Experimental investigation of conveyor idlers operational characteristics

Abstract

The efficiency of thermal power plants significantly depends on the efficiency of belt conveyor systems. Conveyor idlers, as key parts of belt conveyors, are often the main cause of bulk material transportation systems failures. Testing the operational characteristics of conveyor idlers in laboratory and exploitation conditions is a prerequisite for any progress in the field of increasing energy efficiency of conveyor systems. This paper describes an analysis and discussion of testing results for different types of conveyor idlers, in terms of their performances under the act of predefined radial load. Tests were conducted on a new conveyor idler's testing machine developed at the University of Belgrade-Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The presented tests are performed in order to determine the quality of carrying and return conveyor idlers. The obtained results will help in solving the key problems in the critical areas of conveyor systems and will increase their energy efficiency. Finally, the expected results can potentially reduce the financial and energy losses which conveyor idlers cause in belt conveyor systems, as well as in the whole system of thermal power plants.