Conveyor belts have been around for centuries, and they continue to be a crucial component in various industrial processes. They are used to transport goods and materials efficiently over long distances. They are commonly found in factories, warehouses, and distribution centers. Sidewall conveyor belt has gained popularity in recent years. While it may be familiar to those in the industry, many people may not know what it is or how it works. In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of sidewall conveyor belts.
What Are Sidewall Conveyor Belts?
Sidewall conveyor belts are a type of conveyor belt that is designed with a series of vertical sidewalls that are bonded to the rubber conveyor belt. This allows the belt to carry materials at a steep inclination, which is ideal for transporting bulk materials in a confined space.
Components Of Sidewall Conveyor Belts
The basic components of a sidewall conveyor belt include –
- The Base Belt
The base belt is made of rubber or PVC and provides the foundation for the sidewalls and cleats.
- Sidewalls
The sidewalls are typically made of rubber or PVC. They provide the vertical support needed to transport materials at steep inclinations.
- The Cleats
The cleats are attached to the base belt and provide additional traction to carry the materials.
- The Drive System
The drive system is responsible for moving the conveyor belt along the conveyor line.
The sidewalls are attached to the base belt using a vulcanization process, which creates a strong and durable bond. The cleats or sidewalls are then shaped into a variety of profiles, such as T-shaped, L-shaped, or V-shaped, depending on the specific application.
Types Of Sidewall Conveyor Belts
There are several types of sidewall conveyor belts available in the market from companies like Bi State Rubber, including –
- Standard sidewalls are the most common type of sidewall conveyor belt and are ideal for transporting general bulk materials.
- Corrugated sidewalls are designed to provide extra strength and are often used for heavy-duty applications.
- Chevron sidewalls are designed to provide extra traction and are often used for transporting materials on an incline.
Mechanism Of Sidewall Conveyor Belts
The mechanism of sidewall conveyor belts is relatively simple. The conveyor belt is driven by a motor, which moves the base belt along the conveyor line. The conveyor belt is made up of two or more layers of material, with a vertical sidewall attached to each side.
The sidewalls are typically made of rubber or another flexible material, and they are designed to contain the material being transported. The sidewalls and cleats provide the vertical support needed to transport materials at a steep inclination.
The working principle of the conveyor belt is based on the friction between the base belt, sidewalls, and cleats, which allows the materials to move along the conveyor line.
The conveyor belt is driven by a motor, which turns the pulleys at either end of the belt. As the belt moves, the material being transported is carried along with it. The sidewalls help to contain the material, preventing it from spilling out of the conveyor belt.
The belt itself is made of a flexible material, such as rubber or PVC, and is reinforced with fabric or steel cords. Cleats are attached to the belt at regular intervals, and they serve to keep the material being transported from slipping or sliding off the belt.
The cleats also play an important role in the operation of the sidewall conveyor belt. They provide extra grip for the material being transported, helping to keep it in place on the belt. This is especially important when the conveyor belt is moving vertically, as gravity can cause the material to slide down the belt.
In addition to providing grip, the cleats also help to space the material being transported. They create pockets or compartments on the belt, which help to prevent the material from clumping together. This makes it easier to unload the material at the end of the conveyor belt.
Conclusion
Sidewall conveyor belts are designed to transport materials in a vertical direction while minimizing spillage and maximizing efficiency. These belts feature a unique sidewall construction that prevents materials from falling off the sides of the belt during transport. Sidewall conveyor belts are highly customizable and can be tailored to fit the specific needs of different industries and applications. Understanding how these belts work will help you to improve their material handling processes and increase their overall productivity.