Structural Analysis of Tubular Section of Pipe Belt Conveyor

Belt conveyors play a crucial role in the transportation of materials or goods. Although pipe belt conveyors are characterized by much more complex structures, as the shape of the belt is changing from planar to tubular in the transition section, they represent the most environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for the transportation of powder, bulk solid, and granular materials. The FEM (finite element method) model of the tubular section of an experimental belt conveyor was created to analyze the contact mechanical characteristics of chosen conventional and also reinforced conveyor belt materials of different manufacturers. Furthermore, different tubular section arrangements, involving different arrangements of the roller sections placed in various distances, were compared. Based on the structural analysis results, the suitability of the conveyor belt design for the chosen tubular section design of the pipe belt conveyors and for the transported material with the corresponding filling of the pipe conveyor belt can be evaluated. It is essential to evaluate the knowledge behind the displacements if the conveyor belt has a tendency to open and the distribution of the stresses and contact pressures are necessary, as their high values lead to the wear and fragmentation of the conveyor belt material. The results of the FEM analyses are also important for the most convenient placement of the magnetic markers and tolerance settings in the developed diagnostic system, which can be used for the evaluation of the structural damage and wear of conveyor belts.