Design

The belt is a continuous loop, usually made of rubber but sometimes reinforced with metal, fabric or leather. It rotates around at least two, and sometimes more, pulleys. At least one of these pulleys has power, making the belt turn.

Classes

Two main classes of conveyor belts exist. Bulk handling conveyors are used to move large quantities of grain or gravel, for example. These are tough, often double-belted, affairs. Unit handling conveyors are for regular moving of items as might be seen in a factory.

History

In the 1922 book "Belt Conveyors and Belt Elevators" by Frederic Hetzel, the author mentions an early grain elevator mentioned in a 1795 book, Oliver Evan's "Miller's Guide." By the late 19th century conveyor belts were common in agriculture.

Applications

Conveyor belt technology is used in escalators, treadmills, people conveyors and baggage handlers at airports, in postal sorting facilities, and at supermarket checkouts.

Fun Fact

The longest conveyor belt system in the world is 100km (63 miles) long and takes material from the Western Sahara Bu Craa phosphate mines to the coast.

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