The influence of belt cover thickness on conveyor belt indentation rolling resistance

One of the methods for lowering of energy consumption in the drive mechanisms of long horizontal belt conveyors is to reduce belt indentation rolling resistances. These resistances depend on a number of factors: bottom cover properties, bottom cover thickness, belt design, idler diameter, load, speed and frequency at which the belt passes on the idler (indentation frequency), as well as on temperature. Determining how these factors influence indentation rolling resistances of various conveyor belt types is of great importance. The article describes a small-scale method for testing indentation rolling resistance. The method allows analysis of the influence of various factors on indentation rolling resistances. The article presents the results of tests on how belt indentation rolling resistance is influenced by thickness of the belt bottom cover. The tests were performed on belts with various core types.