Conveyor Belt Maintenance & Trouble Shooting Manual
Conveyor Belt Maintenance & Trouble Shooting Manual
Conveyor Belt Maintenance & Trouble Shooting Manual
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE
& TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Job #: 09GCON016 Element: Maintenance, Install, & Trouble Guide v#: FA Notes: Die indicates position of drill holes. This is for reference only and will not
be printed.
Bleed: 1/8th in. Trim or Flat Size: Live: # of pages: Finished Size:
17.25 x 11.25 17 x 11 N/A 44 + Cover 8.5 x11
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Installation Troubleshooting
Storage........................................................................ 1 Problems, Causes and Solutions................................ 25
Handling...................................................................... 1
Installation................................................................... 2 Maintenance
Stringing the Belt......................................................... 5
Tensioning................................................................... 5 Conveyor Belt Repairs................................................ 32
Training the Belt.......................................................... 7
Factors Affecting the Training of a Belt......................... 8 Shipping.............................................................. 39
Sequence of Training Operations................................ 13
Cleaning.................................................................... 15 Quick-Check. .................................................... 40
Loading...................................................................... 17
Curved Chutes........................................................... 20
Pulley Lagging........................................................... 20 Belt Roll Diameters...................................... 41
Types of Lagging........................................................ 21
Transition Distances................................................... 23 Terms and Conditions. ................................ 43
Turnovers................................................................... 24
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
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STORAGE
The methods of storing and handling conveyor belting and the procedures for tensioning it before making the final splice are
just as important as actually making the splice. Protect your conveyor belt investment with proper storage. Belts should always
be stored upright in the factory package until used in a cool, dry building and in an area free from sunlight. Store the belt roll
suspended on a tube, bar or support stand. Under no conditions should rolls of belt, especially raw edge or used, be laid flat
on its side. Storing the belt flat on the ground, where moisture can penetrate exposed fabric, or storing the belt roll with weight
on one edge, may stretch the belt. This can cause belt camber or a bowing in the belt, resulting in serious belt mistracking.
During extended storage, the belt roll should be covered with a tarp or dark plastic. Exposure to sunlight, rain and ozone can
have detrimental effects on the rubber covers. The cover should remain in place for the entire storage time. Ideally, the belt
should be rotated 90 degrees approximately every 90 days. Rotation should be performed in the same direction used to wind
up the belt. Rotating in the opposite direction could cause the roll to loosen or telescope.
It is important to make sure the belt is not exposed to extreme temperatures during storage. Ideal temperature for storing a
belt is between 50° F and 70° F. Temperatures outside of this range for an extended period of time can have detrimental
effects on the rubber compounds.
As the length of time stored increases, and as the size of the roll of belting increases, so does the importance of the following
correct storage procedures. Following these procedures will increase the life of the belt once it is installed on the system.
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
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INSTALLATION
The relative position of the top and bottom covers or surfaces of the belt should be considered when positioning the
roll for threading. Once the roll of belting has been transported to the point of installation, it should be mounted on a
suitable shaft for unrolling and threading onto the conveyor. Conveyor belting is normally rolled at the factory with the
carrying side out. Consequently, in mounting the roll, the belt must lead off the top of the roll if it is being pulled onto
the troughing or carrying idlers, but off the bottom of the roll if it is being pulled onto the return idlers. When pulling
the belt onto the conveyor, the roll will turn opposite the direction indicated by the arrows on the crate. Fig. 2 illustrates
a suitable method of mounting, as well as leading off the top of the roll for pulling onto the troughing idlers.
Fig. 2
Note: Temporary flat roll at bend point, as roll is pulled onto troughing idlers.
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In some cases, such as in mines where headroom does not permit maneuvering a roll, the belt may have to be pulled off the
roll and reefed (Fig. 3). Extreme care should be exercised to see that the loops have large bends to avoid kinking or placing
undue strain on the belt, and no weight should ever be placed on the belt when it is in this position. Ideally, supports should
be placed at each end where the bends occur.
Fig. 3
Reefing the Belt
A third method of handling the roll, where headroom for mounting on a horizontal shaft is lacking, is mounting on a turntable
with a vertical spindle. The belt must make a 90-degree twist as it comes off the turntable. This method is sometimes used
underground, with the turntable mounted on wheels or skids for transporting the roll of belt as it lies on its side, as well as for
unrolling it at the final location.
If the belt is for replacement, the new roll can be set up as previously indicated. The old belt is clamped off and cut, and the
new belt is spliced to the leading end of the old belt by using approximately one-half the usual number of plate-type fasteners.
The trailing end of the old belt is hooked to a truck, tractor, mine locomotive, or other means of providing traction. The conveyor
drive motor is used to pull on the new belt while the towing device drags the old belt away and at the same time provides
sufficient slack side tension for the conveyor drive pulley. In all cases, care should be exercised to ensure the carrying side of
the conveyor is placed upward if pulling onto the top run, or downward if pulling onto the return run.
For a new conveyor installation having little or no slope, a rope or cable should be attached to a clamp at the belt end. In
clamping to the end of the belt for pulling it on the conveyor, it is not sufficient to cut a hole through the belt or ears into its
corners for tying on a rope. A clamp should be made to distribute the pull applied to the end across its full width. Since the
clamp must pass through places of low clearance, it usually is made of two pieces of 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch plate approximately
equal to the belt width and 4 inches long. One piece is placed against each surface of the belt at the end, and bolts are placed
through both plates at about 6-inch intervals and 2 inches back from the belt end. The rope is then attached to this clamp
with a shackle or by welding an eye to one of the plates. The belt roll has been handled as previously described. The rope or
cable is then threaded over the conveyor and attached to a towing device to pull the belt onto the conveyor.
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For installations with a relatively high degree of slope (12 degrees or more), the method of handling is slightly different. The
roll of belt is set up as previously described. It is often found most convenient to place it at or near the head pulley, since this
generally is the most accessible. Assuming the conveyor is sufficiently long to require more than one splice, the conveyor side
and the return sides are threaded on separately. Care must be taken to see that conveyor side or heavier cover is up on the
carrying side and down on the return run.
As the belt is fed on, the tension at the roll tends to build up due to the weight of the belt on the slope. For this reason, some
method of braking is required. Customary practice is to use a belt clamp, mounted on the conveyor structure, through which
the belt is threaded. Where the slope is very long, additional clamps should be spaced approximately 1000 feet apart. Where
more than one clamp is used, workers are stationed at each clamp to loosen and tighten the clamps as the belt is fed onto
the conveyor. Care must be exercised that the belt does not run away. As a roll runs out, another is spliced on and then fed
onto the conveyor.
If the conveyor side and the return side have been fed on separately, the final splice is best made at the bottom of the slope
where the ends of the belt meet, since a much lower splicing tension will serve at this point. Making the final splice at the top
of the slope is entirely possible but requires proper splicing tension.
When pulling the belt onto the system, station personnel at key points along the conveyor to help avoid the belt from hanging
up on the structure resulting in belt damage. Pull the belt ends until they overlap the required splicing length.
To prevent the belt roll from over-running at the let-off, a braking device is often needed (Fig. 4).
Tensioning Means
Let-off Stands
Fig. 4
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To minimize side travel on steel cord belt rolls, it is recommended that rolls be strung onto the conveyor in the exact sequence
they were manufactured.
Tensioning
Once the belt has been pulled onto the conveyor system, it must be tensioned prior to splicing to facilitate correct positioning
of the take-up and to eliminate sag. The tensioning operation takes place at the location where the last splice will be made.
After final tensioning, clamps are placed on each end of the belt. These are made of steel and have a clamping surface as
indicated in Figure 5.
Internal Sleeve
Adequate Plate, Eye and
Shackle for Load
Weld keystock pos.
Detail of Sq. Tube end Typical prevent bolt turning
Grind
Flush–Typ.
Fig. 5
Tension Clamp for Splicing
Tension is applied by means of a power device, which is used to pretension the belt before “clamping off.”
When tension measuring load cells or scales are used, they are rigged to measure the pull on the take-up pulley. The belt is
pulled until the load cells or scales register a tension equal to or slightly greater than the recommended take-up force. Make
allowance for an amount of belt necessary to correctly position the counterweight from this point.
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Certain basic statements and recommendations can be made about tensioning for splicing:
• Belts which are tensioned by pulling in only one direction require more splicing tension than those pulled in both directions.
• Slope belts spliced at the top of the slope require more splicing tension than those spliced at the bottom.
• Slope belts with an anti-rollback device that cannot be released must be tensioned by pulling only in the direction of
belt travel.
• Check the belt frequently during tensioning to ensure that the belt is free and not binding at any place.
• During the final tensioning pull, be sure the ends of the belt are lined up properly.
Conveyor installations having limited take-up travel should be spliced to a tension based on the loaded running tension. This
tension should be specified by our engineers and measured by suitable load cells or dynamometers. Where it is practical, fabric
belts should be run for several weeks with mechanical fasteners before making the final vulcanized splice.
Obtaining the required tension depends heavily on the experience of the individual making the splice. It is possible for a gravity
type take-up to severely damage the conveyor structure if it is positioned too close to the forward or upward stop. Too much
tension applied to a relatively short belt may thus have a harmful effect on the pulley shafts and bearings as well as the belt.
When the counterweight is on: Tie the take-up off 6” to 8” (150mm to 200mm) above the desired running position
(Consideration may have to be made for excessive sag). Next, pull the belt until the take-up starts to lift and the tie-off ropes
become slack. Make the final splice, allowing a minimum of belt slack.
When the counterweight is not on: Splicing without the counterweight installed is undesirable; however, the following procedure
should be employed if necessary: Use suitable belt clamps to hold the take-up pulley 6” to 8” (150mm to 200mm) above the
desired running position (Consideration may have to be made for excessive sag). Pull the belt to its running tension, which
can only be estimated in this situation. Judgment in estimating this tension will improve with the experience of the splicer.
Tables 1-1 and 1-2 show the recommended take-up travel and initial take-up position respectively.
TABLE 1-1
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM TAKE-UP TRAVEL
IN PERCENT OF CENTER DISTANCE*
MANUAL TAKE-UP**
AUTOMATIC TAKE-UP
*For [1] belts installed at average empty running tension [2] take-up position per Table 1-2, and [3] Drive location
at or near the high tension end of the conveyor.
**Only short endless feeder belts and the like would normally be vulcanized on conveyors with a manual take-up.
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
i N S TA L L AT i O N
When all portions of a belt run off through a part of the conveyor length, the cause is probably in the alignment or leveling of
the conveyor structures, idlers, or pulleys in that region. If one or more portions of the belt run off at all points along the
conveyor, the cause is more likely in the belt itself, in the joints of the belt, or in the loading of the belt. When the belt is loaded
off-center, the center of gravity of the load tends to find the center of the troughing idlers, thus leading the belt off on its lightly
loaded edge (Fig. 6).
These basic rules can be used to diagnose belt running ills. Combinations of these rules sometimes produce cases that do
not appear clear-cut as to cause, but if there are a sufficient number of belt revolutions, the running pattern will become clear
and the cause disclosed. The usual cases when a running pattern does not emerge are those of erratic running, which may
be found with an unloaded belt that does not trough well, or a loaded belt that is not receiving its load uniformly centered.
Edge Wear
Spill
Fig. 6
Effects of Off-Center Loading
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Tail pulleys may have such an unsupported span of belt approaching them and may be crowned with benefit, except when
they are at points of high belt tension. The greatest advantage is that the crown, to some degree, assists in centering the belt
as it passes beneath the loading point; this is necessary for good loading.
Take-up pulleys are sometimes crowned to take care of any slight misalignment that occurs in the take-up carriage as it
shifts position. In general, crowned pulleys should be used sparingly, if at all, on fabric belts. With steel cord belts, all
pulleys must be flat.
All pulleys should be level and should have their axis at 90 degrees to the intended path of the belt. They should be kept that
way and not shifted as a means of training, except that snub pulleys can have their axis shifted when other means of training
have provided insufficient correction. Pulleys with their axis at other than 90 degrees to the belt path will lead the belt in the
direction of the edge of the belt that first contacts the misaligned pulley. When pulleys are not level, the belt tends to run to
the low side. This is contrary to the old rule-of-thumb statement that a belt runs to the high side of the pulley. When
combinations of these two occur, the one having the stronger influence will become evident in the belt performance.
Carrying Idlers
The belt can be trained with the troughing idlers in two ways. Shifting the idler axis with respect to the path of the belt,
commonly known as knocking idlers, is effective where the entire belt runs to one side along some portion of the conveyor.
The belt can be centered by knocking ahead (in the direction of belt travel) the end of the idler to which the belt runs (Fig. 7).
Shifting idlers in this way should be spread over some length of the conveyor preceding the region of the trouble. It will be
recognized that a belt might be made to run straight with half the idlers knocked one way and half the other, but this would
be at the expense of increased rolling friction between belt and idlers. For this reason, all idlers initially should be squared with
the path of the belt and only the minimum shifting of idlers used as a training means. If the belt is overcorrected by shifting
idlers, it should be restored by moving back the same idlers, not by shifting additional idlers in the other direction.
Such idler shifting is effective for only one direction of belt travel. If the belt is reversed, a shifted idler, corrective in one
direction, is misdirective in the other. Hence, reversing belts should have all idlers squared up and left that way. Any correction
required can be provided with self-aligning idlers designed for reversing operation. Not all self-aligners are of this type, for
some work in one direction only.
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Tilting the troughing idler forward (not over two degrees) in the direction of belt travel produces a self-aligning effect. The idlers
can be tilted in this manner by shimming the rear leg of the idler stand. Here again, this method is not satisfactory where belts
may be reversing. The tilted troughing idler is shown in Fig. 8.
This method has an advantage over knocking idlers in that it will correct for movement of the belt to either side of the idler;
hence, it is useful for training erratic belts. This method has the disadvantage of encouraging accelerated pulley cover wear
due to increased friction on the troughing rolls. It should, therefore, be used as sparingly as possible, especially on higher-
angle idlers.
Special, self-aligning troughing idlers are available to assist in training the belt (Fig. 9). For a more complete discussion of these
idlers, refer to the Goodyear Engineered Products Handbook of Conveyor and Elevator Belting.
Adjustment 2˚ Maximum
Direction of Travel
Belt Travel
Over “Knocked” Idler Top Idler Stand
Washer
Perpendicular
To Belt Line
Fig. 7 Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Typical Self-Aligning Troughing Idler
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Return Idlers
Return idlers, being flat, provide no self-aligning influence as in the tilted troughing idlers. However, by shifting their axis with
respect to the path of the belt, the return roll can be used to provide a constant corrective effect in one direction. As in the
troughing rolls, the end of the roll toward which the belt is shifting should be moved longitudinally in the direction of return
belt travel to provide correction.
Self-aligning return rolls also should be used. These rolls are pivoted about a central pin. Pivoting of the roll about this pin
results from an off-center belt and the idler roll axis thus becomes shifted, with respect to the path of the belt, in a corrective
direction (Fig. 10).
Fig. 10
Typical Self-Aligning Return Idler
Some return idlers are made with two rolls forming a 10-degree to 20-degree V-trough, which is effective in helping to train
the return run. The V-return idlers are only recommended for fabric belts wider than 54”. The most important criteria for belt
training is idler contact in the center. If the belt has taken a set on the trough side and V-return idlers are being used, the
center of the belt is not able to make contact with the center of the V-return idlers. A hold-down roller on the return side will
help in training the belt, as it forces the belt to lay flat on the following idlers.
Rubber-segmented disk return idlers (Fig. 11) are used for cleaning the belt and help in belt training. When one of the discs
on the edges falls off, the belt edges tend to get caught, forcing the belt to run one way and become a belt de-trainer.
Minimum of 8” of belt contact is recommended for disc return idlers.
Fig. 11
Rubber Disk Return Idler
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A snub pulley also can be arranged to provide the same strong self-aligning influence; however, in place of a center pivot (as
in return rolls), it is usually pivoted at one end of its shaft. The other end is shifted by mechanical, electrical or hydraulic means
as indication is received from the belt position.
Conveyor
Belt
Side Guide
Rollers
Fig. 12
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Some new belts may tend to run off to one side, in a certain portion or portions of their length, because of temporary lateral
mal-distributions of tension. Operation of the belt under tension corrects this condition in practically all cases. Use of self-
aligning idlers will aid in making the correction.
Incorrect Troughing
Correct Troughing
Fig. 13
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When the conveyor is a long center installation, men should be stationed at frequent intervals to observe the action
of the belt. They should be provided with an effective method of communication so they can report their observations
and if necessary, stop the belt.
Initial movement of the belt will indicate where corrections of the types described are required. The first corrections
must be at points where the belt is in danger of being damaged. Once the belt is clear of all danger points, a sequence
of training operations can be followed. Since the training will finally complete a circuit, just as the belt does, there is
no point at which training can be started without the possibility of having to make subsequent corrections when
returning to the starting point as the circuit is completed. The best procedure appears to be in starting with the return
run and working toward the tail pulley. This ensures early centering of the belt on the tail pulley so that it can receive
its load centrally, which is highly important.
If the belt is readily troughable so that its running tendencies are not erratic, the training can and should be completed
on the empty belt. Should it tend toward stiffness and erratic running, getting some load onto the belt as soon as the
return run has been straightened up and the belt is centered on the tail pulley will help hold the top run.
Normally, the belt can be trained properly onto the tail pulley by manipulation of return idlers and with the assistance
of self-aligning return rolls. Seldom is any adjustment of snub or tail pulley necessary, but the snub can be used in
supplementary training.
Training of the top run, with the belt empty, is usually no problem if the belt is readily troughable. In this case, self-
aligners on top are not required, except as insurance in the region approaching the head pulley. There, two self-
aligners placed approximately 40 and 80 feet preceding the pulley will help re-center the belt if it is forced off due to
some temporary disturbance.
It should not be necessary to use the head pulley for training purposes if it has been aligned properly. Likewise, the
snub following the head pulley should not be required as a training means, since it is relatively ineffective in its
position following the strong head pulley influence.
The take-up carriage has a strong influence on the running of the belt at that point, and due to its movement as belt
length changes, is subject to misalignment. A vertical take-up carriage, hanging in a festoon of belt, must be guided
in its travel so that the pulley shaft remains horizontal. The belt cannot be depended upon to center itself on the
pulley. Once it becomes off-center, the pulley will tip out of horizontal if not guided closely on its posts.
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A horizontal take-up carriage (Fig. 14) is subject to misalignment due to loose track gauge, fouled rails, or even jumping off
the track. V-shaped rails will hold the gauge tight and, with the apex upward, are self-cleaning. Hold-down rails or hooks
extending under the flange of the track structure will prevent jumping off the track.
With the empty belt trained satisfactorily, good operation with load is usually ensured. Disturbances that appear with load are
usually due to off-center loading or to accumulation of material from the load on snub pulleys and return idlers.
When equipment is known to be properly aligned, training action should be taken slowly--that is, in small steps,
because the belt requires some time to respond to corrective measures. It should begin at some point preceding the
location where runoff occurs, and gradually proceed forward in the direction of belt travel, until the runoff condition
has been corrected. Under some conditions of operation where the conveyor is not level, is extremely short or is too
wide to be affected by permissible crowning, belts with a special guide strip have been used. This V-guide strip runs
loosely in grooved pulley and idler rolls. Guide strips are not recommended nor are they necessary for the long
conveyors normally encountered in industrial use.
Operating Clearance
Top View
Carriage Wheel
Belt
Side View
V-Shaped
Main Rail
Fig. 14
Sample Horizontal Take-Up Carriage
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CLEANING
Special care must be exercised to keep the return rolls and snub pulleys clean. Buildup of material on this equipment has a
destructive effect upon training, with the result being that the belt may run against the structure and damage itself. It is
advisable wherever possible that return idlers be suspended far enough below the structure so that any misalignment or dirty
idlers can be easily seen. Keeping the return rolls and snubs clean requires that the belt be clean when it enters the return
run. Scraping is the most common method of ensuring cleanliness.
Rubber scrapers can be made by clamping rubber slabs 1/2” to 1” thick (not old belting) between two metal or wooden bars.
Extend the rubber about twice its thickness beyond the bars and suspend the mechanism with a counter-weight to provide
the pressure against the belt (Fig. 15). Replace the rubber when it wears down near the bars. Two or three such scrapers can
be used in succession. The most common steel scraper is a series of diagonally set blades mounted on the end of a leaf
spring to maintain pressure against the belt. These will scrape sticky materials that rubber scrapers may ride over (Fig. 16).
Washing the belt with a water spray before wiping with a rubber scraper will do a good cleaning job on almost any material,
including iron ores and mixed concrete.
Dry materials can be cleaned off the belt with rotating bristle or rubber vane brushes, driven at fairly high surface speed,
usually three to five times the belt speed (Fig. 17). They wear rapidly, require considerable maintenance and are likely to fill
up solid if used with wet and sticky materials. It is preferable to clean just after the head pulley and before the snub. An
exception to this is that sticky material often requires scraping on the head pulley. This is because a large part of the fine
material sticks to the belt and must be scraped into the chute.
In some cases, the best possible cleaning is insufficient and steps must be taken to compensate for the effect of a dirty belt.
Snub pulleys can be kept from building up by using soft rubber lagging or by scraping directly against the pulley. Diagonal
grooving will distort and discharge accumulations on these pulleys. Rubber disc or spiral type return rolls prevent buildup on
themselves and thus save a training problem (Figs. 18 & 19).
The only cleaning required on the pulley side is removal of material, principally lumps, which may fall or bounce onto the
return run and be carried between the belt and tail pulley if not removed (Fig. 22). Rubber-faced plows immediately in front
of the tail pulley are used for this purpose (Figs. 20 & 21). They are usually held against the belt by gravity and set at an angle
to the direction of belt travel.
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Pivot
Fig. 15 Fig. 16
Articulated Blade Scraper
Fig. 17 Fig. 18
Rotary Brush Scraper Spiral Return Idler
Fig. 19
Rubber Disk Return Idler Fig. 20
Lump
enters
here
Tail Pulley
Fig. 21 Fig. 22
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LOADING
Receiving material off center will cause the belt to move sideways after loading, as the center of the load seeks the lowest point
in the troughing idlers. This can be corrected by proper chute arrangement provided, of course, that the belt is centered as
it enters the loading point (Fig. 23).
The loading point of any conveyor is nearly always the critical point or the life-determining point of the belt. Here, the conveyor
receives its major abrasion and practically all of its impact. The “ideal condition” is to have the material pass from chute to
belt, at the same speed and direction of travel as the belt and with a minimum amount of impact.
The subject of chute design and arrangement is too broad to be discussed in detail here. In lieu of such discussion, the
following suggestions are offered:
The width of the receiving end of the loading chute should be great enough to accept material lying on the extreme edge of
the preceding belt or feeder, and its position determined by the trajectory of the material coming into it. At no place should
the chute be less than twice the size of the largest lumps, if fines are present, and 3 1/2 times the size of lumps, if uniform.
The discharge width of the chute thus determined should not exceed about 2/3 of the receiving belts’ width (Fig. 23).
The slope of the chute is determined by the nature of the material, its entering velocity and length of the chute. This value
varies with each particular installation, but about 35 degrees has been found satisfactory for most dry industrial materials such
as coal and rock.
Head Pulley
of Discharge Belt
Rubber Lip
Rubber Lip
Belt Wiper 2/3 Width
of Receiving Belt
Dribble Chute Receiving Belt
Tail Pulley of
Receiving Belt
Fig. 23
Simple Conveyor Loading Point
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An attempt to approach the above “ideal condition” should be made continually by adjusting the chute arrangement.
Optimum loading and transferring through chutes still requires considerable experimental adjustment in the field.
Skirt boards should be used to further center and settle the load as it leaves the loading point. The steel structure of the
chute and skirts never should be placed closer to the surface of the belt than 1”; this distance to be made increasing in the
direction of belt travel to free any material trapped between the belt surface and the skirt (Fig. 24). Skirt boards are usually
4 or 5 times the belt width in length, but may vary considerably due to belt speed, type of material and lump size. Sample
skirt board arrangements are shown in Fig. 25.
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Sample Skirt Board Arrangements
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Impact of material being loaded on the belt is often the cause of severe cuts and gouges. The degree of impact can be
lessened to some extent by providing a cushion in the form of rubber covered disc type or semi-pneumatic idlers, which also
tend to prevent material from crowding under the skirt boards at the instant of impact (Fig. 26).
The use of a “Grizzly,” a slightly fanned row of bars, at the bottom of the transfer chute reduces wear on the belt. It distributes
the impact of large lumps by allowing the fines to fall onto the belt first to act as a cushion. The fan shape of the “Grizzly” in
the direction of travel prevents jamming of the lumps (Fig. 27).
A “V-slot” cut in the bottom of the chute is another very satisfactory method of allowing fines to fall on the belt before the lumps
and thereby reducing belt wear at this point (Fig. 28).
Fig. 27 Fig. 28
Grizzly Chute V-Slot Chute
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Curved chutes
Engineered loading chutes to reduce abrasion, cut/gouge and impact
Curved chutes are engineered chutes that allow the material to come in contact with the belt at a matching speed, with
minimal drop height and with less turbulence. Curved chutes minimize abrasion, as well as cut/gouge and impact damage.
Curved chutes may cost more than conventional chutes, but help reduce wear and cut/gouge damage tremendously and will
typically pay for themselves in a short time. Curved chutes are definitely recommended for new conveyors and for existing
conveyors. Special material flow modeling techniques are used to design curved chutes (Fig. 29). Typically, the chute is
designed by consultant companies who have developed specialized software for studying the material flow inside the chute.
With this software, they can easily compare the effectiveness of one chute design against another. The customer should go
through the exercise of cost vs. return to see if a specialized curved chute design can be justified.
Fig. 29
Conventional vs Curved Chute
PULLEY LAGGING
Lagging is recommended for drive pulleys for the following reasons:
1. Improved co-efficient of friction. This permits a belt to be driven by lower slack side tension and sometimes results in lower
total tension.
Other pulleys in the system, especially those contacting the carrying side of the belt, are often lagged to prevent buildup of
material. Grooving improves cleaning action on the lagging and the belt.
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
i nstallat i on
TYPES OF LAGGING
1. Bolted lagging is usually fabric-reinforced, the fabric being necessary to give proper bolt-holding. This type has no inner or
pulley cover; where no grooving is intended, 1/8” top cover is the proper minimum, but if the lagging is to be grooved, a
minimum of 1/4” top cover must be used.
Bolted lagging is usually applied in two or more circumferential strips, applied under tension with the points in the different
strips staggered around the pulley (On flat-faced pulleys, one strip the width of the pulley may be used).
For open-end pulleys 5/16” or 3/8” diameter flat head elevator bolts with nuts may be used. Alternate methods include slotted
bolts with tapped holes or self-tapping screws for use in welded steel pulleys. It is necessary that the bolt heads be sunk below
the level of the surrounding lagging to prevent damage to the belt as it passes over the pulley. This may be accomplished by
counter-sinking the holes in the pulley or, where the lagging cover is greater than about 1/8”, it is possible to sink the heads
merely by tightening the bolts.
Ends of the strips should be bolted in a dovetail joint as shown in Fig. 30. In addition, bolts should be used in rows running
across the face and around the circumference of the pulleys no further than 10” apart in either direction. Edges of all strips
should be bolted down and it is recommended that all exposed fabric edges be cemented to keep out moisture.
2. Vulcanized lagging is a sheet of rubber, usually 1/2” thick and bonded directly to the metal. No fabric is used because
no bolt-holding reinforcement is needed. It is much longer wearing, has better and more uniform adhesion to the pulley,
and eliminates the hazard of serious belt damage due to a loose bolt.
Spiral-wrap method – generally used for lower tension applications. A 4” wide strip is recommended for ease of handling
(Fig. 31). The length of the strip may be calculated by the formula:
C x W
L = –––––––––––– + C
4
In application by the sheet-wrap method, a beveled lateral splice is recommended (Fig. 32). The tie gum side should contact
the beveled leading edge for maximum adhesion at the splice.
3. Grooved lagging should be used on drive pulleys if they are likely to be wet. The grooves break the film of moisture between
the belt and lagging, thereby eliminating slippage. Either bolted or vulcanized lagging can be furnished with grooves. Either
type can be grooved in the field with a tire-groover if there is sufficient rubber to prevent cutting into the fabric carcass or metal
pulley. Herringbone grooving 3/16” deep and wide spaced 1” apart is recommended (Fig. 33).
4. A modified type of bolted pulley lagging is also available, featuring replaceable rubber pads that slip into metal guides bolted
or welded to the pulley (Fig. 34).
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
i nstallat i on
“A” Pulley
1 1/ 2"
Bolts
2"
Pulley CTSK
Fig. 30
Dovetailed Ends of Bolted Pulley Lagging
C C
2" 2"
L = length of strip
C = pulley circumference
W = pulley width
CxW
L = –––––––– + C
4
Fig. 31 Fig. 32
Spiral-Wrap Method of Applying Vulcanized Lagging Sheet-Wrap Method of Applying Vulcanized Lagging
Fig. 34
Fig. 33 Slide-Lag™ Replaceable Pad Pulley Lagging
Typical Herringbone Grooved Pulley Lagging
Slide-Lag™ Trademark and Patent by
Holz Rubber Company, Lodi, California.
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
i nstallat i on
TRANSITION DISTANCES
What is transition distance? Transition distance is the distance from the center of the head OR tail pulley to the first regular
carry side idler.
35º
27º
Belt Edge 20º
Transition Distance
Belt Center
Pulley
Transition Distance
2. Half Trough
Belt Edge Edge and center travel 1/2 as far
Pulley Centered
Belt Center Pulley
Transition Distance
Half Trough – Pulley is raised 1/2 the idler height
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
i nstallat i on
TURNOVERS
What is a belt turnover? A belt turnover is used for keeping the dirty side up on the return side for cleaning purposes.
Vertical rolls should be located near the midpoint and 45-degree rolls located at quarter locations of turnover. The midpoint
rolls should be on opposite sides of the belt and offset a few inches from each other so that a component of belt tension can
provide pressure against each. They should be adjustable in all directions, as their ideal ultimate position rarely can be
predetermined. These rolls aid in belt training, help minimize belt-buckling tendencies and help stabilize a belt from excess
flopping where winds are encountered.
The turnover must have two terminal pulleys (inbound and outbound), as shown in the picture below. This is to insure that
the belt is lying flat on the first bend pulley entering the transition and the last bend pulley leaving the transition.
Make sure the spacing between the vertical rolls is 2 ft (see picture). Each vertical roll also needs to be offset by 1” inward
so that there is full belt contact on both rolls.
Each end pulley should have some adjustment in the plane of the approaching belt for training purposes.
The turnover length is determined by the belt width, type of construction and the belt tension at the turnover. Contact us for
minimum turnover length after system analysis is performed.
Short transition distance can cause the belt to collapse in the turnover or cause excessive edge tension, which can in turn
cause premature splice failure.
Pulleys
Rollers
2 FT
24
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: Conveyor runs to one side at given point on structure
PROBLEM: Particular section of belt runs to one side at all points on the conveyor.
PROBLEM: Belt runs to one side for long distance or entire length of the conveyor
CAUSE: Belt running off-center around the tail pulley and through the loading area
SOLUTIONS: Install training idlers on the return side prior to the tail pulley
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUSE: Belt running off-center around the tail pulley and through the loading area
SOLUTIONS: Install training idlers on the return side prior to the tail pulley
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUSE: Improper initial positioning of the counterweight in its carriage, causing apparent excessive belt stretch
SOLUTIONS: Check the Goodyear Engineered Products Handbook of Belting for the recommended initial position
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUSE: Excessive sag between idlers causing the load to work and shuffle on the belt as it passes over idlers
SOLUTIONS: Increase tension if unnecessarily low; reduce idler spacing
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
29
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: Short breaks in carcass parallel to belt edge, star breaks in carcass
30
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
CAUSE: Excess gap between idlers, causing load to work and shuffle on the belt as it passes over idlers
SOLUTIONS: Increase tension if unnecessarily low; reduce idler spacing
CAUSE: Cover cuts or very small cover punctures allow fines to work under the cover and propagate between the
cover and carcass
SOLUTIONS: Make a vulcanized spot repair or a self-curing repair
CAUSE: Spilled oil or grease, over lubrication of idlers; improve housekeeping; reduce quantity of grease used; check
grease seals
SOLUTIONS: Decrease idler spacing in curve; increase curve radius
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
F L E X S T E E L B E LT R E PA I R S
a. This type of damage may be repaired in a manner more or less normal with any belt in that the damaged area is thoroughly
cleaned and dried, the damaged elements (cover, plies, insulation, gum, etc.) replaced and the new elements cured.
b. If cable has been exposed it is important to use the proper cable cement and cable insulation gum at that point.
a. If cable damage involves less than 5% of the total cords in the belt at the edge or 10% of cords in the center of the belt,
sections of new cable (or pieces cut from spare belt) should be worked in. This makes a more extensive repair as the
new lengths of cable should extend 15" to 24" each side of the broken area. A large vulcanizer is usually required.
b. If cable damage is greater than described in a. , the belt should be respliced.
The covers are removed along with insulation gum from between cables. The new cable sections are simply placed between
the old broken ones extending 15" to 24" each side of the break. Cable cement, insulation gum and covers are applied and
the repair is cured. The sketches below illustrate two methods used to step in lengths of new cable.
NOTE: When making cable repairs along belt edges, the tension must be removed from the belt. Even then the edge may be
wavy because the new edge cables will not be carrying tension.
•• CABLE REPAIRS •• •
•
15" 15"
Existing Cables
New Cables
•• •• •
•
12" 12" 12" 12"
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ten best pract i ces i n conveyor belt spl i c i ng
Understanding and following the “TEN BEST PRACTICES IN CONVEYOR BELT SPLICING” is the best way to assure a
vulcanized splice is done correctly.
Correctly performing each of the “TEN BEST PRACTICES IN CONVEYOR BELT SPLICING” when doing a fabric
conveyor belt splice confirms the splicer is in CONTROL OF THE PROCESS.
Thermocouples provide precise temperature monitoring at the platen-belt interface. A minimum of one thermocouple
per platen is required. Thermostats on many vulcanizers do not indicate the actual temperature at the platen-belt
interface. Without precise monitoring, the curing temperature can fluctuate drastically, resulting in a splice that is either
over-cured or under-cured. Either condition will limit the life of the splice. Top splicers such as those who are members
of the our Splice Network will always use thermocouples to monitor and gather cure temperature data. A record of this
data can then be supplied to assure the curing process was done correctly. Top splicers will also assure that the
vulcanizers' temperatures and pressure match those specified in our Splicing Manual of Goodyear Engineered Products
Custom Specifications.
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ten best pract i ces i n conveyor belt spl i c i ng
Nicking the adjacent fabric ply effectively reduces the tension rating of the belt, because the tension members (warp cords)
are disabled if they are cut or nicked. Top splicers use top quality tools such as the correct single-ply knives designed
specifically for this operation. Utility knives are not acceptable and must not be used for this precise operation.
The fabric plies of all Goodyear Engineered Products belts are coated with various “dip” coats that enhance the
adhesion of the rubber to the fabric. These dip coats should not be buffed off when preparing the belt splice. Reduced
ply and cover adhesion will result. If residual rubber must be buffed off after stripping down the step, it must be done
carefully so that the buffer wheel does not actually touch the fabric. Severe overbuffing will reduce belt strength and
integrity by damaging both warp and fill cords. The buffer wheel should not exceed 2000 RPM. A fabric cement known
as “kicker” should be used to replace the dip on exposed fabric.
34
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ten best pract i ces i n conveyor belt spl i c i ng
When a belt splice is assembled and cured before the cement has had sufficient time to dry, the heat from the
vulcanizer will cause the solvents and carriers in the cement to vaporize and form bubbles / blisters. These bubbles /
blisters are called “ply and/or cover blows.” They will prevent adhesion between the plies and covers. If the surface
area of the ply or cover blow is large enough and/or numerous, the strength of the splice is severely limited.
Ply and cover blows can also occur when cements and solvents are not allowed to reach room temperature after
removal from cold storage because water condensation occurred on the cold surface.
Reliable splicers will allow sufficient time for cements to dry before assembly and for cold materials to warm up.
Additionally, conscientious splicers will not try to accelerate the drying process by using heat guns or hair dryers, since
they can cause a skin to form on the surface of still-wet cements. Space heaters may be used to accelerate cement-
drying time, as long as safety is not compromised in any way.
The right tools and methods will ensure that the fabric
plies are not damaged when they are lifted. Prodding
tools must have smooth, rounded corners. Prodding
tools should be checked for possible burrs or nicks
before each use.
35
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ten best pract i ces i n conveyor belt spl i c i ng
When step lengths are shortened to accommodate vulcanizers that are not large enough for the job, splice strength and
integrity is severely reduced. Reputable splicers will always use the step lengths specified by the “Conveyor Belt Splicing
Manual” or Goodyear Engineered Products custom specifications. It is recommended to cure the entire belt splice in
one heat; multiple heats can be used as long as the cover fill-in strip area is completely cured in one heat. It is also
recommended that pans are used at the top and bottom platens when multiple heats are needed. The pans and edge
guides must cover the entire length of the platens and extend the length of the splice.
36
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ten best pract i ces i n conveyor belt spl i c i ng
Long experience has shown that almost anything can get inside a vulcanized splice. Our engineers and technicians
have found tools, dust, trash, sand, insects, rocks and many other types of contamination inside of splices that
have failed.
For these reasons, the splicing work area must be cleaned and protected. Tents, awnings, tarp, or temporary plywood
walls and ceilings should be installed, depending on the particular circumstances in which the work must be done.
These measures will help avoid contamination in the splice.
Goodyear Engineered Products splice materials are manufactured to the highest standards. Part of this quality control
includes recording on the labels the dates the materials were manufactured. Materials that are refrigerated will have
a longer shelf life than materials that are stored outside the refrigerated area. When unused materials reach the
recommended storage-life limit, they should then be properly disposed of in complete accordance with federal, state
and local requirements. Splice materials should never be stored in sunlight or hot conditions. Never use overage splice
materials. If in doubt – throw it out.
For best adhesion and splice life, Goodyear Engineered Products conveyor belts should be spliced with Goodyear
Engineered Products splice materials. Only materials that have proven compatibility and supply the highest performance
are supplied to our customers as splice materials.
Even with the use of Goodyear Engineered Products splice materials, care must be used to ensure the correct gums
and cements are used. Our Splice Coordinator can be consulted.
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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ten best pract i ces i n conveyor belt spl i c i ng
Splices that are not aligned cause many problems. Tracking and training problems can frequently be traced
back to splices that are not square. Additionally, splices that are out-of-square do not distribute the tension
load evenly across the splice, and thus can cause premature splice failure. Reputable splicers go to great
lengths to make certain that the belt is clamped securely and that all measurements, master lines and cuts are
precise and accurate.
Conclusion
When the “Ten best practices in conveyor belt splicing” discussed above are incorporated into your
standard operating procedures and specifications, and the conveyor system is properly engineered and well-
maintained in the first place, a dependable, long splice life can be obtained.
38
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
sh i pp i ng
RAG TOP OR OPEN TOP:
101" (2.5m) Max. Roll Diameter
VAN:
84" (2.1m) Max. Roll Diameter
SINGLE DROP:
122" (3.1m) Max. Roll Diameter
FLAT BED:
103" (2.6m) Max. Roll Diameter
BATH TUB:
152" (3.8m) Max. Roll Diameter
LOW BOY:
144" (3.6m) Max. Roll Diameter
If shipment on flat bed or single drop exceeds 40,000 lbs., shipment on low boy or bath tub exceeds 36,000 lbs. or shipment
exceeds listed maximum roll diameters, please contact customer service – 1-800-BELT-USA, or our Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
facility at 1-800-263-7788 for additional charges.
39
INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
QUICK CHECK
40
IMPERIAL BELT ROLL DIAMETERS
FACTORY MAXIMUMS
DIAMETER - 168"
WEIGHT - 50 TONS
180 SHIPPING LIMITATIONS 1 1⁄2 1 1⁄4 1 1⁄8 1 ⁄8
7
140
1
⁄2
7
⁄16
130
3
⁄8
120
UNCRATED BELT ROLL DIA. — INCHES
5
⁄16
110
100 1
⁄4
90
3
⁄16
80
70
50
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600
FACTORY MAXIMUMS
DIAMETER - 168"
WEIGHT - 50 TONS
4.5 SHIPPING LIMITATIONS
(WITHOUT SPECIAL PERMIT)
40 35 30 25 20
Truck:
Diameter - 3.1m (122")
weight - 18.14 Mtons
Lowboy:
Diameter - 3.6m (142")
weight - 16.33 MTons
4.0 RAILROAD:
Diameter - 3.96 m (156") 15
weight - 77.1 M Tons
* = uncrated
3.5
10
3.0 9
2.5 6
4
2.0
UNCRATED BELT ROLL DIA.— METERS
1.5
1.0
BELT ROLL DIAMETERS UNCRATED
FORMULA FOR LENGTH AND DIAMETER
D= SQRT OF (0.00127Lt+.S)
D= Diameter in Meters
L= Length in Meters
0.5 t= Gauge of the belt in Milimeters
S= Square of the core diameter in sq meter
Diameter of the core is .4064 meter (16")
typically and used in this chart
U . S . A .
1 - 8 0 0 - belt - usa or 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 3 5 - 8 8 7 2
FA X 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 2 9 - 2 3 5 8
C ana d a
1 - 8 0 0 - 2 6 3 - 7 7 8 8
FA X 1 - 8 0 0 - 9 3 9 - 9 9 1 9
The GOODYEAR (and Winged Foot Design) trademark is used by Veyance Technologies, Inc. under license from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Goodyear Engineered Products are
manufactured and sourced exclusively by Veyance Technologies, Inc. or its affiliates. ©2009 Veyance Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
700-821-947-841 09GCON016-05/09
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