Laboratory tests of operational durability and energy-efficiency of conveyor belts

Abstract

The paper presents the results of laboratory tests into the resistance of conveyor belts to simulated wear-related defects such as punctures and longitudinal cuts. Puncture and cut resistance of a conveyor belt have a significant influence on how long the belt can be operated without repairs and the related downtime, and as a result they allow increased operational safety of conveyor belts. The paper also presents a test method and the test results of indentation rolling resistance, which allows evaluating energy-efficiency of conveyor belts. The results here presented confirm that the test rigs and test methods developed at the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology are useful in evaluating the energy-efficiency of conveyor belts and their resistance to simulated wear-related damage.