Experimental research of a new generation of support systems for the transport of mineral raw materials

Abstract

Within the transportation of materials in mining using the belt conveyor systems, a conveyor belt is particularly the component with the highest wear rate. The development trends in the field of conveyor belt wear, in terms of disruption damage, are mostly focused on the innovation of damping components of buffer beds with impact rubber bars. Impact bars are an essential component of innovative buffer beds suitable for several types of belt conveyors. In mining, these bars are also used in buffer beds of bucket wheel excavator used for the extraction of overlying soils.

The most important attribute of this support system is the impact resistance. Therefore, the output of the present paper is the determination of the limit impact dynamic loading based on the quantification of the force effect. The buffer bed eliminates the shortcomings of classic constructions, above all a point contact, and it allows better sealing-off of the whole place of an impact if required. Construction of the buffer bed should provide sufficient stiffness, flexibility, ability to direct conveyor belts at the direction of conveying, absorb the kinetic energy of the transported material, and ensure a surface contact between the material and the conveyor belt by increasing the surface friction drag. This paper deals with the experimental measurement of three kinds of impact rubber bars with different frameworks. Impact characteristics of the bars are significantly affected by the material and the type of metallic framework. The examined impact bars were exposed to the effects of the dynamic impact loading that is of great importance and facilitates the simulation of the belt conveyor system operation. The entire loading process was documented and impact load curves in time were analysed. The depth of penetration and the values of impact load were determined.