Full definition
A complete material handling system consisting of an endless belt running over a drive drum (head pulley), tail pulley with take-up, carrying and return idlers, supporting structure (stringer, truss, or gallery), loading/transfer chutes with skirting, and a drive assembly (motor, gearbox, coupling). Belt conveyors are the most efficient and economical method for transporting bulk materials over horizontal and moderately inclined paths. Capacity range: 10 to 40,000+ tonnes per hour. Lengths: from 1 m (in-plant) to 100+ km (overland mining, e.g., Bou Craa phosphate conveyor at 98 km). Belt speeds: 0.5-8 m/s. Inclination: up to 18° for smooth belts, 30-35° for chevron. Design per CEMA 7th Edition, DIN 22101, or ISO 5048. Major components by cost: belt (30-50%), structure (20-30%), drive (10-15%), idlers (10-15%), electrical (5-10%). Applications: mining, cement, power generation, ports, aggregate, grain, steel, food processing. Energy efficiency: 4-8 kWh/1000t·km for horizontal, significantly less than truck haulage.