Laboratory tests of indentation rolling resistance of conveyor belts

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 new small-scale method for testing indentation rolling resistance. Small dimensions of test samples reduce the cost of tests (no need for long belt sections and splicing), thus enabling optimal selection of materials and the belt regarding the energy-efficiency of its design. 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 the values of loads acting on the idler, the frequency and speed at which the idler passes on the belt, the temperature, and thickness of the belt cover. The tests were performed on belts with various core types.