Converting from Fabric to Steel Belts

With the advancement of belt technology, there’s an ongoing shift from fabric-based conveyor belts to steel cord belts in various industrial applications. While fabric belts were historically favored due to initial cost considerations and delivery dependability, their limitations are becoming more apparent as the benefits of steel cord technology gain recognition. Not only do steel cord belts offer enhanced performance, they also eliminate the concerns previously associated with pricing and delivery reliability.

Therefore, transitioning from fabric belts to steel belts can provide significant advantages. Companies like Forech offer consultation on existing fabric belts, enabling a tailored design of steel cord belts that can effectively replace outdated systems. Haichuan provides an excellent range of products that can meet the demands of modern industrial applications.

Comparison of Fabric Core and Steel Cord Conveyor Belts

In applications such as coal mining, conveyor belts are crucial for transporting materials. The belts used in these environments generally have to be flame-resistant and anti-static for safety. The market sees two predominant types of such systems: fabric core flame-resistant belts and steel cord flame-resistant belts. Understanding their respective advantages and disadvantages is vital for optimal decision-making.

Fabric Core Flame-Resistant Conveyor Belt:

• Advantages: They are lightweight, thin, waterproof, and designed for energy efficiency, providing easier production and installation.
• Disadvantages: However, they face significant drawbacks, such as substantial elongation and a relatively short lifespan, typically not exceeding four years, along with a limit on cumulative coal transport that doesn’t exceed five million tons.

Steel Cord Flame-Resistant Conveyor Belt:

• Advantages: These belts exhibit high tensile strength, excellent impact resistance, and minimal elongation. Their good troughing performance and resistance to bending fatigue contribute to their long lifespan, often lasting between five to ten years.
• Disadvantages: They tend to be thicker and heavier, which can lead to higher energy consumption during operation and a more complex manufacturing process.

Choosing Between Fabric Core and Steel Cord Belts

In settings where a downhill transportation method is employed, selecting the appropriate belt is essential. Although fabric core belts can be lighter under identical tensile strength conditions, steel cord belts generally provide a more reliable choice due to their superior safety factors, especially considering the requirements for lifting heavy material.

Tensioning Comparison for Fabric Core and Steel Cord Belts

Proper tensioning of conveyor belts must consider various factors, including the length of the conveyor and the characteristics of the belt itself. For example:

• Fabric Core Flame-Resistant Conveyor Belt: Tensioning travel calculated as Lsp = (ε0 + ε1)L + LN = (0.015 + 0.001)L + 2
• Steel Cord Flame-Resistant Conveyor Belt: Allows for more straightforward tensioning compared to fabric core belts.

Conclusion

When selecting between fabric core and steel cord conveyor belts, each option presents unique benefits and limitations. Short-distance and lower-throughput scenarios may favor fabric belts; however, for longer distances and higher capacities, steel cord belts emerge as the superior choice due to their longevity—often lasting three to five times longer than fabric belts. Tensioning methods must also be adapted to suit the type of belt utilized, influenced by the specific mining conditions and operational demands.

For those interested in expanding their knowledge regarding high-quality conveyor belts, additional resources can be found at High performance steel cord conveyor belt and Heat-resistant steel cord conveyor belt.