Conveyor Systems Flashcards

What is the function of a take-up system on a belt conveyor?

Answer: To maintain proper belt tension for adequate friction between the belt and drive pulley, and to remove belt slack

A take-up system maintains the correct belt tension required for the drive pulley to transmit force to the belt without slipping. It also removes slack that develops from belt stretch over time. Types include screw, gravity, and automatic hydraulic take-ups.

What causes belt mistracking (belt running off to one side) on a conveyor?

Answer: Misaligned idlers, uneven loading, damaged belt edge, misaligned structure, or material buildup on pulleys

Belt mistracking is caused by any force imbalance across the belt width: misaligned idlers or pulleys, off-center material loading, uneven belt tension, material buildup on one side of a pulley, damaged or uneven belt edges, or structural misalignment.

What is the purpose of a belt scraper (cleaner) on a conveyor?

Answer: To remove material adhering to the belt after discharge to prevent carryback, belt damage, and idler fouling

Belt scrapers remove residual material (carryback) clinging to the belt after the discharge point. Carryback that falls off under the return strand fouls idlers, builds up on pulleys causing mistracking, and creates housekeeping problems.

What is a troughing idler on a belt conveyor?

Answer: A set of rollers arranged in a trough shape (typically three rollers at angles) to carry the loaded belt and contain the material

A troughing idler consists of three (or five) rollers arranged in a trough configuration — the center roller is horizontal and the wing rollers are angled upward (typically 20, 35, or 45 degrees). This shape increases the belt's material carrying capacity and prevents spillage.

What is the function of an impact idler at the loading zone of a conveyor?

Answer: To absorb the impact energy of material falling onto the belt, protecting the belt from damage and reducing wear

Impact idlers have rubber disc or cushion rollers that absorb the impact energy when heavy or lumpy material falls onto the belt at the loading point. They protect the belt from impact damage, punctures, and premature wear.

What is the purpose of a skirt board on a belt conveyor?

Answer: To contain material on the belt at the loading zone, preventing spillage as material settles onto the moving belt

Skirt boards are plates mounted along both sides of the belt at the loading zone with rubber skirt seals that contact the belt edge. They contain material on the belt until it settles and centers, preventing spillage during the turbulent loading process.