material-handling-prd-430

Faculty of Engineering – Port-Said

Materials Handling
PRD 430
Dr. Eng. M. A. Soliman

CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MATERIALS HANDLING 1–9

1.1 Definition and Scope of Materials Handling 1
1.2 Importance of Materials Handling 3
1.3 Systems Concept 3
1.4 Characteristics and Classification of Materials 4

2.0 UNIT LOAD CONCEPT 10 – 15

2.1 Definition of Unit Load 10
2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages 10
2.3 Load Unitization Process and Handling Methods 11
2.4 Pallets, Skids and Containers 13
2.5 Alternative Methods of Handling 14

3.0 CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT 16 – 20

3.1 Basic Equipment Types 16
3.2 Classification of Handling Equipment 17

4.0 INDUSTRIAL VEHICLES/TRUCKS 21 – 37

4.1 Hand Trucks 21
4.2 Power Trucks 25
4.3 Fork Lift Trucks 28

5.0 CONVEYORS 38 – 91

5.1 Belt Conveyors 38
5.2 Chain Conveyors 58
5.3Roller Conveyors 76
5.4 Screw Conveyors 86

Introduction to Materials Handling
1.1 DEFINITION AND SCOPE OF MATERIALS HANDLING
Expressed in simple language, materials handling is loading, moving and
unloading of materials. To do it safely and economically, different types of
tackles, gadgets and equipment are used, when the materials handling is
referred to as mechanical handling of materials.

Since primitive men discovered the use of wheels and levers, they have been
moving materials mechanically. Any human activity involving materials need
materials handling. However, in the field of engineering and technology, the
term materials handling is used with reference to industrial activity. In any
industry, be it big or small, involving manufacturing or construction type work,
materials have to be handled as raw materials, intermediate goods or finished
products from the point of receipt and storage of raw materials, through
production processes and up to finished goods storage and dispatch points.

Materials' handling as such is not a production process and hence does not
add to the value of the product. It also costs money; therefore it should be
eliminated or at least reduced as much as possible. However, the important
point in favour of materials handling is that it helps production. Depending on
the weight, volume and throughput of materials, mechanical handling of
materials may become unavoidable. In many cases, mechanical handling
reduces the cost of manual handling of materials, where such material
handling is highly desirable. All these facts indicate that the type and extent of
use of materials handling should be carefully designed to suit the application
and which becomes cost effective.

Based on the need to be of optimum design and application specific to
different type of industries, materials handling can be as diverse as industries
themselves. As a consequence, unfortunately, there is no universally
accepted definition of materials handling. One of the definition adopted way
back by the American Materials Handling Society is: Materials handling is
the art and science involving the moving, packaging and storing of
substances in any form.Some of the other definitions are:
• Materials handling is the movement and storage of materials at the lowest
possible cost through the use of proper methods and equipment.
• Materials handling is the moving of materials or product by any means,
including storage, and all movements except processing operations and
inspection.
• Materials handling is the art and science of conveying, elevating, positioning,
transporting, packaging and storing of materials.

There are other definitions also, but above few jointly bring out the salient
features of materials handling. It is referred to as an art and science because
to most of the materials handling problem no unique solution exists and more
than one solution may be prescribed. Lot of subjective considerations of the
materials handling engineer go into it. At the same time many scientific factors
are also considered to arrive at the solution. In one of the definitions, all the

functions of materials handling have been referred to which are conveying,
elevating, positioning, transporting, packaging and storing. Storage or
warehousing is very much a part of materials handling. Materials handling
uses different equipment and mechanisms called Materials Handling
Equipment. Though in one of the definitions, processing operations and
inspection have been specifically excluded from scope of materials handling
operations, it is worth mentioning that in specific cases processing or
inspection of materials may be accomplished simultaneously with handling
activity. One definition also covers the important objective of materials
handling which is lowest cost solution.

The essential requirements of a good materials handling system may be
summarized as:
(i) Efficient and safe movement of materials to the desired place.
(ii) Timely movement of the materials when needed.
(iii) Supply of materials at the desired rate.
(iv) Storing of materials utilizing minimum space.
(v) Lowest cost solution to the materials handling activities.

Functional scope of materials handling within an industry covers the following:
(i) Bulk materials as well as unit materials handling. Bulk handling is
particularly relevant in the processing, mining and construction industries. Unit
materials handling covers handling of formed materials in the initial,
intermediate and final stages of manufacture.
(ii) Industrial packaging of in-process materials, semi finished or finished
goods, primarily from the point of view of ease and safety of handling, storage
and transportation. However, consumer packaging is not directly related to
materials handling.
(iii) Handling of materials for storage or warehousing from raw materials to
finished product stage. Often materials handling extends beyond the
boundary of the industry in the form of movement of raw materials from the
sources to the plant or in the form of finished goods from the plant to the
points of consumption. These long distance movements of materials are
generally termed as transportation of materials through various modes of
transport like, road, rail, ship or air. Transportation is generally excluded from
the scope of materials handling. However, at each of the sources and
destinations, loading and unloading of materials is necessary and these are
referred to as materials handling of these locations.

Some production equipments are fitted with facilities for handling of the
materials being processed. Such materials handling equipment are generally
considered to be an integral part of the production equipment.
A few typical examples are: (i) the feeding mechanism in an automatic
machine, (ii) coiler and de-coiler in a strip rolling mill or (iii) paper feeding and
transportation arrangement in a multi-station printing machine. Essentially
these are special material handling devices, but when integrated with specific
production machines, they become specialized parts of those machines. Such
special devices and their functions are generally not considered to be within
the scope of materials handling. However, materials handling at the workplace

are an area which is drawing greater attention after introduction of concepts of
machining cells fitted with robotic handling devices.

1.2 IMPORTANCE OF MATERIALS HANDLING
The foremost importance of materials handling is that it helps productivity and
thereby increases profitability of an industry. Many enterprises go out of
business because of inefficient materials handling practices. In many
instances it is seen that competing industries are using same or similar
production equipment, and one who uses improved materials handling system
stays ahead of their competitors. A well designed materials handling system
attempts to achieve the following:
(i) Improve efficiency of a production system by ensuring the right quantity of
materials delivered at the right place at the right time most economically.
(ii) Cut down indirect labour cost.
(iii) Reduce damage of materials during storage and movement.
(iv) Maximise space utilization by proper storage of materials and thereby
reduce storage and handling cost.
(v) Minimise accident during materials handling.
(vi) Reduce overall cost by improving materials handling.
(vii) Improve customer services by supplying materials in a manner
convenient for handlings.
(viii) Increase efficiency and sale ability of plant and equipment with integral
materials handling features.

Apart from these, for certain industries, like process industries, heavy
manufacturing industries, construction industries, mining industries, ship
building or aircraft industries etc., the materials are so large and heavy that
these industries just cannot run without appropriate materials handling
system. All the above points clearly show the importance of materials
handling in an industry or a material transportation system. However, the
negative aspects of materials handling should also not be over looked. These
are:
(i) Additional capital cost involved in any materials handling system.
(ii) Once a materials handling system get implemented, flexibility for further
changes gets greatly reduced.
(iii) With an integrated materials handling system installed, failure/stoppage in
any portion of it leads to increased downtime of the production system.
(iv) Materials handling system needs maintenance, hence any addition to
materials handling means additional maintenance facilities and costs.

1.3 SYSTEMS CONCEPT
In the previous sections materials handling have already been referred to as a
system, and it will be repeated many times in future. It is, therefore, important
to understand the systems concept of materials handling.

The term ‘‘system’’ has many meaning depending on the field where applied.
A general definition of the term could be: a complex unity formed of many
often diverse parts subject to a common plan or serving a common
purpose. The important characteristics of a system are that the parts, called

subsystems, are interrelated and guided by an objective for which the system
exists.

In an industry, materials handling is a subsystem (or part) of the production
system. Materials handling itself can also be considered to be a system
whose subsystems are (i)design or method to be adopted, (ii) types of
materials handling equipment to be used, (iii) different operations like packing
/unpacking, movement and storage involved, (iv) maintenance required for the
equipment employed, (v) mode of transportation by the raw materials
suppliers, distributors / customers, waste / scrap collectors etc. The common
objective by which the different subsystems are guided is the lowest cost
solution of the materials handling system for that industry.

In actual practice, the system concept of materials handling means the
different types of materials handling needed at different parts of an industry
and associated suppliers’ and customers’ end are to be considered in totality.
Only this approach will ensure an overall cost effective materials handling
solution for the industry.

From a traditional point of view, a materials handling engineer may consider
the materials handling problem of a particular area as an individual, isolated
case and produces the solution. He may have produced the most economic
solution for that problem alone, but it may not lead to the overall lowest cost
solution for the entire plant. There are many industries that are using more
than hundred sizes of containers/boxes within the same plant! This is the
result of solving materials handling problems of different areas in isolation.
From systems point of view, the materials handling problem of a plant along
with its associated suppliers’ and customers’ problems should be considered
as one system and the subsystems have to be designed and operated
accordingly. This systems concept is a logical approach which can achieve
the objective of any materials handling scheme which is lowest cost solution .

1.4 CHARACTERISTICS AND CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS
Method to be adopted and choice of equipment for a materials handling
system primarily depends on the type of material/s to be handled. It is,
therefore, very important to know about different types of materials and their
characteristics which are related to methods and equipment used for their
handling.

As innumerable different materials are used and need to be handled in
industries, they are classified based on specific characteristics relevant to
their handling.

Basic classification of material is made on the basis of forms, which are (i)
Gases, (ii) Liquids, (iii) Semi Liquids and (iv) Solids.

Following characteristics of gases, liquids and semiliquids are relevant to their
handling. For gases it is primarily pressure, high (25 psi and more) or low
(less than 25 psi). Chemical properties are also important.

For liquids the relevant characteristics are density, viscosity, freezing and
boiling point, corrosiveness, temperature, inflammability etc. Examples of
common industrial liquids are: water, mineral oils, acids, alkalies, chemicals
etc. Examples of common semi-liquids are: slurry, sewage, sludge, mud, pulp,
paste etc.

Gases are generally handled in tight and where required, pressure resisting
containers. However, most common method of handling of large volume of
gas is through pipes by the help of compressor, blower etc. This process is
known as pneumatic conveying.

Liquids and semi liquids can be handled in tight or open containers which may
be fitted with facilities like insulation, heating, cooling, agitating etc. as may be
required by the character of the liquid. Large quantity of stable liquids/semi
liquids are generally conveyed through pipes using suitable pumps, which is
commonly known as hydraulic conveying.

Solids form the majority of materials which are handled in industrial situation.
Solids are classified into two main groups: Unit load and Bulk load
(materials).

Unit loads are formed solids of various sizes, shapes and weights. Some of
these are counted by number of pieces like machine parts, molding boxes,
fabricated items. Tarred goods like containers, bags, packaged items etc. and
materials which are handled en-masses like forest products (logs), structural,
Big iron etc. are other examples of unit loads. The specific characteristics of
unit loads are their overall dimensions, shape, piece-weight, temperature,
inflammability, strength/fragility etc. Hoisting equipment and trucks are
generally used for handling unit loads. Certain types of conveyors are also
used particularly for cartons/packaged items and metallic long products like
angles, rods etc.

Unit loads classifications are based on:
(a) Shape of unit loads - (i) basic geometric forms like rectangular,
cylindrical, pyramidal/conical and spherical; (ii) typical or usual forms like
pallets, plate, containers, bales and sacks; (iii) irregular forms like objects with
flat base dimension smaller than overall size, loads on rollers/wheels and
uneven shapes.
(b) Position of C.G. (stability) of load.
(c) Mass of unit load in 10 steps from 0-2.5 kg to more than 5000 kg.
(d) Volume per unit in 10 steps from 0-10 cm3 to more than 10 m3.
(e) Type of material in contact with conveying system like metal, wood,
paper/cardboard, textile, rubber /plastics, glass and other materials.
(f) Geometrical shape (flat, concave, convex, irregular/uneven, ribbed etc.)
and physical properties (smooth, slippery, rough, hard, elastic etc) of base
surface of unit load.
(g) Specific physical and chemical properties of unit loads like abrasive,
corrosive, dust emitting, damp, greasy/oily, hot, cold, fragile, having sharp
edges, inflammable, explosive, hygroscopic, sticky, toxic, obnoxious,
radioactive etc.

(h) Loads sensitive to pressure, shock, vibration, turning/tilting,
acceleration/deceleration, cold, heat, light, radiation, damp etc.

Bulk materials are those which are powdery, granular or lumpy in nature and
are stored in heaps. Example of bulk materials are: minerals (ores, coals etc.),
earthly materials (gravel, sand, clay etc.) processed materials (cement, salt,
chemicals etc.), agricultural products (grain, sugar, flour etc.) and similar other
materials.

Major characteristics of bulk materials, so far as their handling is concerned,
are: lump-size, bulk weight, specific weight, moisture content, flow ability
(mobility of its particles), angles of repose, abrasiveness, temperature,
proneness to explosion, stickiness, fuming or dusty, corrosively, hygroscopic
etc.

Lump size of a material is determined by the distribution of particle sizes. The
largest diagonal size ‘a’ of a particle in mm (see Fig.1.4.1) is called the
particle size. If the largest to smallest size ratio of the particles of a lumpy
material is above 2.5, they are considered to be unsized .

Fig.1.4.1

The average lump size of sized bulk material is
=1/2 (maximum particle size + minimum particle size) =1/2 (amax + amin)

Bulk weight or bulk density of a lumpy material is the weight of the material
per unit volume in bulk. Because of empty spaces within the particles in bulk
materials, bulk density is always less than density of a particle of the same
material. Generally bulk load can be packed by static or dynamic loading. The
ratio of the bulk density of a packed material to its bulk density before packing
is known as the packing coefficient whose value varies for different bulk
materials and their lump size, from 1.05 to 1.52. Bulk density is generally
expressed in kg/m3.

Mobility not flowability of a bulk material is generally determined by its
angle of repose. When a bulk material is freely spilled over a horizontal
plane, it assumes a conical heap. The angle ‘φ’ of the cone with the horizontal
plane is called the angle of repose. Less is ‘φ’, higher is the flowability of the
bulk material. If the heap is shaken, the heap becomes flatter and the
corresponding angle of repose under dynamic condition is referred to as
dynamic angle of repose φdyn, where φdyn is generally considered to be
equal to 0.7.

Bulk materials are generally handled by belt-conveyor, screw conveyor,
pneumatic conveyor, bucket elevator, grab bucket, skip hoist, stacker-
reclaimer, dumper-loader etc. It can be handled by cranes / trucks when
collected in containers or bags. Small lump (powdered / granular) materials
can be handled pneumatically or hydraulically. Bulk materials are generally
stored on ground / floor in the open or under shed, and also in bunkers / silos.

Unit Load Concept
2.1 DEFINITION OF UNIT LOAD
Unitization of load is an important concept in Materials Handling. The basic
concept is to move maximum load at a time so that the number of moves for a
definite quantity of load to be moved is minimum and so is the cost of
handling. The concept is practiced, wherever, possible, almost universally.
The same concept is expressed by the ‘‘Unit size principle’’ referred in
previous chapter. A question may be asked as to what would be the right size
of such a unitized load? The optimum size of a unitized load is that maximum
load which can be safely and efficiently handled by the existing handling
equipment in that industry.

There are many materials which by virtue of their size and weight need to be
moved individually and are called unit loads. However, there are many
materials whose individual size and weight is small, but are required to be
moved in large quantities. Such materials, and also bulk materials which are
needed in specific quantities, are generally gathered together to form a load of
a definite weight, and then moved as a unit load. This is called Unitization of
load. In the words of Professor James R.Bright, unitized load may be defined
as: ‘‘A number of items, or bulk material, so arranged or restrained that the
mass can be picked up and moved as a single object, too large for manual
handling, and which upon being released will retain its initial arrangement for
subsequent movement. It is implied that single objects too large for manual
handling are also regarded as unit loads.’’

Often the two terms ‘‘unit-load’’ and ‘‘unitized load’’ are used interchangeably.
However, in this chapter, unit load will mean a single object where unitized
load will mean collection of objects which are being treated as an unit load for
handling it.

A few examples of unitized load are:
(i) Bundle of sticks tied together.
(ii) Small castings put inside a container.
(iii) A stack of bricks on a pallet.
(iv) A trailer full of sand etc.

A distinction should be made here between unitized load and packaged loads.
Loads are unitized for handling large volume of small/loose materials, for a
comparatively short distance within a plant. Loads may get unitized
sometimes by packaging also, but it is generally meant for protection of loads
during storage and movement over long distances. Packaging is separately
discussed in section 3.6.

2.2 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
The major advantages of unitization and handling of unit loads are:
(i) It permits handling of larger loads at a time and thereby reduces handling
and transportation costs.

(ii) Loading and unloading time of unit load is substantially less than when
handled as loose/individual material.
(iii) Unitized loads are less susceptible to damage and loss during movement
from one place to another.
(iv) It offers safer handling and transportation compared to those of loose
materials.
(v) Unitized load, even made of irregular shaped items, generally become
stable and well shaped. This offers a number of advantages like stable
storage, uniform stacking to greater heights and increased storage space
utilization.
(vi) For unitized load, individual item labeling may be avoided.
(vii) The process of unitization often protects loads from foreign elements.
(viii) Unitization generally provides a basis for standardization of handling
system and equipment within the plant as well as at the receiving and
shipping points for transportation.

There are also disadvantages associated with unitization of loads. These
are:
(i) There is a cost of unitization and de-unitization.
(ii) Unitization generally involves additional support and material for
restraining the loose articles. These unitization medium increase the weight of
the final load to be handled.
(iii) Unitization essentially means deployment of equipment, which
necessitates capital investment.
(iv) Containers are often used for unitization. Movement of the empty
containers results in additional handling cost and problem.
(v) There is possibility of damage due to mishandling of large amount of load.
(vi) Movement of unitized materials may get hampered due to absence of
transfer equipment.

2.3 LOAD UNITIZATION PROCESSES AND HANDLING METHODS
As unitized load is generally of fairly large weight and volume, the method of
handling them, i.e. how to hold, lift and carry them is an important issue. The
basic methods of handling an unit load are:

(i) Putting a lifting device under the load like pallet, skid, tray, rack etc., and
then handling this device along with the load.
(ii) Inserting a lifting element into the body of the unit load. This method is
particularly suitable for lifting circular shaped loads, with a hole in it, like coils,
wheels, pipes etc. The lifting element may be a ram type attachment of a
forklift truck, or may be simply a rod or log inserted through the hole of the
object.
(iii) Squeezing the load between two adjustable surfaces. This is equivalent to
carrying an object by squeezing it between two fingers, between fingers and
palm or between palms of two hands by a man. This action is simulated by
carton-clamp, or grabbing attachment of a lift truck or self-closing tong of a
lifting equipment.
(iv) Suspending the load. This can be done by hooking the object, looping
slings around the load, gripping the load with a clamp, using a magnet for

magnetic load, using vaccum cups for handling large flat fragile/delicate object
made from glass, plastics etc.

Based on the process of unitizing and methods employed for handling,
unitized loads are generally grouped into following five basic types:
(i) Unit load on a platform: When the load is arranged on a platform which
can be lifted and carried as unit load. Generally two types of platform are used
in industry - pallet and skid (see section 3.4 for further details on pallets and
skids).
(ii) Unit load in a container: When small sized articles are put inside a box
like container, which can be carried easily by trucks, cranes etc. This is a type
of unitized load which is very popularly practiced in manufacturing industries.
Different sizes and designs of containers are used like box, bin, crate, carton,
sack / balloon etc. (see section 3.4 for further details on containers).
(iii) Unit load on a rack: Specially designed racks are used to hold different
types of parts in desired orientation or relationship to each other. The racks
may be provided with inserts, pegs, or holes to orient parts or to form dividers
between layers for easy handling, counting, inspection etc. Long products like
pipes, bars etc. are essentially stored in racks. Racks may be provided with
wheels for movement in planes or may be provided with hooks for lifting.
Following figure 3.3.1 illustrates a few typical unitized load on racks.

Fig. 2.3.1 Unitized load on special racks with wheels which can be moved by forklift truck or by hand

(iv) Unit load on a sheet: Unitization is possible on a sheet material and the
shape of the load depends on the character and way the sheet material is
used. Flat sheets like cardboard, chipboard or plywood may be used for
unitization of load on it. Specially formed molded sheets are used for
unitization of bulk materials. In these formed sheets, provisions are kept for
fork entry of lift trucks. A flexible sheet may be used as sling particularly for
odd shaped unit loads, bulk materials or materials packed in bags.
(v) Self contained unit load (not requiring major auxiliary aids): Different
kinds of self contained unitized loads are practiced in industry and in everyday
use. There are:
(a) Bundle: Long pieces of unequal shapes tied together by a rope, wire,
elastic band etc. for ease of handling.

(b) Bale: Materials like scrap paper, sheet metal trimmings etc. are
compressed in a bailing press to make the loose materials into a single
compact load of reduced size.
(c) Fastened unit load: Loose items fixed in position by materials like
wrapper, tape, glue etc.
Shrink-wrapping and Stretch-wrapping are two very popular processes
which are used more for packaging than unitization. These processes have
been discussed in section 2.6.
(d) Interlocked unit load: Load which consists of individual pieces so shaped
by design that they can be arranged in a fashion to make the assembly
interlocked and self restrained. For example cast aluminum pigs interlocked to
build a stack.
(e) Unrestrained Load: Items stacked on a lifting device without any
restraining member, such that it can be stored as an unit, but requires extra
care for lifting or moving. Stack of bricks or cartons on a pallet are examples
of unrestrained load.

2.4 PALLETS, SKIDS AND CONTAINERS
Pallets, skids, and containers are the most commonly used unitization
devices, referred in the previous section. Both pallets and skids are platform
type devices used for forming ‘‘Unit load on platform’’.
Pallet: It is essentially a platform used for assembling, storing and handling of
materials as a unit load. Essential feature of a pallet is that the forks of a lift
truck can be inserted at the bottom side of the platform, while the pallet is
resting on floor and thus can raise the pallet with load and move it to desired
place. Pallets, when not in use, can be stacked one above the other.

Skid: It is essentially a platform provided with legs so that a platform truck
may get inside it and raise it from ground. Skids are thus single-faced and
non-stackable.

Pallets and skids may be classified as flat, box or post type. Post type are
having either fixed or removable corner posts to help restrain the load. These
different designs of pallets and skids are commonly made of lighter materials
like, wood plywood, chipboard, aluminum, plastics, rubber and rarely by steel.
Construction may be rigid or collapsible to permit easy return. Pallets and
skids of different types are shown in Fig.2.4.1.

Fig. 2.4.1. Pallet and skids of different design

The overall plan dimensions of the pallets for use in plant materials handling are as follows:

2.5 ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF HANDLING

There are alternative methods of handling unitized loads without using
unitizing devices like pallet, skids, containers and racks. These alternative
methods make use of different attachments used in conjunction with materials
handling equipment like forklift truck, crane etc. The unit load which are
handled by these methods are generally single items or unitized loads of
regular size and shape like rolls, bales, cartons, bags etc.

Circular shaped loads with a hole in it like a coil, wheel, pipe etc may be lifted
by a ram type attachment of a forklift truck. Alternatively a sling round the load
may be made by a rope/chain passing through the hole, and then suspending
it from the sling by a forklift truck or crane. Cylindrical loads like paper rolls,
drum etc. may be picked up using cylindrical clamp type attachments on
forklift truck. Loads like cartons, bales etc. can be handled by squeezing

action of straight clamp attachments. Some of these attachments have been
discussed and illustrated in chapter 5 under forklift truck attachment.

Different types of tongs are used in conjunction with crane for lifting and
moving many types of unit loads as illustrated in Fig.2.5.1.

Advantages of using these alternative methods are:
(i) No need of moving weighty and bulky devices like pallets, containers etc.
(ii) Lower operating cost.
(iii) Flexibility in storage as warehouses are not limited to a few size of
palletized / containerized loads.

There are also some disadvantages of these methods:
(i) These are not suitable for less than unit loads.
(ii) Mixed size loads cannot be stacked effectively.

Fig. 2.5.1. Self closing tongs for handling different unit loads

In practice the actual method of handling of unit / unitized load is dictated by the cost
of such handling.

Classification of Materials Handling
Equipment
3.1 BASIC EQUIPMENT TYPES
The nature of industries, manufacturing processes involved and types /
designs of machines & plants in operation are innumerable, consequently the
variety of materials handling equipment and systems used in industry is also
very large in number and diverse in concept and design. New equipment are
being designed and manufactured continuously. It is difficult even to mention
about all types of materials handling equipment being used, detailed
discussions on their functions and design aspects is just impossible within the
limited span of the present book.

It is therefore, essential to classify such large number of materials handling
equipment into a few ‘‘basic types’’ for meaningful discussion of these
equipment. There has been many attempts by stalwarts in the field of
materials handling to classify equipment in different ways. However, in the
present book, classification based on the following basic types of equipment
will be followed, which is in line with that followed by many practitioners and
authors:
(i) Industrial Vehicles/Trucks.
(ii) Conveyors.
(iii) Hoisting Equipment.
(iv) Bulk Handling Equipment/System.
(v) Robotic handling system.
(vi) Containers and Supports.
(vii) Auxiliary Equipment.

In above classification the ‘‘transportation equipment’’ group has been
excluded. However, it is to be noted that some of the road and railroad
transportation equipment may often be used as common materials handling
equipment inside a large industry or construction site.

There are sub-classifications under each type and there are different
individual equipment under each of these sub classifications, with their
individual utility and design features. However, since classification into above
types form a convenient basis for discussing materials handling equipment,
these are briefly described below, while the sub-classifications and examples
of a few widely used individual equipment are listed in section 3.2. It is to be
noted that there are equipment which may not quite fit in the above scheme of
classification or may be classified under more than one category.

Industrial Vehicles/Trucks
These are manual or power driven vehicles suitable for movement of mixed or
unitized load, intermittently, where primary function is maneuvering or
transporting. The vehicle/truck is physically moved along with the load from

one point to another via a flat or slightly inclined route. This classification
excludes highway vehicles, railroad cars, marine carriers and aircrafts.

Conveyors
These are gravity or powered equipment commonly used for moving bulk or
unit load continuously or intermittently, uni-directionally from one point to
another over fixed path, where the primary function is conveying of the
material by the help of movement of some parts/components of the
equipment. The equipment as a whole does not move.

Hoisting Equipment
These equipment are generally utilized to lift and lower and move unit and
varying loads intermittently, between points within an area known as the reach
of the equipment, where the primary function is transferring. A hoisting
equipment may also be mounted on a powered vehicle when the movement
of the lifted load is not limited within a fixed area of operation.

Bulk Handling Equipment/System
In the large process industries and constructional projects, a wide range of
heavy equipment are used for handling and storage of large amount of bulk
solids. These are called bulk handling equipment.

Robotic Handling System
Specially designed robots are increasingly being used in materials handling
application, particularly in loading and unloading of jobs to and form a
machine or a machining cell.

Containers and Supports
This classification generally includes all types of secondary devices and aids
which are utilized for storing, unitizing and movement of materials. Different
types of pressure, tight, loose, closed and open-top containers; platforms and
coil supports and different securements such as strapping, cinches (chain,
rope, cables with tighteners), bulkheads, dunnage etc. are examples of
secondary devices and aids.

Auxiliary Equipment
A large number of equipment and attachments which cannot be classified
under above heads, but are frequently used independently or in conjunction
with some other materials handling equipment, are classified in this type.

3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF HANDLING EQUIPMENT
The major sub classifications and some of the common individual equipment
under these sub classifications are mentioned in the following lists:

Industrial Vehicles/Trucks
Industrial vehicles/trucks is one of the most common group of materials
handling equipment used in industry as well as in day to day distribution of
goods in warehouses, large stores, transport depots etc. Basic definition of
industrial trucks and their classifications have already been discussed in
chapter 3. In this chapter, operation and constructional features of some of
the common types of industrial trucks will be discussed. The adjective
‘‘industrial’’ used before this group of vehicles / trucks is to distinguish these
from other group of vehicles like bus, lorry, truck etc. used for transportation of
man, live stock or goods.

The entire range of industrial vehicles/trucks are generally sub-classified into
two groups viz. nonpowered truck, (also called hand trucks) and powered
trucks.

The powered trucks can be further subdivided into following three subgroups,
for convenience of discussion:
(a) Power Truck.
(b) Forklift Truck.
(c) Tractor.

4.1 HAND TRUCKS
Hand trucks, as the name implies, have no source of motive power, these are
generally moved manually or are attached to other powered moving
equipment/units. Hand trucks are classified into three sub groups (i) 2-Wheel
hand truck, (ii) multiple-wheel hand truck and (iii) Hand lift truck.

4.1.1 Two-wheel Hand Trucks
These are generally used for moving unit or unitized loads like bags, barrels,
boxes, cartons, bales, cylinders etc. by pushing the truck manually.
Basically it consists of two long handles fixed by a number of cross bars which
from the frame to carry the load. Two wheels mounted on an axle is fixed on
far end of the frame. Two short legs are generally fixed to the two handles at
the other end to allow the hand truck to stay in a horizontal position during
loading and unloading of the truck. Constructional feature of a common 2-
wheel hand truck is shown in Fig. 4.1.1.

Fig. 4.1.1. Parts of common 2-wheel hand truck
Different varieties of 2-wheel trucks are in use based on the type of loads to be
handled. Some of these, which are variations of the basic design, are illustrated in
Figure 4.1.2 below indicating the type of load they are used for.

Fig. 4.1.2. Different types of 2-wheel hand trucks

Pry trucks having a crowbar nose, pry up a heavy load and roll it away. These
are used for loads too heavy for ordinary 2-wheel trucks. They are often used
in pairs by two men.
4.1.2 Multiple-wheel Hand Trucks
These trucks generally consist of a platform or framework mounted on 3 or 4
or more number of wheels. The truck is generally provided with a handle for
pushing or pulling the platform. Certain trucks are provided with no handle or
detachable handle.
Trucks under this subgroup can be classified in the following individual
equipment:
Platform Trucks: These are basically larger version of dollies in which
metallic frames are generally of rectangular shape and produced in many
sizes in light, medium and heavy-duty construction. Handle at one or both
ends are provided for pushing. There are two basic chassis construction from
the point of view of wheel arrangement: (a) tilt or balance type which have
rigid wheels at the center of the platform and set of one or two swivel casters

located at two ends of the platform permitting maneuverability. (b) non tilt
type where the rigid wheels are at one end and the swivel casters, usually
smaller in size, located at the other end, so that all the wheels are active
always (Fig. 4.1.3). The platform may be provided with corner posts or various
types of steel slat racks and frames to avoid slippage / spilling of the load (Fig.
4.1.4). Platform trucks may be built with extra reinforcement and provided with
suitable coupler so that they may be used for light-duty trailer service or
towline conveyor system.

Fig. 5.1.3 Not tilt type platform truck

Fig. 5.1.4 Various types of rack bodies used on platform trucks

4.1.3 Hand Lift Trucks
These hand trucks are provided with a mechanism of lifting its platform, which
can be rolled under a pallet or skid, and raised to lift the pallet or skid with
load to clear the ground and then move this load from one place to another.
Depending on the lifting mechanism, these are grouped into hydraulic or
mechanical type. Hand lift trucks are widely used in small to medium sized
manufacturing industries using pallets, skids and/or containers.

Hydraulic lifting mechanism: This consists of a hydraulic ram (single acting
cylinder), an oil storage vessel and a plunger pump. The handle of the truck is
connected to the plunger of the pump though suitable mechanism, such that
when the handle is moved up and down, the pump forces a certain quantity of
oil into the ram which through suitable linkage mechanism raises the platform
with load. Capacity range of hydraulic hand lift trucks vary between ½ ton to
10 tons. The platform is lowered by releasing a flow control valve to allow the
pressurized oil to go back to tank, and the ram is retracted by the load itself.

Mechanical lifting mechanism: This mechanism is operated by a system of
levers. The platform is raised by actuating a handle, which in turn, raises a
pawl that falls into a slot or groove. Lowering is accomplished by releasing the
pawl. There are single stroke, low-lift mechanisms also. Capacity of
mechanical hand lift trucks is generally limited to 1 ton.

Both hydraulic and mechanical hand lift trucks are further classified, based on
general constructional features, into: (a) pallet, (b) platform and (c) special
types.

(a) A hand pallet truck is used for handling pallets. It consists of two
strongly built metallic fingers, popularly called forks, connected at one
end to give a U-shape. The lifting mechanism is housed at this end. At
the outer ends of each fork a wheel is provided, which acts in
accordance with the lifting system. The connected end is mounted on a
pair of large sized wheels which can be steered. Fig. 4.1.5 shows
photographic view of hydraulic hand pallet trucks. The Fig. 4.1.6 shows
typical operation of the truck where the forks are introduced inside a
pallet and the forks are raised with the pallet. Fig. 4.1.7 shows line
diagram with important dimensions of such a truck lays down
recommended dimensions of fingers (forks) of hand pallet trucks in line
with recommended pallet dimensions.

Fig. 4.1.5 Hydraulic hand pallet truck : (a) low-lift (b) high-lift Fig. 4.1.6. Operation of a pallet truck

Fig. 4.1.7 Typical dimensions of a pallet truck

(b) Platform lift truck is similar to a pallet truck excepting that instead of
two forks it has a platform, which can be raised. The platform may be
solid or of open frame structure. These trucks are generally used with
skids. Load capacity and nominal sizes of standard trucks of this kind
vary within ranges :½ ton to 3 tons, 450 mm to 680 mm width, 750 mm
to 1800 mm length and lift heights from 150 mm to higher values (see
Fig. 4.1.8).

Fig. 4.1.10. Scissor design platform lift trucks : mechanical type (a) or hydraulic type (b)

4.2 POWER TRUCKS
When a vehicle / truck contains its own source of motive power, it is called
a power truck

4.2.1 Fixed Platform Truck (powered)
These are powered (battery, diesel or gas operated) industrial trucks having a
fixed level, non elevating platform for carrying load. Materials to be moved

have to be loaded and unloaded to and from the platform by hand, hoist or
carne. Capacities of these trucks can go upto 40 tons. Smaller capacity
models are called load carriers. Operator normally stands on the truck and
runs it. Platform trucks are particularly useful for occasional handling of heavy
loads.

Variations of normal platform truck are (i) drop platform truck, (ii) drop
center baggage truck in which the central platform between two sets of
wheels is very close to floor. Fig. 4.2.1 shows photographic views of different
types powered platform trucks.

Fig. 4.2.1. Different designs of platform truck.

4.2.2 Platform Lift Truck (powered)
These equipment are a particular type of powered platform truck, whose
platform can be raised and lowered to handle loads on skids. Range of lift of
the platform may be ‘low-lift’’, upto 300 mm or ‘‘high-lift’’, over 300 mm.

4.2.3 Pallet Lift Truck (powered)
These are similar to platform lift truck in which the platform is replaced by
forks to work also with loads on pallets. These are basically forenummer of
fork-lift trucks. Low-lift models (Fig. 4.2.2)
are used for movement of materials only while the high-lift models are used
for stacking of pallet/skids one over another or in storage racks. Different
variations of high-lift truck have been built. Some of these are:

Fig. 4.2.2. Pallet lift truck (battery)

(a) Reach truck: In this design the forks can reach out on a pantographic
mechanism which permits the forks to travel forward to engage load, lift it, and
then retracts towards the mast before travel starts. These are of great use for
warehousing and loading/unloading vehicles.
(b) Side loader truck: In this design the operational direction of the forks is at
right angles to the movement of the truck. The major benefit of the design is
that the truck need not turn into the load. The truck can move along a narrow
aisle of a warehouse, and the fork can load / unload from the rack directly.
These are particularly used for narrow aisle working and also for storing long
loads (pipes, structural steel, logs etc.). Fig.4.2.3 shows a side loader truck. It
needs specially trained operator.

Fig. 4.2.3. Narrow aisle side loader

4.2.4 Walkie Truck
This term implies different types of powered trucks described above, when the
operator walks with the truck and operates it by means of controls available
on the truck handle. Fig. 4.2.4 shows a walkie pallet truck and a walkie
stacker truck.

Fig. 4.2.4. Walkie trucks

Walkie trucks are smaller, lighter and slower than rider-types, generally
powered by battery. These are designed to fill the gap between hand trucks
and powered rider-trucks in which the operator stands/sits on the truck.

4.2.5 Straddle Carrier
This is a self-loading powered truck for movement of long and heavy loads
including shipping containers. The truck consists of a inverted “U” shaped
frame having wheels mounted on outside of the frame. The truck can straddle
a load / loads, picks it up with hydraulically operated load carrying shoes,
mounted inside the frame, and then move with the load and unload it very
quickly at a desired location. Capacities up to 40 tons are common (Fig.
4.2.5).

Fig. 4.2.5. Straddle carrier

4.3 FORK LIFT TRUCKS
Amongst the powered industrial vehicle/truck family, most versatile, useful
and widely used equipment is industrial lift trucks, popularly called forklift
trucks (FLT in short). These are self loading, counterbalanced, powered,
wheeled vehicles, with the operator seating on the vehicle, designed to raise,
move and lower load on forks or other attachments fastened to a mast which
is fixed in front of the vehicle to allow lifting and stacking of loads. forklift
trucks are used for lifting, lowering, stacking, unstacking, loading and
unloading and maneuvering of medium to large weight, uniform shaped unit
loads, intermittently. However, the limitations of these equipment are (i)
usually requires pallet/skid/ container, (ii) requires skilled operator, (iii)
equipment needs maintenance facility, (iv) capacity of these equipment vary
from 1ton upto about 60 tons, (v) slow travel speed (10-15 kmph) , (vi)
suitable for short hauls (hundreds of meters).

Other features of a forklift truck are:
(i) The source of power is petrol/diesel or LP gas engine or a battery driven
motor.

(ii) The mast may be tilted forward or backward within a range, for better
stability during movement with load and also to facilitate loading and
unloading. In a particular design the mast may be moved outboard and
inboard on tracks laid over the chassis of the truck.

(iii) The mast may be a single mast or may be telescoping in design which
allows high lifting of the load for trucks that must run through limited head
room areas.

(iv) In certain designs, the forks are independently retractable outboard and
inboard through pantograph mechanism. Loads are picked up and placed
while forks are outboard but are moved inboard for greater stability during
movement.

(v) The operation of the mast and movement of the forks (or any other
attachment) are through a hydraulic power pack.

(vi) The body of the truck is purposely built heavy which act as counter load
while lifting loads on forks/attachments.

(vii) Solid rubber tyres are provided for operation in different floor conditions.
The rear two wheels are steered for manipulation of the forks/attachment fixed
in front of the truck.
Fig. 4.3.1 is a line diagram showing major parts of a forklift truck.

Fig. 5.3.1. Parts of a forklift truck

Fig. 4.3.2 shows photographs of a few designs of Forklift Trucks and their use

Fig. 4.3.2. Forklift trucks
4.3.1 Specifications of FLT
There are different operating parameters or specifications based on which
suitability of a particular FLT is determined. The following is a list of major
specifications from operational point of view:
(a) Rated capacity (1000 kg, 2000 kg etc.) at specified load center.
(b) Power sources (gas, diesel, battery etc.)
(c) Turning radius.

(d) Physical dimensions (length, width, height)
(e) Mast height
(f) Lift height.
(g) Mast specification (single or telescoping, tilting or non-tilting, retractable or
not.)
(h) Travel speed.
(i) Lifting speed.
(j) Floor clearance.
(k) Free lift (movement of fork without mast movement).
(l) Retractable fork or not.
(m) Fork size (length, width, maximum gap between forks etc.)
(n) Attachments provided.

Other important technical specifications are : (i) motive power (h.p. rating), (ii)
power transmission system (disc clutch, fluid coupling etc.), (iii) tyre
specifications, (iv) battery and charger specification etc.

4.3.2 Capacity rating of FLT
FLT’s are specified for a rated capacity at a specified load centre. Load centre
is the distance from the heel (vertical face) of the forks to the assumed c.g. of
the load. However, if the actual c.g. of the load goes beyond the specified
load centre, the loading capacity of the truck has to be reduced accordingly,
so that the moment of the load about the front wheel does not exceed that of
the counter-loaded body of truck, and the rear wheels do not loose contact
with ground.

For example (see Fig 4.3.3), let rated capacity of the FLT is 2000 kg and load
centre is 450 mm. Let the distance between front wheels to heel of the fork
(distance A to B) is 350 mm. Then true capacity of the FLT is =2000 × (load
centre + distance A to B) = 2000 × (450 +350) = 16 × 105 kg.mm.

Now, if a load is to be carried whose c.g. ‘‘C’’ is at a distance of 550 mm from
the heel of the forks (distance B to C = 550), then the maximum safe weight
‘‘W’’ that can be carried is given by the equation:

W × (550 + 350) = 16 × 105
or
W =16 ×105/ 900= 1777 kg

Fig. 4.3.3. Capacity rating of FLT

4.3.3 Turning Radius and Aisle Width
A FLT can move freely through an aisle having its width at least 300 mm more
than the max width of the load or the FLT, whichever is higher. However, if the
FLT has to work across the length of an aisle, like stacking or unstacking into
racks in a warehouse, the minimum aisle width requirement can be
determined from the following factor, as illustrated in Fig. 4.3.4.

Fig. 4.3.4. Minimum turning radius of FLT

Let A = width of the aisle.
B = distance from center line of truck to the point about which truck turns
when wheels are turned to extreme position (minimum turning radius
condition). Centre of turning is designed to lie on front wheel centre line
TR = minimum turning radius
L = Length of weight resting on fork
X = distance between center line of drive (front) wheel to face of fork
C = clearance ( may be 150mm).
Then minimum aisle width A is given by the formula, A = TR + X + L + C

4.3.4 FLT Attachments
Forks of a forklift truck are one of the most common attachments. A pair of
forks is used for working with skids, pallets, containers and box shaped loads
resting on legs/ packers. However, a wide variety of devices have been
designed for attaching to lift trucks to make them useful for many different
tasks. Some of the common types of attachments are listed below with their
names, short description of their special use and with some of their sketches.

(i) Boom: This attachment is fixed with respect to the fork
carrier. At the end of the boom, a chain pulley block is
provided for lifting loads using the hook and slings.

(ii) Clamp: These are hydraulic devices for picking up loads like bales,
barrels, cartons etc. by gripping them with opposing adjustable
plates.

(iii) Drum grab: For drum-handling in vertical position.

(iv) Crane: A crane mechanism is attached to FLT.
(v) Die handler: Platform for carrying heavy load.
(vi) Drop-bottom container
(vii) Load inverter cum pusher

(viii) Load pusher (pallet un-loader)

(ix) Ram: Fitted to the lift carriage for lifting cylindrical load
with a hole (coil etc.)

(xi) Shovel (scoop): A scoop fitted to the carriage for
scooping and carrying loose load.

(xii) Special forks: (a) brick, (b) block, (c) extended,(d)
scissor, (e) retractable.

(xiii) Vacuum: For handling light and fragile objects by a set
of suction pods.

(xiv) Side-shifter: With this attachment, a load on truck can be moved from
100 to 150 mm on each side. This helps enormously in storing loads, without
any damage to storage racks and merchandise.

(xv) Rotator: This is used in conjunction with a
clamp or fork attachment to rotate load or for safer
grip during movement with load.

4.3.5 Batteries for FLT
Engine driven trucks are comparatively cheaper than battery operated truck.
Moreover, engine driven trucks can be used almost without the need of
electricity. Despite all these, the number of battery trucks continues to
increase, particularly for capacities upto 3 tons due to factors like overall lower
maintenance cost and lack of smoke, fume and noise. Battery operated trucks
are particularly suitable for warehousing and operations in confined areas.
However, pre-requisite to using battery-operated trucks is availability of
electricity and battery charging facility.

Types of batteries: Batteries may be either of lead acid or nickel alkaline
type of sufficient ampere-hour capacity to insure at least one full day’s
operation. Advantages of lead-acid battery are: lower cost, greater energy
(kw-hr) capacity in a given space, lower internal resistance.

Benefits of nickel-alkaline battery are: longer life, better mechanical strength,
noncorrosive electrolyte (KOH) which does not freeze, shorter recharge
period (7 Hrs) and noncritical control of the charging current.

Battery voltage: The battery voltage has largely been standardized by
industrial truck manufacturers. Table 4.3.1 below shows the types and
capacities of battery operated trucks and average voltage employed for their
operation:
Table: 4.3.1 Average Battery Voltage of Various Industrial Trucks

Battery rating: It is essential that sufficient battery capacity be provided to
allow uninterrupted operation of the truck during normal operation period.
Capacity of a battery is rated in ampere-hour for a six hours discharge period.
This rating, divided by six, gives the current draw in amperes, which, if

continued six hours, will completely discharge the battery. The average
voltage multiplied by the ampere hours rating gives the total energy capacity
of the battery in watt-hour. The battery sizes for trucks of various capacities
have been standardized by the manufacturers.

Battery selection: Battery selection is based on energy rating for a proposed
duty cycle of the truck within a given period between two battery changes.
Energy calculations for different operations are based on certain charts and
formulae adopted by the “Electrical Industrial Truck Association” in 1950
standardized through field study.

Energy calculation: Table 4.3.2 shows average watt-hours of energy
required to accelerate and drive a truck over level distances. For intermediate
distances, the data may be interpolated. The energy consumptions for other
operations of FLT are given by following set of equations:

(i) Travel up the grade: Extra energy in watt-hours required in addition to that
required for level running = total tons (truck + load) × length of grade in feet ×
% grade × 0.013 ( where grade = tan θ). Going down grade steeper than 2%
requires no power, and distance down grade may be subtracted from length
of run.

(ii) Lifting energy in watt-hours = tons of load lifted × feet of lift × 2, for empty
lift =1/3 × load capacity in tons × feet of lift × 2.

(iii) Tilting energy (watt-hours) = tons of load × 1, for empty tilt =1/3 load
capacity in tons ×1

Table 4.3.2: Approximate Watt Hours Required by Fork Trucks to Travel on Level
Concrete

Example: A battery operated FLT weighs 4000 pounds including weight of
battery and operator. It is carrying a weight of 2000 pounds. The truck lifts the
load to 2 ft and carries the load to a distance of 200 ft of which 170 is along
level road and balance 30 ft on an upgrade of 6%. After discharging the load it
returns over same route. Calculate total watt-hours of energy spent by the
truck. Select suitable battery if the truck has to make 200 such trips daily.

The total energy can be calculated by summing up energy spent for the
following elements of activity:

(i) Total run with load.
(ii) Extra power for 30 ft of inclined travel at 6% grade.
(iii) Return empty run deducting the downgrade run.
(iv) Lifting of load.
(v) Tilting of mast.

Calculations:

(i) Energy for total run with load: Total weight of the truck with load is 6000
pounds. From chart we find the energy required for a 200 ft run = 24 watt-
hours.

(ii) Extra power for going up grade = (6000/2000)× 30 × 6 × .013 = 7.02 w-hrs.

(iii) Energy for empty run: To be calculated for (200 – 30)= 170 ft, (energy
spent during downward movement being zero) from chart it is interpolated as
10 + (16-10) × .7= 14.2 w-hrs

(iv) Lifting energy =(2000/2000) × 2(lift) × 2 = 4 w-hrs.

(v) Tilting energy with load =(2000/2000)× 1 = 1 w-hrs.

Tilting energy without load =1/3×2000/2000× 1 =1/3 w-hrs.

Assuming 2 tilts with load and 1 tilt without load, total energy of tilting = 2 × 1
+1/3= 2 1/3 w-hrs.

Thus estimated total energy for the above duty cycle = 24 + 7.02 + 14.2 + 4 +
2.33 = 51.55 watt-hrs.

For 200 trips, total energy requirement = 200 × 51.55= 10,310 watt-hrs. If we
choose the voltage of the battery to be 36 volts, then total ampere hour
capacity of the battery between two charges should be =10,310 ÷ 36 =
286.39.

Therefore, a 36 volts battery having ampere-hour rating of nearest figure
above 286.39 should be the minimum size battery to be considered for the
duty cycle.

Battery charging: Charging of used up batteries is an essential facility for
battery operated FLTs. Industrial batteries used in forklift trucks are intended
to be recharged approximately 300 times per year or once in 24 hours on an
average. More frequent recharges generally reduce the overall life of the
batteries.

The lead-acid batteries, for 8-hrs. Charging period requires a high rate (about
25amps per 100 amp-hr of battery capacity) of charging at the beginning and
a low finishing rate (20% of initial rate) at the end.
A nickel-alkaline battery with a 7-hrs. charging period, needs a charging
voltage of 1.5 times its normal voltage rating. Each size of nickel-alkaline cell
has a specified current charging rate. At the beginning it should be about
140% of this specified rate and gradually it should taper down so that the
average charging rate is approximately equal to the specified rate of the cell.

The battery charging unit, may be (i) motor-generator type or (ii) dry-plate
rectifier type. However, each of these is provided with above charging
sequence control features. The battery chargers may be suitable for a single
battery or multiple batteries charging simultaneously. It should automatically
stop charging when each battery gets fully charged.

Conveyors
Different classes of conveyors forming the conveyor group is by far the most
frequently used materials handling equipment primarily for conveying bulk
materials in process industries and also for conveying certain types of unit
loads in large quantities. Basic definition of a conveyor and its classifications
has already been given in chapter 4. In the present chapter, definition /
description and operational characteristics of the different classes of
conveyors have been discussed. Special features and use of some of the
commonly used conveyors under each of these classes have been included.
Certain design aspects of a few classes of conveyors have also been touched
upon.

5.1 BELT CONVEYORS
5.1.1 Definition / Description
A belt conveyor consists of an endless flat and flexible belt of sufficient
strength, made of fabric, rubber, plastic, leather or metal, which is laid over
two metallic flat pulleys at two ends, and driven in one direction by driving one
of the two end pulleys. Material is placed on this moving belt for
transportation. The active half of the belt is supported by idler rollers or slider
bed. The return half of the belt may or may not be supported, as it generally
does not carry any additional load other than its own weight. The endless belt
is kept taught by a belt tensioning arrangement.

5.1.2 General Characteristics
(i) Belt conveyors operate in one vertical plane, horizontally or with an
inclination (up or down) depending on the frictional property of the load
conveyed.
(ii) For changing direction of the materials being conveyed, in the horizontal
plane, more than one belt conveyors are needed.
(iii) Conveying capacity of a conveyor can be controlled by changing belt
speed.
(iv) Belt conveyors are generally employed for continuous flow of materials.
(v) Metal/special belts can carry hot, abrasive or reactive materials.

5.1.3 Types of Belt Conveyors
(a) Flat Belt Conveyor: In this conveyor, the active side of belt remains flat
supported by cylindrical rollers or flat slider bed. The conveyor is generally
short in length and suitable for conveying unit loads like crates, boxes,
packages, bundles etc. in manufacturing, shipping, warehousing and
assembly operations. Flat belts are conveniently used for conveying parts
between workstations or in an assembly line in mass production of goods. Fig.
5.1.1 shows a flat conveyor.

Fig. 5.1.1. A flat belt conveyor with drive control

(b) Troughed Belt Conveyor: In this conveyor, comparatively wide flat belt is
supported on troughed carrying rollers or shaped supporting surface so that
the two edges of the active side of the belt are elevated from the middle part
to form a trough. This provides a greater carrying capacity than a flat belt of
equal width for conveying bulk materials or those materials which would slide
off flat belts. These conveyors are used in handling bulk materials of different
classes. The return side of the belt is generally kept flat supported on
cylindrical rollers.

The troughed conveyors which are used within a plant for moving bulk
materials from one point to another, are generally termed as ‘‘normal’’ or
‘‘transfer’’ conveyors. These are comparatively of shorter lengths, and path of
movements are in straight line in a horizontal or an inclined plane. The
stresses in the belts being within limits of cotton fabric belts.

However, troughed belt conveyors are often used for transportation of bulk
materials over long distances, by means of a series of conveyors, over paths
that are combination of inclines, declines and horizontal sections, following
the natural contours of the ground. These are generally termed ‘‘long-centre’’
conveyors. There is no clear demarcation between a normal or long-centre
conveyor. Long center conveyors are those where belt tension is high
warranting use of high tension quality belts with less belt stretch, and low
acceleration through gradual starting controls for the drive. By using a number
of conveyors in series, it is possible to change the direction of materials
movement at the junction of two conveyors, called ‘‘transfer terminal’’. Long-
centre conveyors are used for jobs like: (i) transportation of the output of
mines to the processing plants, (ii) materials from shipping ports to the
storage/transport loading sites, (iii) materials from outdoor storage yards to
inside plants, (iv) movement of materials between plants etc.

(c) Closed Belt Conveyor: In a closed belt conveyor, the specially fabricated
belt, after being loaded with the material, can be wrapped completely around
the load. It essentially forms a closed tube moving along with the material.
The advantages of a closed belt conveyor are: (i) it can handle fragile
materials safely and without breaking by reducing inter particle collision, (ii) it
can handle fine bulk materials without being swept by air (however, it is not
really air tight at loading and unloading points), (iii) ability to handle corrosive
and reactive materials without contamination and (iv) the tubed belt can travel
around bends in more than one plane and hence versatile in layout.

The lengths of these conveyors are generally limited. Different designs of
closed belts have been manufactured and used in different countries. In the
following Fig. 5.1.2, a type called Zipper Conveyor is shown. Fig. 5.1.3 shows
how the belt is closed after the belt is filled up at its flat configuration. Different
designs for closing two ends of the belt have been developed by different
manufacturers.

Fig. 5.1.2. Endless zipper belt

Fig. 5.1.3. Spreading, filling and locking of a closed conveyor

(d) Metallic Belt Conveyor: This is a flat belt conveyor where the flexible belt
is replaced by a cold rolled carbon or stainless steel strip belt of thickness
from 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm. The ends of the steel strip are lap joint riveted with a
single row of special wide flat head rivets. A steel belt runs flat on cylindrical
idlers or runs troughed on resilient idlers (made by suitable length of springs).
Apart from all rolled strip steel belts, wire-mesh, belts of different designs
have been used. The entire length is made up of short length sections. One of
the designs is made up of flat wire spiral sections, shown in Fig. 6.1.4. The
wire-mesh belts are more flexible and the design considerations are similar to
rubberized textile belt conveyors.

Metallic strip belt conveyors are used in food, chemical industry and for
conveying hot and reactive loads. Wire-mesh belts are being widely used to
handle unit and lump materials through furnaces (up to 1000°C temperature),

as mobile base for baking industry and also for wetting, cooling, dehydrating
and similar operations.

Fig. 5.1.4. Metallic belt conveyor

(e) Portable Conveyor: Short length flat conveyors carried on a wheeled
structure is termed portable conveyor. These are particularly useful for loading
and unloading of trucks / transport vehicles. The inclination of the conveyor
can generally be adjusted to suit application. Apart from above mentioned
major types of belt conveyors, there are a few special types worth mentioning.
These are:
(f) Chain or Rope Driven Belt Conveyor: In which the specially designed
belt is driven by a moving chain or rope, where belt only serves as load
carrier, and motion is by a chain or rope conveyor (refer section 5.2).
(g) Submerged Belt Conveyor: In which a portion of the belt moves through
a metallic trough (casing) which is filled with free flowing, powdered material
at the loading end. The moving belt with holes makes the material flow to the
unloading end of the trough. Fig. 5.1.5 shows a line drawing of a submerged
belt conveyor .

Fig. 5.1.5. A typical submerged belt conveyor

5.1.4 Parts of a Belt Conveyor
(a) Conveyor Belts: Belt, which supports and conveys the load, is the
essential and mostimportant component of any belt conveyor. Most common
plastics covered textile belting - the internal carcass of woven fabric gives the
longitudinal strength of pulling the loaded belt and transverse strength for
supporting the load, and the cover of rubber and/or plastics protects the
carcass from damage.

Belt Construction: Cotton fabric ply constructed rubber covered belting is the
mostly used belt for flat and troughed conveyor. The carcass consists of one

or more plies of woven fabric or of solid woven fabric impregnated with a
rubber or plastic mix, which after vulcanization binds the plies together. The
fabric used is made of threads of cotton or polyamide or any other synthetic
material or combination thereof, evenly and firmly woven. The carcass is
covered by special wear and impact resisting rubber compounds / plastics.
For the protection of the carcass, layer or layers of open-mesh or cord fabric,
termed as ‘‘breaker’’ may be placed between the cover and the carcass, or
may be embedded in the cover. Number of fabric plies varies from 3 for
shorter belt widths (300mm and above) to a maximum of 12 to 14 plies for belt
width of 2000mm. Number of plies can vary within a range for a specific belt
width. Steel cord belting is used when good troughability, high operating
tensile strength and small elongation are desired. Fig 5.1.6 shows a typical
belt cross section.

Fig. 5.1.6. Construction of a textile belt

Belt Covers: The primary purpose of the cover is to protect the belt carcass
against damage. The requirements of the cover are to work satisfactorily in
contact with the materials to be carried by the belt. For this purpose, sufficient
thickness (not less than 1.0 mm) of top and bottom surface covers of different
rubber compounds and plastics are used. Covers in the following grades are
available:
(i) Grade M24: Natural rubber compound with superior resistance to cutting,
gauging and abrasion.
(ii) Grade N17: Compound rubber with high abrasion resistance with inferior
cutting and gauging resistance compared to M24 grade.
(iii) Grade N17(Synthetic): Composed mainly of synthetic rubber with higher
abrasion resistance. Belt made of carcass with chemical or other superior
bonding system should be used for this grade.
(iv) Grade HR: Suitable for handling load at high temperatures, upto 150°C for
lumps or 125°C for powdered materials.
(v) Grade FRAS: Used for underground mining and processes where fire
resistance and antistatic charge properties, are required.
(vi) PVC Grade: Used in fire resistance, oil resistance and hygienic belting.

Belt Designation: grade of the cover, the ‘‘type’’ of belting defined by the full
thickness breaking strength in KN/m and number of plies. For example, a
conveyor belt with cover grade N17 and type 250 having 4 plies shall be
designated as: Conveyor Belt

Belt Width: Unless otherwise agreed between the manufacturer and buyer,
the standard widths of belting as per IS specification are: 300, 400, 500, 600,

650, 800, 1000, 1200, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1800 and 2000 mm with a tolerance
of ‫ 5}پ‬mm up to 500mm width and ±1% of belt width for widths higher than
500 mm.
Belt Splicing: Two ends of a belt may be joined either by metallic belt
fasteners or by vulcanization. Metal fastener joining is easier and acceptable
for flat belt conveyors. Vulcanized belt splicing is a superior technique suitable
for troughed belt conveyors. The later is a stepped, lapped splice in which
several plies of two ends of the belt are vulcanized together to make a joint of
strength almost equal to the solid belt. Skilled operator and vulcanizing
equipment are necessary for such splicing at conveyor site.

(b) Idlers: The rollers used at certain spacing for supporting the active as well
as return side of the belt are called idlers. Accurately made, rigidly installed
and well maintained idlers are vital for smooth and efficient running of a belt
conveyor.

There are two types of idlers used in belt conveyors:
(i) straight carrying and return idlers, which are used for supporting
active side of the belt for a flat belt conveyor and also for supporting
the return belt in flat orientation in both flat or troughed belt
conveyor.

Fig. 5.1.7. Three roll idler : Sketch shows three roll carrying idler with straight return idler in same frame,
and photograph shows set of assembled idlers

(ii) troughing idler set consisting of 2, 3 or 5 rollers arranged in the form of
trough to support the belt in a troughed belt conveyor. Fig. 5.1.7 shows sketch
and photograph of a 3-roll idler.

Idler construction: Idlers are generally made from steel tubes uniformly
machined all over at the outer diameter and at the two ends of the inner
diameter. The tubes are mounted on antifriction bearings over a fixed steel
spindle. The ends of the spindles are flat machined to standard dimensions
for quick fixing in slots of idler structure. The idlers may be made of heavy
steel tubes for severe service condition (like in material loading section) or
cast iron in corrosive application (handling coke etc.). Fig. 6.1.8 shows
different designs of roller mountings on antifriction bearings. Fig. 5.1.8. shows
Different designs of roller mountings on antifriction bearings.

Fig. 5.1.8. Different mountings for idler roller.

Idler dimensions: Diameter, length and troughing angle have been
standardized. The carrying and return idler diameters in mm are: 63.5, 76.1,
88.9, 101.6, 108, 114.3, 127, 133, 139.7, 152.4, 159, 168.3 and 193.7. The
maximum diameter of 219.1mm is used for carrying idler only. These sizes
correspond to the available tube sizes. Selection of roller diameter depends
on factors like bulk weight of load in kg per cubic meter, particle size and belt
speed. Higher are these factors, higher is the roller size to be selected.
Length of the idlers varies from 100 mm up to 2200 mm. The smaller lengths
are generally made in smaller diameters while longer lengths are made in
larger diameters.

Troughed idler sets are made with troughing angle (the angle made by the
inclined roller with horizontal) of 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40° and 50°.
Troughing angle of 15° is applicable only to two roll troughed idlers. The value
of troughing angle of troughed return idlers are selected from 0°, (i.e., straight
idler), 10° and 15° for all widths of belt.

The length of the straight or troughed idler set is based on the selected width
of belt, and desirable edge clearance between belt and roller edges. Table
5.1.1 shows the recommended edge clearances.

Table 5.1.1. Edge Clearance

Idler spacing: Spacing of idlers in the loaded run is a function of bulk weight
of materials and width of belt. Selection of idler spacing has been further
discussed in section 5.1.5(e).

(c) Conveyor Pulleys: At each of the two ends of a belt conveyor, one large
diameter pulley is installed against which the belt turns and changes direction.
These pulleys are called terminal or bend pulley. Drive is imparted to the belt
through friction by one of the terminal pulleys called drive pulley. As the
conveyor belt passes around these bend pulleys, the plies of the belt are
elongated in proportion to the distance of the ply form center of the pulley.
The differential elongation of one ply over the other is taken up by the
rubberized bonding between two plies. Larger the pulley, less is differential
elongation between the plies hence less tendency to ply separation. This is
the reason the bend pulleys are made large.

The conveyor pulleys are either fabricated from rolled steel plates or of cast
iron construction. The central steel shaft is keyed into the pulley drum and
then the finished dimensions are machined. The pulleys are generally given a
crowning at the face for keeping the belt at the centre of the pulley. The face
length is generally 100 mm to 200 mm more than the belt width. The surface
of the pulley may be left bare smooth, or may be covered up to a thickness of
6 to 12 mm by rubber, polyurethane or ceramic layer with herringbone
patterned grooves to increase the friction between the pulley and belt. The
pulleys are mounted on heavy duty antifriction bearings in suitable bearing
housings.

(d) Drives for Belt Conveyors: The belt conveyors are generally driven at
the head end pulley, where material is discharged. The drive pulley is
connected to the drive motor through suitable speed reduction gear box and
flexible shaft couplings. Drive of an inclined conveyor necessarily includes a
braking device which prevents downward movement of the loaded belt in case
of power failure of the motor.

(e) Take-ups or Belt Tensioning Devices: Endless conveyor belt after being
threaded through the entire length of the conveyor need to be tightened so
that sufficient frictional force is developed between the drive pulley and the
belt, to make the belt move. Belts working under tension invariably get
elongated with time, which needs to be taken-up to maintain the desired

tension in the belt. A belt conveyor generally have a screw-type (mechanical)
or a gravity-type counterweighted take-up unit, also termed as belt tensioning
device. In the screw-type take-up, the bearing blocks for the tail end pulley are
located in guide ways, so that these may be moved by rotating two screws as
and when belt tension needs to be increased.

In gravity take up, the tail end pulley is mounted on a movable carriage which
is pulled backwards along the length of the conveyor by a vertically hanging
counterweight connected through a steel rope and deflecting pulleys. In an
alternate design, the return side of the belt passes by the bottom of a counter-
loaded deflector roll which is free to move down to keep the belt taught. Fig.
5.1.9 illustrates the two gravity take-up arrangements.

Fig. 5.1.9. Typical gravity take-up arrangements

(f) Loading and unloading devices: Free flowing material may be directly
delivered from a hopper, bin or storage pile through a chute, the delivery rate
being controlled by a regulating gate at the hopper / bin output. For non free
flowing materials a suitable feeder unit with a chute is used for loading the
material centrally onto the belt as evenly and gently as possible. Side boards
or skirt plates, extending a considerable length (2 to 3 m), is generally
attached to the conveyor structure to be placed centrally to the belt, covering
2/3rd to 3/4th width of the belt, and maintaining a small clearance with the
moving belt.

For unloading of materials at the end of the head pulley, no device is required
excepting proper chutes to guide the discharged materials. For discharging at
any point along the length of the conveyor, a plough or a belt tripper is used.
A plough consists of a rubber tipped blade extending across the belt width at
an angle of 60°. The plough may be one side discharge or a V-shaped blade
for two-side discharge. The belt carrying material must be made flat passing
over a slider plate at the plough to allow close contact between the belt and
rubber tipped blade. Plough is pivoted so that its position can be adjusted
above the belt to allow control of material being discharged.

A belt tripper is an unloading device which consists of two pulleys, of
comparable size of the head pulley, supported in a fixed or movable frame.

One pulley serves to elevate the belt a sufficient height from carrying rollers to
permit a discharge chute to be set under the pulley. The chute receives the
entire amount of material flowing over the pulley and discharge it on one or
both sides of the conveyor. The belt passes around the second pulley and
beneath the chute, to resume its position on carrying rollers.

(g) Belt Cleaners: For cleaning the outer surface of the belt a wiper or
scraper blade is used for dry particles adhering to the belt. A rotary brush type
cleaner is used for wet and sticky materials. To clean the inner surface of belt,
if warranted, a scraper is placed near the end of return run before the tail end
pulley.

(h) Training idlers: For various reasons like eccentric loading, sticking of
material to belt or idlers etc., particularly for a long-centre conveyor, the belt
may tend to move out of centre line. To prevent this tendency, belt training
idlers are used which automatically maintain belt alignment.

The belt training idler consists of an ordinary troughed idler which is mounted
on its base by pivot shaft about which it can swivel within a limited angle. Two
short vertical rollers, mounted on bearings are fixed at the two ends of the
idler, such that they are perpendicular to the belt edges. The vertical rollers
are placed slightly ahead of the idler centre line.

When the belt shifts off centre, it makes contact with one of the vertical rollers
which makes the entire idlers frame to swivel through an angle. This skewed
position of the idler creates a force which tends to bring the belt back to its
central position. In a long conveyor, such trainer idlers may be spaced at
about 30 meters. Fig. 5.1.10 shows such a troughed belt training idler.

Fig. 5.1.10. Troughed belt training idler

To align belt travel, at times, troughed idlers having its side idlers tilted to a
small angle not more than 3°, are used. However, this tilted rollers cause the
belt to wear rapidly, hence should be used with caution.

(i) Conveyor structure: The structure supporting the pulleys and idlers
consists of suitable sized channel stringers, with supporting legs to the main
structure or floor. For long conveyors, lightweight truss sections are used that
permit longer spans between supporting legs, and economical structural cost.

A decking is provided to allow return run of the belt which also lends lateral
rigidity to the structure. For long centre conveyors, sidewalk ways are
provided for inspection and adjustment to idlers. The structures are often
covered by tin plate at the top and sides to protect the materials being
conveyed under the sky outside the plant. Fig. 5.1.11 shows photographs of
two long centre conveyors with their covered structures, sidewalks etc.

Fig. 5.1.11. Photographs of long centre conveyors with their structures

(j) Transfer terminals: In a long-centre conveyor, direction of the conveyor is
changed in a transfer terminal where materials from one conveyor are
transferred into another conveyor. The second conveyor is laid out at certain
angle (generally 90°) to the first one. The discharge from first conveyor takes
place at a higher point, and materials is directed to the second conveyor
situated at a lower height, through properly shaped and sized transfer chute.
This transfer is a critical operation. The transfer terminal is enclosed within a
structural framework, covered in all sides, called a junction tower.

5.1.5 Aspects of Belt Conveyor Design
The major points in selection and design of a belt conveyor are:
(a) Checking/determining capacity of a conveyor.
(b) Calculating maximum belt tension required to convey the load and
selection of belt.
(c) Selection of driving pulley.
(d) Determining motor power.
(e) Selection of idlers and its spacing.

Above points have been discussed below in respect of flat as well as troughed
belt conveyor.

(a) Checking/Determining Conveyor Capacity
This basically means to check at what rate (tons/hrs. or units/min) a belt
conveyor of a given belt width and speed can convey a particular bulk
material or unit loads. Conversely, it is to find out the size and speed of the
conveyor to achieve a given conveying rate.

Belt Width: (i) On a flat belt, free flowing materials will assume the shape of
an isosceles triangle (Fig. 5.1.12 [a]). The angle of dynamic repose ‘‘ϕ1’’ may
be considered to be equal to 0.35ϕ, where ‘‘ϕ’’ is the static angle of repose
for the material. To avoid spillage, the belt width ‘‘B’’ is taken at least 25%

more than the base of triangle ‘‘b’’. Thus b = 0.8B. As per table 7 and 8 of IS
11592, b = 0.9B- 0.05 m for B≤ 2 m. Therefore, the assumption b = 0.8B is
more conservative for B > 500 mm. Referring to Fig. 5.1.12(a), the cross
sectional area of the load on a flat belt is:

F1=bh/2=1/2(0.8B×0.4Btanϕ1)=0.16B2tan(.35ϕ) ...(i)

Therefore, the conveying capacity “Qf” of a flat belt conveyor is given by
Qf=3600F1×V×γ=576B2Vγtan(0.35ϕ),tons/hr ...(ii)
where,
γ = bulk density of material in tons /m3, and
V = velocity of belt in m/sec.
B = Belt width in meters

Fig. 5.1.12. Bulk load on flat and troughed belt conveyor

(ii) For a three roller troughed belt conveyor (Fig. 6.1.12 [b]), where the length
of the carrier rollers are equal, the length of each roller lr can be taken as a lr
= 0.4B. Let the trough angle be ‘‘λ’’.
Then, cross sectional area of the load, F = F1 + F2

The trapezoidal area
F2 =1/2 (0.4B+0.8B) × 0.2B tanλ = 0.12B 2 tan λ ...(iii)

This is based on the assumption that the base “b” of top triangular area is
given by b = 0.8B, as considered in (i) earlier.

F = 0.16B2 tan(.35ϕ)+ 0.12B2 tan λ = B 2[0.16 tan(.35ϕ)+ 0.12 tan λ]

The conveying capacity ‘‘Qtr’’ of the troughed conveyor is

3600FVv = B2Vv [576 tan(.35ϕ)+432 tan λ], tons/hr ...(iv)

(iii) In case of flat belt carrying unit (box shaped) load the belt width B is taken
to be ≅ =width of the load + 200 mm. The capacity of the conveyor in terms of
number of unit loads conveyed per unit time depends on orientation of unit
loads on belt and speed of belt. Orientation of load depends on strength of the

belt to carry unit load as well as on stability of the load on conveyor. This can
be explained by an example given below.

Example:
Boxes of size 220 mm × 180 mm × 100 mm have to be conveyed by a belt
conveyor of sufficient belt strength, at the rate of 2000 boxes per hour. What
will be the size and speed of the conveyor?

Solution:
For stability, the boxes should be conveyed with their 100mm side as height.
For safe conveying of boxes without moving off the belt, the belt width should
be suitable for conveying the boxes with 220 mm side as width on the belt. So
belt width should be 220 + 2 × 100 = 420 mm or its nearest higher standard
size. With 420 mm belt width, even the maximum corner dimension of the box
√2202 +1802 = 284 mm will leave a side clearance of1/2 (420 – 284) = 68 mm.
, the next higher standard size of 500 mm wide belt is chosen.

If the boxes are placed with a gap of say 200 mm between two boxes, then
the maximum speed of conveyor ‘‘V’’ =2000 ×(180+200) /60×1000 =12.67
m/min, which is quite a low speed for a 500 mm belt conveyor, hence
acceptable.

In this problem, it is to be noted that, delivery of 2000 boxes per hour means
same number of boxes to be loaded also i.e., at a rate of 3600/2000 =1.8
seconds per box. This may not be possible by manual loading and some type
of automatic loading device needs to be incorporated.

Belt Speed: Recommended belt speed depends on the width of the belt as
well as lump size factor of the bulk material, its air borne factor and also its
abrasiveness factor. maximum recommended belt speeds for different sizes
of belts based on ‘‘speed factor’’ (speed factor = lump size factor + air borne
factor + abrasiveness factor). Tables 5.1.2 and 5.1.3 give the above factors
and Table 5.1.4 shows the recommended maximum belt speeds. Higher belt
speeds may be considered under special design conditions only.
Table 5.1.2. Lump size factor

Table 5.1.3. Abrasiveness Factor

Table 5.1.4. Maximum Recommended Belt Speeds (m/s)

For a conveyor sloping up (ascending), a slope factor ‘k’ is multiplied with the
calculated conveyor capacity to get the actual capacity. The ‘k’ factors with
angle of inclination is given in following table:

(b) Belt Tension
In belt conveyor, the motive force to draw the belt with load is transmitted to
the belt by friction between the belt and the driving pulley rotated by an
electric motor.
From Euler's law of friction drive, considering no slip between the belt and
pulley, T1/T2= eμa ...(v)

where,
T1 = Belt tension at tighter side
T2 = Belt tension at slack side
α = Wrap angle in radian
μ = Coefficient of friction between pulley and belt T1 – T2 = ‘‘Te’’ is the effective
pull in the belt which is pulling the loaded belt against all resistances against
the belt movement. From eqn.(v),

Te = T1 – T2 = T2(eμα – 1) ...(vi)

Estimation of effective pull Te: ‘‘Te’’ is the sum total of all the resistive forces
against the motion of belt carrying the load. The various components of
resistances are as under: Main resistance ‘‘R’’ comprising of :

(i) The resistance force caused by rolling friction in the bearings and seals of
the carrying and return idlers.
(ii) The belt advancement resistance caused due to sagging of belt between
idlers. i.e. due to recurrent flexing of belt and material over idlers. Secondary
resistance ‘‘Rs ’’ comprising of :

(i) The inertial and frictional resistances Ra due to the acceleration and friction
of the material at loading area.
(ii) The force R w required for bending (or wrapping) of the belt over pulleys.
(iii) Resistance Rska due to sliding friction between belt and side walls of the
skirt at loading area.
(iv) Bearing resistance Rb of pulleys (with the exception of driving pulley,
which is overcome directly by driving motor).

Special main resistance ‘‘Rsp1’’ comprising of:
(i) Drag due to forward tilt of idlers.

Special secondary resistance ‘‘Rsp2’’ comprising of:
(i) Resistance from belt cleaners.
(ii) Resistance from discharge ploughs and belt trippers.
Slope resistance ‘‘Rsl’’, which is the vertical component of the loaded belt
when the conveyor is inclined to horizontal by an angle ‘‘δ’’.

Thus effective pull ‘‘Te’’ can be written as:
Te = fLg {mc + mr + (2mb + mG) cos δ} + Rs + Rsp1 + Rsp2 + mGgL sin δ ...(vii)
where f = artificial coefficient of friction taking care of rolling resistance of
idlers and belt advancement resistance.

The value of ‘f’ = 0.02 for horizontal belt conveyor.
= 0.012 for a downhill conveyor requiring a brake motor.
L = length of the conveyor, m.
mc = moving mass of carrying idlers per metre, kg/m.
mr = moving mass of return idlers per metre, kg/m.
mb = mass of belt per meter, kg/m.
mG = mass of load per metre of belt length, kg/m.
δ = angle of inclination.
L Sin δ = lift of conveyor between loading and discharge point.

Calculation of secondary resistance is based on, R s = Ra + R w + Rska + Rb
Where, Ra is inertial and frictional resistance of material at loading area.
= Q × 1000 × ρ(V – V0) …(viii),

Where Q = Volumetric conveyor capacity, m3/s.
ρ = bulk density, tones/m3.
V = vel. of belt, m/sec.
V0 = vel. of material at the point of loading, m/sec.

Rw is wrapping resistance between belt and pulley, generally calculated from
the formula

w = 9B {′140 + 0.01Tav/B} t/D …(ix)
for fabric carcass belt, or

Rw = 12B { 200+ 0.1Tav/B} t/D ...(x)

For steel cord belt.

where, Tav = T1 + T2, Newton
t = belt Thickness, mm
D = pulley dia., mm
B = belt width, m
However, the wrapping force is approximated as a percentage of maximum
belt tensions on tight and slack side. Following values of R w may be assumed
as a thumb rule.

Location of pulley Degree of wrap Wrap resistance, Newton
Tight side 150° to 240° 230
Slack side 150° to 240° 175
All other pulleys — 140

Once ‘Te’ is estimated, tensions at the tight side (T1) and slack side (T2) are
worked out using eqns. (vi) and (v).

The coefficient of friction between belt and driving pulley under different
operating conditions can be in considered as given in Table 5.1.5.
Table 5.1.5. Friction Coefficient between Driving Pulley and Rubber Belting

Checking for belt sag : The minimum tensile force ‘T min’ which should be
exerted on the belt to limit belt sag between two sets of idlers is calculated by
the formula:
Tc min ≥I2c mb+mGg / 8S
, for carrying side

Tr min ≥I2r mb+mGg / 8S
, for return side,

where lc,lr are idler spacing in meters,
and S = maximum allowable belt sag = .005 to .02 m.

If the Tc min and Tr min are higher than the tensions T 1 and T2 calculated from
total resistance consideration, these higher values of belt tensions should be
achieved through proper belt tensioning and should be considered in
calculation of different design parameters.

In order to increase the effective pull without slippage, the wrap angle of belt
over driving pulley or pulleys is generally increased. Fig. 5.1.14 below shows
the different drive arrangements for achieving higher value of wrap angle ‘α’.

Fig. 5.1.14. Different belt drive arrangements

Selection of Belt Carcass : Maximum peripheral force ‘‘T emax’’ often occurs
when starting up the completely loaded conveyor from rest. The ratio ‘‘ξ’’
between Temax and Te depends on the type of drive selected, which varies
from 1.8 -2.2 for direct on line start of motor connected by a pin bush type
coupling, to a lower value of 1.2 for start-delta starting of a slip ring motor
connected by flexible coupling or a 3 phase squirrel cage motor connected
with a fluid coupling with delayed chamber filling.

Taking this maximum effective pull, T emax = ξTe, T1max should be calculated
where

T1max = Teξ(eμa / eμa-1) Based on this maximum tensile force in belt, the belt
carcass should be selected from manufacturers' catalogues having sufficient
breaking strength to withstand this maximum tensile

(c) Selection of Driving and Other Pulleys

The large diameter driving and tail end pulleys are generally fabricated from
steel plates. The pulley shafts are made integral with the barrel. The barrel
and journal portions are machined in one setting to make them concentric.
The pulley faces are given a ‘‘crown’’ of around 0.5% of the pulley diameter,
but not less than 4mm.

Diameter of pulley is selected based on the construction (number of plies
which is proportional to carcass thickness) of the belt used.

However, as a thumb rule, diameter ‘D’ can be approximated from the
relation, D≥ ki, where i = number of plies of belt, and k = 125 to 150for i
between 2 to 6, and k = 150 for i between 8 to 12. Calculated ‘D’ is rounded
off to the larger standard sizes of 250, 315, 400, 500, 630,
800,1000,1250,1400,1600, 1800 and 2000 mm.

The length of the barrel is kept 100mm to 200 mm more than the belt width.

The drive pulley may be covered (lagged) with a layer of suitable material like
rubber, polyurethane, ceramics etc, whenever necessary, to increase the
coefficient of friction between the pulley and belt. The thickness of such
lagging may vary between 6 to 12 mm, and having hardness between 55 to
65 shore A scale. However, the lagging on other pulleys like snub and bend
pulleys, the hardness chosen is much less (35 to 45 shore A) to protect
damage to the surface covering of the belt.

(d) Motor Power
The power required at the driving pulley just for driving the belt is given by the
formula:

Pd = Te × V / 1000 kW, where

Te = effective tension = (T1 – T2) in Newton
V = belt speed, m/sec
Pd = driving power, kW

However, the actual power requirements, considering the wrap resistance
between belt and driving pulley, and driving pulley bearings resistance, the
actual motor power, PA is given by

PA = (TeV /1000) + [(R wd + Rbd )V /1000] kW, where

Rwd = wrap resistance between belt and driving pulley.
Rbd = driving pulley bearing resistance.

Additional power requirements should be taken into considerations for each
belt tripper, and belt cleaner used with the conveyor.

The final motor power ‘‘PM’’ is calculated based on efficiency ‘‘η’’ of the
transmission system used consisting of gear box, chain / belt drive, coupling
etc. Thus, PM = PA/ η

Actual motor is chosen with a power rating of 15% to 20% greater than the
calculated power ‘PM’.

(e) Selection of Idlers
Depending on the type of belt conveyor, the carrying idlers can be troughed or
straight, while the return idlers are generally always straight. The major
selection criteria are the roller diameters and spacing of these idlers.

The range of idler diameters to be selected depends on belt width, maximum
belt speed and type of materials to be conveyed. Based on these, the idlers
are classified into following six series given in Table 5.1.6 below:

Table 5.1.6. Idler Classification
Spacing for carrying and return idlers also depends on belt width, and bulk
density of the material to be conveyed. The recommended spacing as is given
in table 5.1.7 below.

Table 5.1.7 Recommended Idler Spacing

5.2 CHAIN CONVEYORS
5.2.1 Definition / Description
The term chain conveyor means a group of different types of conveyors used
in diverse applications, characterized by one or multiple strands of endless
chains that travel entire conveyor path, driven by one or a set of sprockets at
one end and supported by one or a set of sprockets on the other end.
Materials to be conveyed are carried directly on the links of the chain or on
specially designed elements attached to the chain. The load carrying chain is
generally supported on idle sprockets or guide ways. The endless chains are
kept taught by suitable chain tensioning device at the non-driven end.

5.2.2 General Characteristics
Different types of chain conveyors are used in wide varieties of applications. It
is, therefore, not possible to have a set of common characteristics for all these
chain conveyors. Special characteristics of individual type of chain conveyors
have been described while discussing them.

Chain, compared to belts of a belt conveyor, have certain advantages as well
as disadvantages. The major advantages are that the chain easily
wraparound sprockets of small diameter, and the drive is positive i.e. no
slippage takes place between chain and sprocket. The chain stretch is also
little. The disadvantages of chain are its high weight, high initial cost, higher
maintenance cost and most importantly, limited running speed because of
dynamic loading that come into play in chain-sprocket drive causing intensive
wear at high speeds (dynamic chain loading has been discussed in section
5.2.5.). Maximum length and maximum lift of chain conveyors are limited by
the maximum allowable working tension of the chain used.

5.2.3 Types of Chain Conveyors
(a) Apron or Pan Conveyor: This is the most common type of chain
conveyor. It consists of one or more strands of endless chain, usually link
plate roller type, running in steel guides. Rollers ensure minimum pulling effort
in the chain, while roller guides supported on the superstructure of the
conveyor, carry the entire load of the materials and chains. The carrying
surface of the conveyor is composed of a series of plates or shapes called
apron, which are attached to the links of the chains through cleats. The bed
created by the aprons is used for carrying bulk materials as well as unit loads.
When the conveyor aprons have vertical flanges on all sides to form a pan like
shape, if is specifically called a pan conveyor. Materials carried by the apron
is discharged over the sprockets at the driven end, and the conveyor chain
with aprons comes back empty on its return Journey. These are generally
slow speed conveyors with a speed range of 20 to 35 mpm. Arrangement of a
typical apron conveyor is shown in Fig. 5.2.1.

Fig. 5.2.1. Photographs of typical apron conveyor

Applications: Generally apron and pan conveyors are used to perform
severe duties of conveying large quantities of bulk load such as coal, ore,
slag, rock, foundry sand etc. These are frequently used for feeding materials
to large crushers, breakers, grinders and similar machines. Specially
designed aprons are used for conveying unit loads, coils, hot forgings. Part of
an apron conveyor may be run through a liquid or water bath for washing of
the materials and then allow drainage of liquid from wet materials. Apron
conveyors can have flexible layout to follow combined horizontal and inclined
movement in the same vertical plane.

Apron/pan design: Depending on the nature of materials to be conveyed,
different designs ofapron and pan are used. Some of the common designs
are:
(i) Flat, spaced apron: Conveyor with rectangular shaped flat steel or
wooden slat apronswith small gaps between them, providing a flat
surface for carrying unit loads are specifically called ‘‘slat conveyor’’
[Fig. 6.2.2 (a)]. Some other designs of flat and spaced aprons with cleats
for carrying different shaped object are shown in Fig. 5.2.2 (b) and (c).

(ii) Corrugated apron: These are the most common type of apron, made
of formed steel, with front and rear edges beaded so that one overlaps
the other to form a continuous bed or trough. The overlaps are so
made that during turning of the chain over sprockets, the apron ends
move relative to each other without creating a gap for leakage of
materials or a jamming of adjoining aprons or pans. Fig. 6.2.3 shows
corrugated aprons of different styles. Some of the aprons are plain
while some are provided with overlapped vertical end plates to form
pans. Corrugated aprons or pans may be fabricated or cast from gray
or malleable iron. The pans are designated as leak proof (for carrying
fines), shallow, deep and hinged (for carrying chips, trimmings, scrap

etc.). Deep pans may be used for carrying materials at an inclination of
up to 45°.

Fig. 5.2.3. Corrugated aprons of different styles

(iii) Special types: These are used in special applications and are too
numerous to be discussed in limited space. Some of the typical examples are
the four compartment cast-metal pans used for pig casting. Beaded aprons
are used in sugar mills. When deep loads are carried on an apron conveyor,
stationary side plates called skirt plates are provided on both sides, fixed to
the conveyor frame.

(b) Cross-Bar or Arm Conveyor: This type of conveyor consists of a single
or two strands of endless chain, to which are attached spaced, removable or
fixed arms (or cross members) from which materials are hung or festooned.
The arms may be replaced by shelves/trays to support packages or objects to
carry them in a vertical or an inclined path.

Special arms are designed to suit specific load configuration. Depending on
the design of arms, they are called by different names, some of which are: (i)
pendent conveyor, (ii) pocket conveyor (shown in Fig 6.2.4), (iii) wire mesh
deck conveyor, (iv) removable-crossbar conveyor,(v) fixed cross-bar (or arm)
conveyor, (vi) swing tray conveyor.

Fig. 5.2.4. Pocket type arm conveyor
Applications: Crossbar conveyors are used for conveying and elevating or
lowering unit loads like barrels, drums, rolls, bags, bales, boxes etc. The
conveyors may be loaded/unloaded manually or at automatic loading /
discharging stations. Cross-bar conveyors are also used in a wide range of
process applications such as dipping, washing, spraying, drying and assembly
etc.

(c) Car-Type Conveyor: This type of conveyor consists of a series of small
platform cars, propelled by an endless chain, running on a closed track. Car-
type conveyors may have vertical runarounds over sprockets having
horizontal axis. However, more often they are designed with horizontal
runarounds (carousels) over sprockets (or sheaves for rope drive) with vertical
axis.This type of conveyor is also called a carousel conveyor or a pallet-
type conveyor.

Fig. 5.2.5. Photographic view of car conveyor

The track is placed more or less in a horizontal plane. The cars may either be
permanently attached to the driving chain (or cable) or may be propelled by
pusher dogs on chain or rope against lugs on cars. The driving chain is
generally positioned at the bottom side of the cars, between the two track

rails. Loads may be manually loaded / unloaded, or may be designed for
automatic loading, and unloading through tilting of car top at unloading point.
Fig. 5.2.5 shows a typical car-type conveyor.

Applications: Car-type chain conveyors are particularly used for carrying
heavy or irregular shaped large objects like moulds in foundries, coils for
rolling plants etc. These conveyors are conveniently used to combine different
processing operations during transportation of the loads. Rolled coils may be
cooled, molten metal's may be solidified in moulds, assembly of components
may be achieved, testing inspection may be performed etc.

The conveyors with horizontal runarounds can be arranged to move in any
straight or irregular shaped path in the same horizontal plane, hence called
contour type, which makes them very suitable for use in different process
plant for picking up and delivery of materials from and to desired locations of
the plant. On horizontal runarounds, a load not removed will continue to move
with the conveyor. This gives an obvious advantage of using a short conveyor
for accomplishing long duration processes (drying, cooling etc.) and irregular
processes (foundry, testing etc). Horizontal carousel conveyor usually
occupies larger floor space.

(d) Carrier chain & Flat-top chain conveyor: Carrier chain conveyor
consists of one or more number of endless chains to which may be attached
one of the many different attachments for the purpose of carrying unit
materials or objects. In many cases, the materials are conveyed while being
directly in contact with the chain/chains. These conveyors have a broad
application in practically all fabricating and processing industries. Different
designs of attachments are used for different types of materials. Carrier chain
conveyors are generally classified into two basic types:

(i) Rolling-type carrier chain conveyors: In this class of conveyor, the chains
are provided with rollers moving on tracks for minimum of friction. The
materials are supported on the attachments. In a variation of this type of
conveyor, the rollers may be used for supporting the objects while the chain
acts as the connecting and propelling link for the rollers. The rollers may be
shaped to accommodate curved faced objects or may be flat-faced to carry
objects with flat surfaces. Rotation of the carrying rollers often causes the
objects to move at a higher velocity than that of the chain.

(ii) Sliding-type carrier chain conveyor: In this class of conveyor, the loads are
carried directly on one or more chains, while the individual chain slides on a
track or surface or a trough. Attachments or specially designed links may be
used to suit the loads.

Fig. 5.2.6. Different rolling type carrier chain conveyors

Flat-Top chain Conveyor is a particular group of carrier chain conveyors,
may be rolling or sliding type, with specially designed chain links or with flat
plate attached to the chain links so as to provide a continuous, smooth, level
top surface to carry small articles like bottles, cans, etc. at a high speed.
These conveyors are widely used in canning and bottling plants.

Different types of chains and/or attachments are used such as hinged-joint
continuous flattop sliding type (Fig. 5.2.7), plate-top sliding or rolling type,
crescent-shaped plate top type. The crescent plate design is particularly
suitable for carousel-type operation to turn in a horizontal curve, a typical
example being the baggage handling conveyors in the arrival section of an
airport.

Fig. 5.2.7. Hinged joint continuous flat-top sliding conveyor

The above figure shows a variation of flat-top conveyor which consists of flat
hinged plates so designed that the hinge barrels are driven by the specially
designed sprocket. No actual chain is used in this conveyor which is widely
used in canning and bottling plants.

(e) Trolley Conveyor: These conveyors consist of a series of trolleys
supported from an overhead endless track and propelled by an endless chain
or cable, with the loads usually suspended from the trolleys. This is one of the
most versatile type of chain conveyors which can work in horizontal and
inclined paths, vertical curves and horizontal turns to follow complicated
routes.

Different structural members are used as track for overhead trolley-conveyor
which include I-beam, double angles, T-rails, steel bars, pipes and fabricated
sections. However, I-beam is the most common track. These tracks are laid at
a higher level, suspended from roof, building structures or hung from floor-
mounted columns, and routed around obstacles. Overhead operation allows
free floor space and no interference with equipment or traffic at the floor level.
For this reason, trolley conveyors are also called overhead conveyors.
Generally two wheeled trolleys or more wheeled trolleys with load bar
between them for handling large loads, are used. Loads are suspended from
carriers bolted to the trolley bracket. Hooks and trays are the most common
carriers.

Fig. 5.2.8. View of a trolley conveyor

As the trolleys can move in three dimensions, this type of conveyor is
extensively used for carrying materials continuously through different
processes, like cleaning, washing, painting, drying, baking, degreasing, sand
blasting etc. These conveyors may be, and usually are, used as a storage
conveyor, at the same time as a processing and delivery conveyor.

The carriers can be loaded and unloaded en route, at one or more points of
the conveyor run, either manually or automatically.

According to the method by which load is conveyed, trolley conveyors are
further classified into following three types:
(i) Load-carrying trolley conveyor: This is the main type, in which the trolley
and the load carriers are permanently fixed to the pulling chain [Fig. 5.2.9 (a)].
(ii) Load-propelling trolley conveyor: In which the trolleys with load carriers
travel on track being pushed by pusher dogs attached to the pulling chain or
chain trolley [Fig. 5.2.9 (b)]. The special advantage of this load-propelling
conveyor (also called pusher trolley conveyor) is the capacity to divert the
load carriers from the main track to a branch track for achieving different
operational requirements.

Fig. 5.2.9. (a) Load carrying trolley conveyor Fig. 5.2.9. (b) Chain trolley with dog

(iii) Load towing trolley conveyor: in which the trolleys are permanently
secured to the pulling member, and specially designed hooks or rods from the
trolley engage and tow floor mounted trucks carrying the load. In this case the
conveyor may be made very light as the load in basically carried on the floor,
but the advantage of free floor / working space is lost. This particular type of
trolley conveyor is also classified as overhead tow conveyor (refer section
6.3 for further details). Fig. 6.2.10 shows schematic view of a load towing
trolley conveyor.

Fig. 5.2.10. Load towing trolley conveyor

At horizontal turns or vertical curves, where the trolley conveyor changes
direction, special care is taken to keep the pulling chain from becoming slack
or making kink. At turns, the chain may be supported by a series of rollers or
by a suitable sized sprocket. At vertical curves, generally the slope is limited
to 30° and while going down it starts with a dip down (that is gradually
changing slope to the desired angle) and the opposite requires a dip up. At
vertical curves, stops are sometimes used to prevent runaway of trolleys and
loads if the chain breaks .

Fig. 5.2.11. Horizontal turn : (a) with sprocket, (b) roller supported

The advantages of an overhead trolley conveyor may be summarised as
follows: movement is three dimensional and easily adopted to changes in
direction; large length with one or multiple drives; free floor space; small
power consumption; little maintenance and high salvage value.

(f) Power and Free Conveyor: These conveyors are basically a special
design of the Load-propelling or pusher trolley conveyors. In a normal
pusher trolley conveyor the non-powered trolleys, supported from a monorail,
carry the load and are pushed by dogs/pushers attached to the chain trolleys
mounted on a separate track. A power and free conveyor is one in which the
power trolleys run directly above the free trolleys, which run in double channel
track, and arrangements are made such that at desired points the non-
powered load carrying trolleys may be engaged to or disengaged from the
power trolleys.

The power trolley dogs/pushers are rigid attachments on the trolleys or chain.
They engage or disengage with the free trolleys by switching them in from a
branch line to the mainline, and by horizontal turns and vertical curves in the
power line. The switching operations can be made mechanically or through
actuation of pneumatic cylinder synchronous with movement of power trolleys.
Schematic diagram of a typical power and free conveyor is shown in the
following (Fig. 5.2.12):

Fig. 5.2.12. Power and free conveyor

Unlike in a load-propelling conveyor, where the side pusher must be so
arranged that switching is always done on the side away from the power
conveyor pusher arm, the power and free conveyor can switch load on both
sides of the power trolley track.

Through power and free conveyor, it is possible to switch off loads to branch
lines, to alter load spacing in various sections of the conveyor, to stop the
loads for making inspection, work repair or storage etc. Another advantage of
this conveyor is that the power conveyor can often be kept out of the
processing zone like oven, painting booth or other undesirable location.

The special features of automatic dispatching, switching and transfer have
resulted in remarkable savings in labour and manufacturing cost in host of
different process industries like automobiles, foundry, graphite anode handling
in aluminium pot shop etc.

From design point of view, one interesting aspect is the mechanism used for
engagement and disengagement of the pusher and the free trolley. A popular
design provides two counterweighted tilting dogs at the top of the free trolleys,
so that as the power pusher attachment approaches the free trolley, it pushes
one dog down to pass over it and engages the second dog. When first dog is
released, it tilts back to its initial position and becomes a holdback. Depending
on the direction of travel or the inclination of the track, either of the dogs may
become pusher or holdback. In certain designs, the pusher units are
supported against springs, which have sufficient rigidity to push a loaded
carrier. However, when the carriers are stopped against a manual or
automatic stop, the pusher spring is compressed and the pusher slides over
the dogs on the free trolleys. This design of a pusher is called reversing spring
pusher.

Fig. 5.2.13. An engagement mechanism between pusher and free trolley

(g) Suspended Tray Conveyor also known as Swing-Tray Conveyor:
These conveyors consist of two strands of chains between which are pivot
mounted a series of trays to carry in-process movement of various unit loads
(forged components, boxes etc.) along complex contours comprising
horizontal and vertical paths in one vertical plane. As the trays are pivot
mounted from the links of the chains, the trays along with their loads always
remain suspended vertically irrespective of the path of the chain.

Suspended tray conveyors are loaded on vertical sections manually or
automatically by specially designed loading devices. These conveyors are
particularly used for raising /lowering of loads between floors, convey
materials between processing equipment, carry loads without transfer
between interlinked horizontal and vertical sections. The conveyor may be
used for carrying load through processing stations like drying, pickling
chambers etc. Fig.6.2.14 illustrates a typical layout of a pivoted bucket
conveyor showing different components of the conveyor.

Fig. 5.2.14. Layout of a pivoted bucket conveyor
1. Pulling chain, 2. Buckets, 3. Vertical guides (to prevent oscillations), 4. driving
sprocket, 5, take-up sprocket, 6. Tripping devices.

The designs of the trays are adapted to the requirements of loads and method
of loading / unloading. The trays may be flat or curved. When the trays are
made of steel plates in the shape of buckets for carrying powdered or granular
bulk load, the particular conveyor is called pivoted bucket conveyor. The
bulk material is fed into the buckets on the lower horizontal section and
carried through various sections without transfers, and hence is not crushed
en-route. The pivoted buckets are discharged at the upper horizontal section
automatically by tippers or dischargers.

5.2.4 Components of Chain Conveyor
The major components of a chain conveyor are : (i) Pulling chain, (ii) Sprocket
to drive and support the chain, (iii) Take-up arrangement, (iv) Drive
arrangement and (v) Various other components specific to various type of
chain conveyors.

(a) Pulling Chains: Different types of chains are used in chain conveyors,
which have their merits and demerits, briefly discussed below:
(i) Round-link chains (Fig. 5.2.16) are low in cost and high flexibility in all
directions. These have flexibility which is particularly desirable in trolley
conveyors. However, limitations of this chain are less contact area, high
stretch under load and rapid wear.

Short or long-linked welded Round-link chain being driven by sprocket
Fig. 5.2.16. Round-link chain

(ii) Combination chains (Fig. 5.2.17) are widely used in many different
conveyors. The links are generally of cast malleable iron construction with
machined steel pins and may be with or without roller.

Fig. 5.2.17. Combination chain (a) without rollers, (b) outer link plates of steel

(iii) Link-plate chains (Sometimes called leaf chain) are the most common
type used in chain conveyors. The link plates allow different types of
attachments to be fitted in the chains. The pitch of the chain may be made
large enough (pitch usually vary from 65 mm to 1250 mm) by making the links
from steel plates. Constructionally the link-plate chains may be bush-less
chain with or without rollers, and bushed chain with or without rollers, as
shown in Fig. 6.2.18. The bushes decrease the wear at the link joints. The
rollers fitted with bushes or with antifriction bearing for large size chain (Fig.
6.2.18) generally run on guided tracks or toughs which carry the entire weight
of the chain and load being carried, thereby reducing the pull in the chain.

Because of these advantages, chain with bush and roller are the preferred
ones.

Fig. 5.2.18. Link plate chains

Chain selection is based on largest practical pitch (being cheaper than the
shorter pitch chain of equal strength), allowable tension load, capital cost and
degree of maintenance needed.

(b) Sprockets: The sprockets are made of good grade cast iron with chilled
hardened teeth or from cast steel or plate steel. The teeth are machined to
suit type of chain used. The advantage of using a large sized sprocket with
greater number of teeth is to obtain smoother operation. However, larger the
size of sprocket, costlier it is and taking larger space. Thus a compromise is
made in selecting the size of a conveyor sprocket. (The pulsating motion of a
conveyor chain is explained in section 5.2.5).

(c) Take-up arrangements: The most common type of take-ups is adjusting
screw type for positioning the bearing blocks supporting the takeup sprocket
shaft. The range of adjustment should be sufficient to permit initial slack-off of
the conveyor chains for joining of two links to make them endless and ample
adjustment for initial stretch and subsequent wear / elongation.

The alternative design is counterweighted-type, providing automatic
constant tension in chain. This type provides constant chain tension under
variable temperature conditions also.

(d) Drive arrangement: Drive for a conveyor generally consists of an electric
motor coupled to a speed reduction gear unit which in turn is coupled to the
driving sprocket. For a conveyor having a simple configuration (as in an apron
conveyor), the drive is located at the sprocket at the end of loaded strands of
chain. For conveyors like trolley, car, tray etc. having a complicated path of

motion, the drive location is determined by analysis of tension variation in the
path of conveyor motion.

Drives may have fixed or variable speed. Variable speed may be achieved by
using a variable speed gear box or change speed gear box or multiple speed
motor or by having an electrical speed control system.

For a long chain conveyor, synchronously working multiple motor drives at
different sections are employed which decrease the total tension in the chain.

A crawler drive is employed for giving drive to a straight portion of the pulling
chain. The crawler drive arrangement is shown in Fig. 5.2.19. Straight portion
of the conveyor chain, supported by the set of supporting rollers, is driven by
the dogs of the drive chain.

1-drive sprocket, 2-tail sprocket, 3-drive chain, 4-driving dogs,
5-back-up bars, 6-support rollers.
Fig. 5.2.19 Crawler drive

(e) Frame structures: Frame structures supporting the entire conveyor, chain
guide rails or troughs, skirt plates are the other components which are
common to most type of chain conveyors.

Frame structures are generally custom designed to suit the location and
application. The frames may be floor supported, set below the floor, be hung
from the roof or bracket from wall / columns, as required by the different types
of conveyor.

Different types of chain conveyors may need other specific components and
structural arrangements, which have been mentioned in the discourse on the
individual type of conveyor.

5.2.5 Aspects of Chain Conveyor Design
(a) Dynamic Phenomena in Chain Conveyors : In a chain-sprocket drive,
engagement of sprocket to chain being discontinuous in nature, the linear
velocity of the chain between two successive engagements with sprocket
teeth becomes non-uniform. The reason for this is that the chain does not
wrap around the driving sprocket on the pitch circle, but traces a pitch
polygon, a phenomenon known as chordal action. The period of irregularity is

equal to the time taken by the sprocket between two successive engagements
(i.e. time taken by the sprocket to rotate by one pitch), t0 =2π/ωz

Where
ω = angular velocity = 2πn/60
z = number of sprocket teeth
n = rpm of sprocket
Fig. 5.2.20 shows a chain running on a sprocket. In the position pictured in the
diagram, the pull is transmitted by the tooth 1, is in mesh with chain link ′1 As
.
the sprocket rotates clockwise, tooth 2 engages with link ′,2then tooth 3 with
link 3′ etc.

Fig. 5.2.20. Analysis of chain movement over sprocket

At constant angular velocity of the sprocket, the peripheral speed of the tooth
remains constant ie v0 = ωR while the chain translator speed in the direction
of the chain movement will be v = v0 cos φ = ω Rcos φ, where φ is the
variable angle formed by the contacting tooth radius O1 with vertical axis OY.

Thus the chain speed v during period t0 required by the sprocket to turn by
one pitch α0, is represented by section of cosine curve, as shown in Fig
5.2.21.

Fig. 5.2.21. Diagram of chain speed and acceleration
The chain speed reaches its peak value, vmax = v0 = ωR when ϕ = 0, and its
minimum when
φ=−α0/2 φ=−α0/2

The acceleration ‘f ’ of the chain can be determined as the first derivative of
the speed with time, or as the projection of centripetal acceleration f 0 = Rω2 to
the direction of chain travel (tangential acceleration being zero). f = f0 sin ϕ =
Rω2 sin ϕ. Acceleration diagram is also shown in Fig. 6.2.21. It becomes zero
when ϕ =0 and reaches its peak value at
φ=−α0/2 and φ=−α0/2 then, fmax=Rω2 sin α0/2

Fig. 5.2.21 also shows that at the point of next sprocket 2 engaging the
chain, the acceleration changes abruptly from – fmax to + fmax. If ‘M’ is the
reduced mass of the moving parts of the conveying machine and the load, the
inertial force at the moment is 2Mf max. As the force is applied instantaneously,
the dynamic inertial force FA = 2 × 2Mfmax = 4Mfmax.. This inertial force is to be
added to the static tight side tension of the chain to obtain the total theoretical
tensile effort, the chain is subjected to.

To keep the variation of tension in the chain to a tolerable limit, the speed of
the chain conveyor is kept low. Choral action of chain links when going round
the sprocket also imparts a pulsating motion at right angles to direction of
chain, to the conveyor chain. This is more pronounced when sprockets with
fewer teeth i.e. increased pitch angle α0 is used. When conveyor centre
distance is short, the pulsation is less noticeable.

(b) Chain Pull and Conveyor Horsepower: The entire weight of materials
and the moving parts of a chain conveyor is pulled by the chain or chains
employed. It is, therefore, important to calculate the tension of each chain and
select the chain with adequate strength to work safely under the working pull,
the chain will be subjected to.

The tension or pull necessary to move conveyor chains is sum total of live
load i.e. the force required for conveying the material plus the dead load and
the resistance to the movement of conveyor parts.

Thus, the total chain pull = Force required to raise material up an inclination +
Force required to raise conveyor parts up the inclination + Frictional
resistance to the movement of loaded conveyor parts in the carrying run +
Frictional resistance of empty conveyor parts during return run.

If the various factors are represented with following notations:

T = Total chain pull, Newton
f = Coefficient of friction of moving chain on runways.
L = Length of conveyor centers, m.
H = Horizontal projection of the conveyor, m.
V = Vertical projection of the conveyor, m.
mG = Mass of load per meter of conveyor, kg/m.
mC = Moving mass of conveyor per meter, kg/m.
S = Velocity of conveyor, m/min.

Then

T = mG.g.V + mc.g.V + mGg.fH + 2mc .g.f.H – mc.g.V
= mG.g(V + f.H) + mc .g.(V+f.H) + mc.g.(f.H – V)

If V in the quantity mcg (fH – V) exceeds fH, the conveyor return run will move
down the inclination owing to the gravitational pull overcoming the frictional
resistance of the return run. In this condition the term mcg(fH – V) is taken to
be zero. If fH > V, then this additional pull is necessary to pull the return part
of the conveyor.

If ‘C’ is capacity of the conveyor in tones /hr, we can write mG = 16.66C/S,
kg/m

Thus eqn. (i) may be rewritten as,

T = 16.66 ×(C.g/S)[(V + f.H) + mc.g(V + f.H) + mc.g(f.H – V)]

The frictional coefficient ‘f’ depends whether the chain is sliding or rolling. For
non-roller flat linked chain, sliding on steel track or trough, the value of ‘f’ may
be taken as 0.2 and 0.33 for well lubricated and dry run respectively. The
rolling friction depends on roller size, condition of track etc. For 50mm
diameter it is 0.15 while for 150mm it can be taken as 0.06.

When the load on conveyor passes through stationary skirt plates as in a
deep apron or pan conveyor, additional frictional pull due to rubbing, must be
added to the chain pull ‘T’ obtained from above formula. If this pull is ‘‘Y’’ in
Newton per meter length of skirt plate, then

Y = 2.3h2/k,

Where h = height of materials rubbing in skirt in cm, and k is a factor
depending on material as given in the Table

The basic power for driving the conveyor is calculated by the formula:

P =1.15×S×[Total chain pull – mc.g (v fH)]1000* 60,kw

This formula takes care of 10% headshaft and 5% tailshaft friction. However,
for actual motor power calculation, the efficiency of the drive system
consisting of gearbox, pulley and belt, coupling etc. have to be considered.

The drive is generally applied to the delivery end. The required power is
practically same if drive is applied to the tail end. The advantage of a head-
end drive is that, only the active side of the chain is under maximum load. A
tail end drive will put the entire length of the chain under this maximum
tension and this causes greater friction at the head shaft and greater wear of
the chain.

5.3 ROLLER CONVEYORS
5.3.1 Definition and Characteristics
A roller conveyor supports unit type of load on a series of rollers, mounted on
bearings, resting at fixed spacing on two side frames which are fixed to stands
or trestles placed on floor at certain intervals. A roller conveyor essentially
coveys unit loads with at least one rigid, near flat surface to touch and
maintain stable equilibrium on the rollers, like ingots, plates, rolled stock,
pipes, logs, boxes, crates, moulding boxes etc. The spacing of rollers depend
on the size of the unit loads to be carried, such that the load is carried at least
by two rollers at any point of time.

Roller conveyors are classified into two groups according to the principle of
conveying action. These are:
1. Unpowered or Idle Roller Conveyor.
2. Powered or Live Roller Conveyor.

In an unpowered roller conveyor, the rollers are not driven or powered from an
external source. The loads roll over the series of rollers either by manual push
or push from an endless moving chain or rope fitted with pusher dogs, rods or
clamps. Generally these conveyors operate at horizontal plane, but at times a
gentle slope is given to these conveyors to aid motion of the loads. An
inclination of 1.5% to 3% ensures that the load will roll by gravity. Such
conveyors are termed “gravity roller conveyor’’.

In a powered roller conveyor, all or a selected number of rollers are driven by
one or a number of motors depending on the selected drive arrangement. The
driven rollers transmit motion to the loads by friction. The powered roller
conveyors may be installed at a slightly inclined position, up to 10° up or up to
17° down. The load can be moved in either directions by changing the
direction of rotation of the rollers, where these are called reversing conveyors.
Roller conveyors are used for conveying almost any unit load with rigid riding
surface that can move on two or more rollers. These are particularly used
between machines, buildings, in warehousing as storage racks, docks,
foundries, rolling mill plants, manufacturing, assembly and packaging industry.
They are also used for storage between work stations and as segment of
composite handling system.

However, the limitations of rollers conveyors are that they can be best used
for objects with rigid flat surfaces, and for movement to relatively short
distances. Needs side guards to retain the loads from falling off. Gravity roller
conveyors have the risk of accelerating loads.

5.3.2 Types of Roller Conveyor

(a) Unpowered Roller Conveyor
Introduction : An unpowered roller conveyor consists of series of rollers, the
frame on which the rollers are placed and the stands also called the trestles,
on which the framework rests. Because of simplicity of design, competitive

cost and trouble free operation, these conveyors are used extensively in
handling unit loads in workshops or process plants to convey articles from one
working station to another. Unpowered roller conveyors are often used as a
storing platform and as such are often termed as roller table. These are also
used in stores as storing racks and in loading bays for loading / unloading
materials from carriages. A gentle slope may be provided in the conveyor to
aid movement of the loads on idle rollers. These gravity roller conveyors
are used to convey load in one direction only. The conveyors can have a
curved section to change direction. Material movement between two levels
may be done by an inclined or a spirally formed gravity roller conveyor. The
spiral form increases the length of the conveyor and thereby controls the
velocity of the articles moving down the conveyor. A typical unpowered roller
conveyor is shown in Fig. 6.3.1.

Fig. 5.3.1. General view of an unpowered roller conveyor

Parts of unpowered roller conveyor
(i) Rollers: Cylindrical rollers are generally used which are made from ERW
steel pipes with cast or fabricated end flanges to accommodate the antifriction
bearings (usually ball bearings). The through axles are stationary and roller
barrels can rotate freely. These rollers are called idler rollers.

For conveying cylindrical objects (drums, pipes, round steel bars etc.), double
tapered rollers or wheel rollers are used (Fig. 5.3.2).

Fig. 5.3.2.Types of unpowered conveyor rollers

(a) cylindrical; (b) double tapered; (c) wheel

The diameter of the rollers depend on the diameter of standard steel pipes
available, and vary from about 20 mm to max 155 mm. Heavier the load to be
conveyed, larger diameter and heavier wall thickness of the rollers are
chosen. Typical sizes of some of the rollers and their weight carrying
capacities are given in the following table:

Roller pitch depends on the length and weight of the load handled. The unit
load should be supported at least by two rollers, thus the maximum pitch
should be≤1 /2 of the load length. For goods vulnerable to jerks/ shaking,
roller pitch equal to 1/4to1/5 of length of load to be considered.

(ii) Frame: Frame is that part of the conveyor on which the roller axles rest
and are fixed to. The conveyor frame is fabricated from angle or channel
sections. The roller axles are held in slots cut in the flanges of the frame. The
axles are flat machined at the ends so that the axles do not rotate in the slots.
Axial movement of the axles is prevented by using split pins or lock plates.
For heavy rollers, the axles may be fixed on the frame by clamps. Typical idle
rollers with bearing fittings and their attachment to the frame are shown in Fig.
5.3.3.
Side guards may be provided along two edges of the frame to prevent
movement of the loads beyond the roller span. Side guards are particularly
necessary at the curved sections of a conveyor.

Fig. 5.3.3. Rollers of (a) heavy and (b) extra heavy type

(iii) Stands or Trestles: Stands or trestles support the conveyor frames with
roller assemblies, from the ground. Stands are generally fabricated from pipes

or structural sections, with provision for grouting on the floor. Height of stands
are chosen to keep the articles at a convenient level on the conveyor.

Small portable conveyors often have telescoping legs for the stands, such
that the inclination of the conveyors can be suitably adjusted in situ.

(b) Powered Roller Conveyor
Introduction: In a powered roller conveyor, also called Live Roller Conveyor,
all or a few of the rollers are driven by one or multiple motors through
associated transmission system. The loads on the roller conveyor are moved
by the frictional force caused between the loads and the driven rollers
supporting the loads.

Powered roller conveyors are intensively used in heavy process plants like
rolling mills to feed heavy and at times hot metal to or take delivery from the
mill and to various other process equipment.

The roller conveyors can be reversing type to suit the process or may be Non-
reversing typewhich transport materials within the shop.

Parts of powered roller conveyors

(i) Rollers: The rollers of a powered conveyor is fundamentally different from
those of an unpowered conveyor in that the barrel and the shaft portion are
integral so that they can be driven by connecting power to their shaft ends.
The integral shafts are mounted on bearings housed in the frames at two
sides. These are termed as driven rollers.

The driven rollers are generally subjected to considerable impact load
(specially the reversing type processing conveyors) and hence they are made
stronger.

The rollers can be made from solid steel forgings or castings or can be
fabricated from heavy section of tubes and solid shafts, machined all over for
proper static and dynamic balancing. The diameters can be varying between
400 to 600 mm for roller tables used in heavy slab or blooming mills, down to
250 to 350 mm for general duty transporting conveyors.

Roller pitch is so selected that the load is supported by at least two driven
rollers. To prevent sagging of the load between two driven rollers, non
powered (idle) rollers may be introduced between two driven rollers.

(ii) Frames: The rollers are supported at their journals on two set of frames at
two ends. The frames are connected by heavy tie rods to make a composite
frame structure suitable for grouting the conveyor frame on its foundation. For
a heavy duty conveyor, the framework is usually made from cast steel, and for
a lighter duty conveyor, the frames may be fabricated from rolled steel plates
and sections. Design of the frames largely depend on the drive system
employed.

(iii)Drive arrangement: Major classification of powered roller conveyor is
based on the type of drive arrangement employed.

When one motor drives more than one or all the driven rollers, it is called
Group or Multiple drive. In group drive, generally only one motor with
suitable transmission arrangement is used to drive all the driven rollers. For a
long conveyor, or from other considerations, more than one motor may be
used, each driving a group of rollers in different sections of the conveyor. The
transmission of power from the motor to the rollers varies widely depending
on use. In a heavy duty non-reversing conveyor, bevel gear transmission
arrangement may be used. The motor, through a gear box drives a shaft
placed along the length of the drive side of the conveyor. Power to all the
rollers are through set of two bevel gears as shown in Fig. 5.3.4. The drive
shaft with supporting bearings and the bevel gears are housed in the box
frame, and partially immersed in oil for lubrication. In an alternative design the
transmission of power may come to one roller, and the other driven rollers
may be connected to this driven roller by series of sprockets and chains.

Fig. 5.3.4. Roller conveyor with multiple drive through bevel gears

In a light duty powered roller conveyor, the rollers may be driven by one
endless flat belt driven below the rollers, and supported by idle rollers such
that the belt touches all the rollers and transmit power to them by friction. This
is, unlike others, not a positive drive.
When each of the driven rollers are driven by an individual motor, it is called
individual drive. These motors may be high speed motors transmitting
motion through a reducing gear (Fig. 5.3.5). Alternatively, specially designed
slow speed hollow rotor shaft motors are used which are directly coupled to
the roller shaft. With the availability of better electrical control systems,
individually driven roller conveyors are getting more popular particularly for
reversing duty.

Fig. 5.3.5. Individual drive from flanged motor coupled to gear box

(c) Portable Roller Conveyor
It is a short (up to 7 m) section of roller conveyor mounted on legs and at
times with wheels. These may be shifted from one place to another and
adjusted in height or inclination for loading and unloading of trucks. The

portable roller conveyor may be idle or driven. Drive is often through an
endless belt described above.

5.3.3 Aspects of Roller Conveyor Design

(a) Unpowered Roller Conveyors
The major design calculations involved are to determine the force required to
overcome the resistance to motion of the loads and the angle of inclination
required for a gravity conveyor.

Total resistance to motion is made up of:
(i) Resistance to rolling of the load on rollers due to friction.
(ii) Frictional resistance in the roller bearings.
(iii) Resistance due to sliding of the load on the rollers and force required for
imparting kinetic energy to rollers.
(i) Resistance to rolling of the total load ‘‘G’’ on the rollers is given by

F1 = G.k/R

Where k = rolling friction factor also called coefficient of rolling resistance, cm
R = roller radius, cm

(ii) Frictional resistance on roller journals is expressed by

F2 = (G + wn′)μr /R

Where, w = weight of rotating part of each roller.
n′ = number of rollers supporting total load, and hence in motion.
μ = coefficient of friction at the journal.
r = journal radius.
(iii)When a moving load comes over a static roller, it slides over the roller and
starts accelerating the roller till the roller attain the surface speed equal to
speed of the load. When the load leaves the roller, it starts decelerating and
eventually stops until it is accelerated by the next load. This phenomena is
shown in Fig. 5.3.6

Fig. 5.3.6. Velocity diagram of a roller
O is the point of time when a moving load touches a static roller. Till time t; the
load rolls and slides over the roller. The surface or rotational velocity of the

roller is under acceleration. Expressed by line OA. From A up to B, the load
rolls over the roller, and at B it leaves the roller.

If the conveyor is conveying Z pieces of load per hour, then the cycle period
will be
t1 =3600/Z seconds

If G′ is part of weight of each load carried by each roller and μ 0 the kinetic
coefficient of friction, the frictional sliding force between the load and roller
during time t is = G′ μ 0 and the work done by the load = G 0vt′ where v linear
′ ′μ
velocity of the load, and is the
′ vt ′ ,
distance moved by the load in time t
represented by the area OEAF in Fig. 6.3.6. The distance travelled by any
point on the periphery of the roller during this time will be

(v/2)t′(area OAF), which is also the sliding path. This shows that half of the
work done by load is spent in overcoming the friction, and the other half is
used in imparting kinetic energy to the roller. If ‘w’ is the weight of the rotating
part of the roller, then its kinetic energy = (1/2)(w/g)v2q.
Where q is a factor of value between 0.8 to 0.9, because not all the mass of
the roller moving parts is on the periphery, and thereby not moving with
velocity v. Therefore, the work done due to sliding and acceleration of one
roller is given by

2 × (1/2)(w/g)v2q =(wv2/g)q

If there are ‘n’ number of rollers in a total length of ‘L’, then the total work done
in ‘n’ number of rollers will be = nwv2q/g for moving one load throughout the
length of the conveyor. Hence the average resistance to motion on one load
due to sliding and acceleration will be given by,

F3' =nwv3q/gL
If there are Z0 numbers of loads moving simultaneously on the conveyor, then
average total resistance due to sliding and acceleration will be,

F3 =Z0 nwv2 q/gL

Therefore, total resistance to motion of the loads, which is the force required
to move the loads on a horizontal unpowered conveyor is

F = F1 + F2 + F3 = G (k/R)+ (G + wn′)(μr/R)+ q.( Z0 nwv2/gL)

We can define the equivalent resistance to motion factor ‘f’ by an equation,

F = f/G = (2k/D)+[1+(wn1/G′)]μd/D+ (qZ0nwv2/gLG)

where, D = roller Diameter = 2R
d = journal diameter = 2r
However, for calculating the minimum inclination angle ‘β’ of a gravity
conveyor, which will allow movement of a load due to gravity only, resistance

to only one load need to be considered, which should be overcome by the
component of the gravitational force on the load along the inclination of the
conveyor. Thus,

f = tan β = F/G'= 2k/ D+[1+ (wn"/ G')](µd/ D)+ q( nwv2 /gLG)

Where, n′′ = number rollers supporting each load =n'/z0

G′ = weight of each load =G/z0

(b) Powered Roller Conveyors
Transport conveyor
The rollers of a group driven transport conveyor are rotated continuously in
one direction irrespective of loads being on the conveyor or not. If the
conveying rate is Q tons/hr, ‘V’ and ‘Lh’ are vertical and horizontal
components of the length ‘L’ of the conveyor in meters, n= number of rollers
and ‘w’ is weight in kg of rotating parts of each roller and the conveying speed
is ‘v’ m/sec.; then the motor power ‘P’ in kW will be sum total of power
requirements for (i) raising the load through the vertical distance, (ii) rolling the
load on the rollers and (iii) rotating the rollers against journal resistance.

Thus, P = [(QV/367)+( QLh/367){ (2K/d)+ (µd/D)}+ nwvµd /102D] *1/η, kW

where η= efficiency of the drive system.
For a horizontal conveyor, V = 0, and Lh = L, hence

If the weight G′ of each load in kgs and number of pieces ‘Z’ transported per
hour is given, th expression (ii) takes the following form :

If the unit loads are fed uniformly, then the interval between two loads is given
by t =3600/Z seconds

and time through which each load moves in conveyor is given by T = L/v
seconds.

Hence the number of loads moving simultaneously on the conveyor will be
Z0=T/t=ZL/3600v pieces.

Therefore, the required motor power for a horizontal conveyor will be

Reversing conveyor
In a reversing processing conveyor, the direction of rotation of the driven
rollers is changed frequently. Consequently these additional inertial forces for
accelerating or decelerating the rollers and the load have to be taken into
consideration.

The maximum peripheral acceleration, ‘a’ of the roller is kept within limits,
such that the load weighing ‘G’, moves on rollers without sliding (also called
skidding). There will be no sliding when the frictional force between roller and
load is more than the inertial force required to accelerate the load. If ‘μ0’ is the
static coefficient of friction then,

so that amax = μ0 g

the corresponding maximum angular acceleration ‘αr’ of roller is

When a driven roller is accelerated, the load it carries is also accelerated, and
this load can be considered as a rotating mass at the periphery of the roller
being accelerated. This mass is G/g.

However, The acceleration of the motor α m = iαr, where i = transmission ratio.

Where,
Ir = moment of inertia of each roller.
Im = moment of inertia of rotational part of motor.
The total torque required at the motor end is sum of inertial torque and static
torque required for overcoming the journal friction at rollers and the torque
required for rolling of the load over rollers.

Static torque at roller end is given by

Static torque at motor end will be

So total torque at motor end will be

The maximum torque of a reversing conveyor drive motor is so chosen that
the motor does not stall even if the load does not move, i.e. the rollers can
skid under the static load. The skidding forque Tskid is

5.4 SCREW CONVEYORS
5.4.1 Definition, Characteristics and Use
A screw conveyor consists of a continuous or interrupted helical screw
fastened to a shaft which is rotated in a U-shaped trough to push fine grained
bulk material through the trough. The bulk material slides along the trough by
the same principle a nut prevented from rotating would move in a rotating
screw. The load is prevented from rotating with screw by the weight of the
material and by the friction of the material against the wall of the trough.

A screw conveyor is suitable for any pulverized or granular non viscous
material, and even at high temperature. The conveyor is particularly suitable
for mixing or blending more than one material during transportation, and also
for controlling feed rate of materials in a processing plant. Abrasion and
consequently certain amount of degradation of the material is unavoidable,
hence it is not suitable for brittle and high abrasive materials. It is also not
suitable for large-lumped, packing or sticking materials.

5.4.2 Descriptive Specifications
A typical screw conveyor is shown in Fig. 6.4.1. The screw shaft, if short (up
to 5 meters), is supported at two ends. But for longer shafts (upto 40 to 50 m),
they are supported by bearing hangers, at intermediate points. The shaft may
be solid or hollow. Hollow shafts are lighter and can be easily joined to make
a long shaft. The screw shaft is driven at one end, and the design may permit
discharge of material from the bottom or one end. Opposite handed screw at
two sides will cause the center discharge.

The U-shaped fabricated trough is generally covered at the top to avoid
particulate pollution. The bottom portion of the trough is of circular cross
section matching the diameter of the screw. Generally a radial gap of 10 mm
to 20 mm is kept between the screw and the trough, depending on size of the
screw.

1-shaft with screw; 2-trough; 3-Intermediate hanger bearings; 4-front bearings; 5-terminal bearing; 6-feed
hopper; 7-sight glass; 8-Intermediate discharge spout with gate; 9-terminal discharge hopper (open); 10-
drive system (motor, gear box and couplings).

Fig. 5.4.1. Arrangement of a screw conveyor

Screws of different constructional design and style are used, which are shown
in Fig. 5.4.2. Continuous screws are generally made from 4 to 8 mm sheet
steel circular section with a hole corresponding to the size of the shaft. One
radial slit is made in this section, and then formed into one pitch of the screw.
The section is welded to the shaft and welded or riveted to each other to form
the entire length of the screw. The screw may also be cast integral with the
shaft. The paddle type flights consist of cast straight or curved segments fixed
to the shaft. A ribbon screw is fixed to the shaft by means of radial rods.

(a) solid, continuous; (b) ribbon; (c) paddle-flight; (d) cut-flight Photographs of different types of screw

Fig. 5.4.2. Types of screw used in screw conveyor

The drive unit comprises of an electrical motor, gear box and couplings.

Material is fed through the feed hopper fixed on the trough cover. A number of
discharge sprouts with rack gears for closing and opening as required, are
provided.

Screw conveyors are generally operated horizontally or at a small inclination
(10° to 20°). However, there are special designs where the load is moved
vertically up or at a small angle to vertical. These are called vertical screw
conveyors.

5.4.3 Aspects of Screw Conveyor Design

(a) Recommended Dimension of a Screw Conveyor: The dimensions of
principal components of a screw conveyor are nominal diameter of the helical
screw, pitch of the screw, diameter of screw shaft, width of trough determining
the gap between trough and screw, trough height from center of screw shaft,
thickness of trough material and nominal thickness of screw flights.

The recommended dimensions as per above IS is given in Table 6.4.1. The
notations used in the table are shown in Fig. 5.4.3.

Fig. 5.4.3. Explanatory sketch for table 6.4.1.

Table 5.4.1, however, does not include the standard values of screw pitches.
There are given below in mm.

Value of screw pitch ‘S’ generally varies between 0.8 to 1.0 time diameter 'D'
of the screw. Screw pitch equal to the screw diameter is commonly used.

(b) Effect of Lump Size: The selection of size of a screw conveyor basically
depends on two factors. (i) the conveying capacity required and (ii) the lump
size of the materials to be conveyed.

The lump size of materials determines the minimum size of the screw
diameter 'D' to be chosen. D is recommended to be at least 12 times the lump
size of a sized material or at least 4 times the largest lumps of an unsized
material.

(c) Capacity of Screw Conveyor: The volumetric capacity ‘V’ in M3/Hr
depends on screw diameter ‘D’ in meters, screw pitch ‘S’ in meters, its
rotational speed ‘n’ rpm and the loading efficiency of the vertical cross
sectional area ‘φ’.The tonnage capacity ‘Q’ in tons/hr is given by:

where γ = bulk density of material in tons per m3
C = factor depending on inclination of conveyor.
In a typical design, S = D to 0.8 D.
ϕ varies with flow ability of the material as under:

Value of ‘C’ varying with inclination angle β is related as shown in following
chart.

The screw diameter and speeds vary widely depending on the designed
capacity of the conveyor and the nature of the material handled. However, the
speed is generally reduced as the diameter goes up, as shown in following
table:

(d) Power Requirements of Screw Conveyor:

Where, PH = power necessary for conveying the material.
PN = driving power of the conveyor at no load.
Pst = power requirement for inclination of the conveyor.

Power necessary for conveying the material: PH in kW is the product of the
mass flow rate ‘Q’ of the material, the length ‘L’ of material movement in the
conveyor and an artificial frictional coefficient ‘λ’, also called progress
resistance coefficient.

Where,
Q = mass flow rate in t/hour.
L′ = length of material movement in conveyor in m.
λ = progress resistance coefficient.
λ depends on the material and its size. It is generally of the order of 2 to 4. It
should be noted that during progress of material, over and above of sliding
between the material, trough and screw, the material particles slide against
each other which results in internal friction. Therefore, λ is naturally expected
to be more than normal coefficient of friction for the material.

Drive power of the screw at no load, PN is comparatively low. It is
proportional to the screw diameter and total length of the screw. The
recommended formula is

Where,
D = Nominal screw diameter, m
L = Length of screw, m
Power due to inclination, Pst. This power requirement is the product of the
mass flow rate and height to which the material is being conveyed. Thus

Where,
Q = mass flow rate in t/hr.
H = height in m.
If material is moving down the inclination, H is to be taken as negative. So,
total power requirement is

REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. Bolz, H. A and Hagemann, G. E (ed.), ‘‘Materials Handling Handbook’’,
Ronald Press.
2. Apple, J.A., ‘‘Material Handling System Design’’, John Wiley & Sons
3. “Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials,” Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers
Association, USA
4. "Bulk Solids Handling Equipment Selection and Operation", Don
McGlinchey Centre for Industrial Bulk Solids Handling Glasgow Caledonian
University, UK

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