go to many places. You can change it to do different jobs without building it in one spot. Mobile belt conveyors are good for short jobs like loading, unloading, and moving things a short way.

  • Wheels, tracks, or other parts make it easy to move.

  • Light and easy to set up and move.

  • You can change the height and angle for different jobs.

  • Different lengths fit many needs.

  • Telescopic legs keep it level on bumpy ground.

  • Strong tires last on rough sites.

  • Direct gearbox and motor need less fixing.

  • Modular design makes it flexible.

  • Can use different power sources for more uses.

Use Case Category

Application Context

Real-World Example

Efficiency/Fact

Additional Notes

Portable (Mobile) Belt Conveyor

Temporary/flexible material handling

Farmers loading grains into silos

Improves loading efficiency by 50% in construction sites

Lightweight aluminum frames recommended for portability

Telescopic Belt Conveyor

Truck loading and unloading in logistics

Warehouses loading parcels

Reduces loading time by 70%

Height-adjustable for multi-level loading

Crawler Belt Conveyor

Crawler belt conveyors work on rough ground using strong hydraulic drives. Heavy crawler tracks give grip and keep it steady. Special hoses and fittings stop shaking and keep it running. Crawler-mounted feeder-breakers move with the belt and mining face, so shuttle cars travel less and work faster. Hydraulic or mechanical drives power the head shaft and breaker roll for good material handling.


Crawler belt conveyors are used in mining, building, and farming. Their design lets them carry heavy or big things and move over rough ground, so they are great for moving lots of stuff far. Aggregate conveyor systems, like crawler belt conveyors, move gravel, sand, and crushed stone well, saving work and making things faster.

Picking the right conveyor belts, like flat belt conveyors, modular belt conveyors, roller bed conveyor belts, and curved belt conveyors, helps warehouses use more machines and work better.


Features of Types of Conveyor Belts

When you know the features of conveyor belts, you can pick the right one. Each type is made with special materials and has a different design. These things make each belt good for certain jobs. The table below shows common belt materials and what they are like:

Belt Type

Material Characteristics

Design Features & Suitability

Typical Applications

Rubber Belts

Durable, handles heavy loads, less effective in extreme temperatures

Robust design for heavy-duty tasks

Mining, construction

PVC Belts

Chemical resistant, versatile, lightweight

Smooth surface, suitable for light to medium loads

Food processing, pharmaceuticals

Fabric Belts

Lightweight, flexible

Suitable for delicate handling

Food processing, packaging

Steel Belts

High durability, withstands high temperatures

Heavy and costly, ideal for extreme conditions

High-temp industrial processes

Plastic Modular Belts

Flexible, easy maintenance

Modular segments, hygienic, adaptable layouts

Food processing, packaging, electronics

Note: Sanitary and washdown conveyors often use PVC, PU, or plastic modular belts. These belts are easy to clean and keep things hygienic.


Overland Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Strong steel frames hold up rubber or fabric belts.

  • Covers keep the system safe from weather outside.

  • Can move lots of stuff all the time over open land.

  • Made to carry bulk materials far away.


Industry Standards

  • Usually follows ISO 5048 for handling equipment.

  • Meets ANSI/ASME B20.1-2024 for conveyor safety.


Underground Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Small design fits in tight spaces.

  • Uses belts that do not catch fire and stop static.

  • Has safety features like emergency stops.

  • Built for mining and tunnels.


Industry Standards

  • Must meet MSHA or ATEX rules for safety underground.

  • Follows ISO 340 for flame retardant belts.


Tubular Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Belt turns into a tube to stop spills and dirt.

  • Good for fine, dusty, or dangerous materials.

  • Can bend around curves and go up slopes.

  • Closed design keeps the environment clean.


Industry Standards

  • Made by ISO 14890 for textile or steel belts.

  • Should have CE marking for machine safety.


Roller Bed Belt Conveyors

Key Features

  • Belt moves on rollers to lower friction for heavy loads.

  • Used in package lines and assembly work.

  • Easy to fix and can be made bigger.


Industry Standards

  • Built to ANSI B20.1 safety rules.

  • May follow OSHA for workplace safety.


Long Distance Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Moves materials over many kilometers.

  • Uses strong belts and tough frames.

  • May have smart tools to check belt position and tightness.


Industry Standards

  • Often made to ISO 5048 and DIN 22101 for long conveyors.


Incline/Decline Belt Conveyors

Key Features

  • Moves things up or down between levels.

  • Belts may have cleats or rough surfaces to stop slipping.

  • Angles can change for different needs.


Industry Standards

  • Follows ANSI B20.1 for conveyor safety.

  • May use ISO 14890 for belt making.


Tunnel Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Made for digging tunnels and building underground.

  • Closed or half-closed to keep materials and workers safe.

  • Strong build stands up to hard underground work.


Industry Standards

  • Must meet safety rules for tunnel work.

  • Follows MSHA and ISO 340 for fire safety.


Corrugated Sidewall Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Has sidewalls and cleats to stop spills on steep slopes.

  • Great for moving things up steep or straight paths.

  • Belt width and height can be changed.


Industry Standards

  • Made to ISO 14890 and CE marking for safety.


Mobile Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Easy to move and set up for short or changing jobs.

  • Height and length can be changed.

  • Light frame with wheels or tracks for moving.


Industry Standards

  • Must meet safety and performance rules for mobile gear.

  • Should follow general machine safety rules.


Crawler Belt Conveyor

Key Features

  • Sits on crawler tracks to move on rough ground.

  • Good for mining, building, and moving lots of stuff.

  • Strong build for heavy work.


Industry Standards

  • Made to ISO 5048 and ANSI B20.1 safety rules.

Sanitary and washdown conveyors need belts made from PVC or plastic modular pieces. These belts are easy to clean and help keep food and medicine safe.


Uses of Belt Conveyors

Uses of Belt Conveyors

Overland Belt Conveyor Uses

Overland belt conveyors help move things far away and over rough land. They are used in mining, farming, energy, and moving rocks or sand. These systems carry coal, copper, sand, and rocks from mines to plants. They also work at ocean, river, and train stations. This makes them important for big warehouses. They move lots of stuff fast, so people do less heavy work and stay safer.

  • Mining (coal, copper, precious metals, overburden)

  • Aggregates (sand, gravel, rock, salt, gypsum)

  • Agriculture (grain, fertilizer)

  • Terminals (ocean, river, rail)

  • Civil engineering and government projects


Underground Belt Conveyor Uses

Underground belt conveyors move things from deep in the ground to the top. They work in small spaces and carry heavy, rough stuff. The belts do not catch fire, so they are safe. These conveyors help workers by doing the hard lifting. This makes mining safer and helps machines do more work. They move ore, salt, potash, and other things from mines.

  • Transport ore and minerals from underground to surface

  • Handle heavy, abrasive materials in mining and tunneling

  • Improve safety by reducing manual labor

  • Comply with strict fire safety regulations


Tubular Belt Conveyor Uses

Tubular belt conveyors keep things safe inside a closed tube. They are good for fine, dangerous, or breakable items. Food, medicine, chemicals, and waste companies use them. The closed tube stops dust and dirt from getting in. This is good for food and other clean jobs. They move coffee, nuts, cereal, and powders gently.

  • Food processing (coffee, nuts, cereals)

  • Pharmaceuticals and chemicals

  • Hazardous or fine powders

  • Waste management and agriculture


Roller Bed Belt Conveyors Uses

Roller bed belt conveyors are great for moving boxes and packages. They help in warehouses and factories. The rollers make things move smoothly and lower friction. These conveyors are used for packing, sorting, and putting things together. They help make work faster and easier.

  • Carton and pallet handling

  • Accumulation and controlled flow in distribution centers

  • Workstations and pick modules

  • Automotive and food products industries


Long Distance Belt Conveyor Uses

Long distance belt conveyors move things over many miles. They can go over hills and different heights. These systems carry many types of things, even fragile ones. They help warehouses by moving things all the time without stopping.

Application Area

Material Types

Benefit

Mining & Aggregates

Ore, sand, gravel

Efficient long-haul transport

Manufacturing

Bulk goods, components

Smooth, gentle handling

Logistics

Packages, parcels

Flexible layouts

Incline/Decline Belt Conveyors Uses

Incline and decline belt conveyors move things up or down between levels. They help connect floors or work areas in warehouses. These conveyors move food, boxes, and parts safely up or down. Factories use them to move things between different heights.

  • Moving items between floors or platforms

  • Supporting packing and assembly lines

  • Handling food products and materials in processing plants


Tunnel Belt Conveyor Uses

Tunnel belt conveyors help build tunnels and big projects. They move rocks, sand, and dirt from digging sites. These systems work in hard underground places. They help move things without people having to do the heavy work. Tunnel conveyors are important for big building jobs.

  • Excavation and tunnel construction

  • Moving spoil and debris from underground sites

  • Supporting automated material handling in civil engineering


Corrugated Sidewall Belt Conveyor Uses

Corrugated sidewall belt conveyors move things up steep slopes without spilling. They are used in farms, recycling, and factories. These conveyors carry grains, sand, fertilizer, and other small things. They help move things up high and keep everything safe.

  • Vertical or steep-angle conveying of bulk materials

  • Handling grains, sand, fertilizer, and small items

  • Supporting recycling and waste management


Mobile Belt Conveyor Uses

Mobile belt conveyors are easy to move and set up. They are good for places that change a lot. You can use them to load or unload trucks, silos, or bins. Mobile conveyors help warehouses by doing many jobs quickly.

  • Loading and unloading trucks or containers

  • Temporary material handling at construction or farm sites

  • Flexible support for warehouse automation


Crawler Belt Conveyor Uses

Crawler belt conveyors work on bumpy or rough ground. They are used in mining, building, and farming. These conveyors move gravel, sand, and heavy loads. The crawler tracks keep them steady, so they work well outside or on uneven land.

  • Moving heavy or bulky materials over rough terrain

  • Supporting mining and construction projects

  • Enhancing warehouse automation in outdoor or uneven areas


Belt conveyors have many types. Each type is made for a special job or place. Overland, underground, tubular, roller bed, and mobile conveyors all help move things in different ways. Knowing how they are different helps people pick the best one for their needs.


When choosing a belt conveyor, people should think about:

  • What kind of material they need to move and how heavy it is

  • The place where it will be used, like how hot or wet it is

  • The shape of the area, such as how long, tall, or twisty it is

  • How fast things need to move and how much needs to be moved

  • How easy it is to fix and how often it breaks

Looking at these things closely helps make sure the conveyor works well for the job. To get the best results, people can talk to experts or check what they need before picking a conveyor.


FAQ

What is the main purpose of a belt conveyor?

A belt conveyor moves things from one spot to another. It helps places like factories and farms work faster. It also makes work safer for people. You can use it for heavy or light things. It works for short or long trips.


How do you choose the right conveyor belt type?

You should think about what you want to move. Check how heavy it is and how far it must go. Look at the area where you will use the conveyor. Safety is important too. Ask an expert to help you pick the best one.


Can a belt conveyor handle food products safely?

Yes, it can. Food-grade belts use special materials like PVC or plastic. These belts are simple to clean. They follow safety rules for food. Food factories use them to keep food safe and clean.


What is the difference between mobile and crawler belt conveyors?

Mobile belt conveyors have wheels and move on flat ground. Crawler belt conveyors use tracks for rough or bumpy places. Both types help move things in different spots.


How often should a conveyor system get maintenance?

Workers need to check conveyor belts often. Clean them and look for damage. Fix small problems quickly. Most conveyor systems need checks every week or month.

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