7. Loading
PNEG-1204
Enclosed Belt Conveyor
43
Belt Conveyor Loading
1. Start with a light load and gradually work up to the load that the conveyor was designed to handle.
Check chutes to see that the material is being directed onto the center of the belt. Off-center load will
affect belt alignment in that the belt will run off center. A central load will maintain belt alignment.
2. The loading point of a belt conveyor is the critical point. Here the conveyor receives its major abrasion
and practically all of its impact. The ideal condition is to have the material flow onto the belt at the
same speed and direction of travel as the belt, with a minimum amount of impact and to load the belt
on center.
3. Adjust the skirts to prevent side spillage of material and to keep the load central on the belt. The
maximum distance between skirt boards customarily is two thirds the width of a trough belt.
4. The skirt lengths are designed to stop side spillage. The material should also be at rest on the belt
before it reaches the end of the skirt. If the material is still tumbling as it passes the skirt end, the
skirts should be lengthened.
Figure 7E CORRECT - Evenly Loaded
Figure 7F INCORRECT - Loaded to One Side
Figure 7G Effect of Improper Loading
Ref #
Description
A
Belt Shift
B
Spill
