The conveyor belt is a must-have for many industries. They are commonly used in shops, malls, and airports for transporting materials. The speed of conveyor belts defines their performance effectiveness in those sectors. Understanding conveyor belt speed calculation is essential for its efficient operation.
Remember, conveyor speed determines how fast a material moves from one location to another. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of how to calculate speed. This results in purchasing the wrong belt, which compromises performance. In this article, I’ll guide you through the calculation methods for conveyor belt speed. So, let’s get started!
Why Is Conveyor Speed Important?
As I mentioned earlier, the speed of the conveyor belt directly affects its performance. A belt with low speed will be less effective, and vice versa. Here are some reasons why speed calculation is essential:
- Productivity: Conveyor belts that operate at a faster speed increase a business’s productivity. More materials and stuff will be transported from one location to another per hour. This is especially useful in construction and mining industries.
- Safety of Materials: Remember, the high speed of the conveyor belt is not always good. If the belt transports sensitive material, its speed should be low. If the belt moves too fast, it can cause materials to spill, potentially leading to accidents. Moreover, materials can fall from the belt due to higher speed.
- Synchronization of Machines: In the long production lines, multiple machines work together. The speed of the conveyor belt should be synchronized with that of other machines. If material moves very fast, the machine in line may be slow and may not pick it. This can result in material falling from the belt.
How to Calculate the Conveyor Belt Speed?
There are two primary methods for calculating the speed of a conveyor belt. Those methods include using some parameters, including:
- Diameter of Drive Pulley
- Length of Belt Per Revolution
In the section below, we will discuss these two parameters. I’ll also guide you on how to use these methods.
1- Using the Diameter of the Drive Pulley
A pulley is an integral part of all conveyor belts. It is a small wheel or rotating drum which makes the belt move. Remember, the belt remains on the pulleys, which makes it move. There are different types of pulleys used in the conveyor belts.
Each of those has a unique role in the working of conveyor belts. For example, the tail pulley changes the direction of the belt, while the snub pulley increases the tension on the belt. There is one drive pulley that plays a key role in the running of the conveyor belt. This head or drive pulley is connected to a motor.
When the motor is switched on, power goes to the drive pulley. As a result, it moves, causing the belt wrapped around it to move as well. To calculate the conveyor belt speed, we need to determine the diameter of the drive pulley. Remember, the diameter is the distance from one end of a circular pulley to the other.
Calculation Using Formula
Here is a formula to find belt speed using the diameter of the conveyor belt:
Conveyor Speed (m/min) = (π × Pulley Diameter × RPM) / 1000
- π (Pi) = 3.1416
- Assumed Pulley Diameter = 200 mm
- RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) = 50 (Assumed)
It is noteworthy that I’ve assumed values in the above part. The pulley diameter can vary depending on the size of the drive pulley. A larger pulley will have a larger diameter, and vice versa. Generally, the diameter of the motor pulley is mentioned in the user manual of the conveyor belt.
RPM, or revolutions per minute, measures how many times the motor shaft spins in one minute. The bigger and more powerful motor will have great RPM and vice versa. You can also find the RPM of the motor in the user manual. In our case, I’ve assumed a motor RPM of 50. Let’s put the assumed values into the formula:
Conveyor Speed = (3.14 × 200 × 50) / 1000
Conveyor Speed = 31.4 m/min
The formula above shows that the value is divided by 1000. This is done to convert the speed from mm (millimeter) to m (meter) per minute. To find speed in millimeters per minute, don’t divide the value by 1000. This is the first method that allows you to find speed by using the diameter of the drive pulley.
2- Using Belt Length Per Revolution and RPM
The length of the conveyor per revolution is also helpful in finding the conveyor belt speed. This is the length that travels when a pulley completes one turn. In simple terms, this is the circumference of the pulley, which can be calculated using the diameter of the pulley.
Generally, this method is less common for calculating the speed of a conveyor belt. The reason is that this method requires both lengths of belt per revolution. To find this length, you’ll need to find the diameter of the motor pulley. Yet, finding speed with the diameter of the pulley is more straightforward as it involves fewer calculations.
Calculation Using Formula
Here is a formula for finding the conveyor belt speed through this method:
Conveyor Speed (m/min) = Belt Travel Per Revolution × RPM
As I mentioned earlier, RPM indicates the speed at which the motor shaft spins per minute. You can check this value from the user manual of the conveyor belt. In our case, let’s suppose RPM is 50. Now, you’ll need to determine the belt travel per revolution. The value of this parameter can be found using the following formula:
Length per Revolution (m) = (π × Pulley Diameter) / 1000
The pulley diameter can vary depending on the size of the drive pulley. Some manufacturers mention it in the user manual. Suppose the diameter is 200mm. Put it in the above formula:
Length per Revolution (m) = (3.14 × 200) / 1000 = 0.628 m
Now, we have the length per revolution. You can enter this value into the speed calculator formula using the length of the belt per revolution.
Conveyor Speed (m/min) = 0.628 × 50 = 31.4 m/min
Therefore, the speed of the conveyor belt, with a 200mm drive pulley diameter, is 31.4 m/min. Remember, I did this calculation using the assumed values. However, each conveyor belt comes with pulleys of different sizes. Therefore, you should use accurate pulley diameter and RPM. This will give you the exact speed of your conveyor belt.
Key Takeaways: Both of these methods help find conveyor speed accurately. However, speed calculation using the diameter of the drive pulley is more common. It is also easier, as it only requires pulley diameters and RPM. However, the calculation based on belt length per revolution is more complex. It requires belt travel per revolution, the diameter of the drive pulley, and RPM.
Factors Affecting Conveyor Speed
Several factors can impact the speed calculation of conveyor belts. Due to these factors, the speed you calculate may not match the real-time speed. You may notice a slight deviation in speed. In the section below, I’ll list and explain all those factors:
1- Pulley Diameter
The diameter of the drive pulley is a significant factor that affects the speed of the conveyor belt. In simple words, diameter is the distance from the top end to the bottom end on the circular face of the pulley. If the diameter is higher, it means the pulley is bigger. It can rotate more belt length per revolution. As a result, the speed of the conveyor belt increases. However, if the diameter is smaller, it results in a slow speed of conveyor belts.
2- Motor RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)
The RPM is another factor that must be taken into consideration. It indicates the speed at which the motor shaft spins or rotates per minute. Remember, the drive pulley remains connected to the motor.
If the shaft spins 50 per minute, it means the pulley also rotates 50 times. This results in 50 times the belt per revolution. However, if the RPM is low, it means the shaft is spinning at a slower rate. This will result in less rotation of the pulley. The conveyor belt length per revolution also reduces, affecting the speed of the conveyor belt.
3- Inclination Angle
Generally, the inclination angle of the conveyor belt is typically ignored when considering its speed. However, it can have a significant impact on the speed. How? Imagine a conveyor belt at an uphill slope. In such a case, the conveyor belt motor will have to produce more power to send the product uphill. If the motor is not heavy-duty, it won’t produce the required power. This will result in a slower speed of the conveyor belt.
4- Drive Pulley Lagging (Coating)
This factor does not directly affect the conveyor belt speed. However, it helps in maintaining the speed of the conveyor system. Generally, the pulley of the conveyor belt is coated with rubber or ceramic.
The purpose of this coating is to create a grip between the pulley and the belt, allowing for a secure connection. Due to this grip, the conveyor belt remains in place. As a result, the pulley continues to rotate, and the belt continues to move without breaking. In this way, the lagging ensures that the speed of the conveyor belt remains consistent. It prevents unwanted breaks due to the belt slipping off the pulley.
5- Belt Thickness
This factor has a minimal impact on the speed of the conveyor belt. A thicker conveyor belt increases the diameter of the pulley. This belt wraps around the pulley, making it significantly larger. When the pulley rotates, the belt must travel a slightly greater distance per revolution. As a result, the speed of the conveyor belt increases. However, this increase in speed is minimal (negligible). In high-precision systems, this belt thickness can have a significant impact on speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rpm of a conveyor?
RPM stands for Revolution Per Minute. It indicates how fast the motor shaft rotates or spins per minute. A motor with a higher RPM will have a higher speed and vice versa.
What is the speed of a conveyor chain?
There is no definitive answer, as it depends on several factors. These include belt length per revolution, motor size, pulley diameter, and RPM.
Which pulley diameter should I use in the conveyor belt speed calculation formula?
Many pulleys are used in conveyor belts. However, you should use the diameter of the drive pulley when calculating the speed. This pulley is attached to the motor and rotates.
How do you calculate conveyor belt speed?
There are two methods for calculating the belt’s speed. Those include:
- Calculation using the diameter of the drive pulley
- Calculation using the Length of the Belt Per Revolution
Both methods are accurate and can provide you with 100% precise speed readings of the conveyor belt. However, each of these methods has a unique formula. You’ll need to enter the value into the formula to calculate the speed.
Conclusion
The usage of conveyor belts is standard in various sectors. However, when it comes to calculating speed, many seem to have no idea. I understand that speed calculation requires complex formulas and mathematical rules. However, understanding the calculation process is key for better usability of conveyor belts.
Remember, there are two ways one can use for speed calculations. It can be done either by measuring the diameter of the drive pulley or by calculating the length per revolution. In this article, I’ve discussed both of these methods in detail. During the discussion, I used assumed values to help you understand the process. However, you should carefully measure each parameter to get accurate results.