Analysis of conveyor drive power requirements in the mining industry

Abstract

This article presents the analysis of conveyor drive power requirements for three typical mining conveyors. One of the conveyors was found not to be able to start when fully loaded. The analysis indicates that two of the conveyors are adequately powered while one is underpowered. This was found to be primarily the result of the maximum tonnage of the two adequately powered conveyors being 1500 tonnes per hour (TPH) while the inadequately powered conveyor was classed with a maximum tonnage of 1800 TPH. It is recommended that the current draw for each motor when fully loaded be measured. This will be compared to the design. Further analysis was done to allow 2000 TPH on all conveyors. The required upgraded drive size is presented. This article does not address the structural adequacy of the supporting structure. Rather, only the capabilities of the conveyor belt and drives to transport the required TPH.