CARLOS IVAN ÉQUI, METSO,
BRAZIL, INTRODUCES THE
ADVANCEMENTS BEING MADE BY
THE COMPANY IN THE FIELD OF
BELT CONVEYORS.
Introduction
Even though belt conveyors were invented more
than 100 years ago, they are still the most efficient,
versatile and cheapest means to move bulk materials.
Conveyors became very important because they provide
a mine-plant-port link, interconnecting installations and
complementary systems for the efficient handling and
processing of bulk materials.
Route choice and conveyor profile definition
The interconnection between a mine and processing plant
is typically established by a belt conveyor. Initially, a study
is made to define the route and conveyor profile, taking
into consideration the surface configuration of the ground
where the conveyor will be placed. The definition of the
line of the conveyor belt is made initially on the basis
of the acting belt tensions at each point by utilising the
radius needed for vertical concave and convex curves, and
in some cases, also the application of horizontal curves.
In sequence, the needs are defined for the elevated
structures above the ground that will cross over valleys or
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