Belt conveyors are a common material transport equipment used in mineral processing plants. The belt plays a vital role as both a load-bearing and transporting device. During the mineral processing process, belt misalignment can affect the normal production of the processing plant’s production line.

Causes of belt misalignment in conveyor belts

1. Installation error

A. Improper belt connector

An improperly aligned or uneven belt joint causes uneven tension on both sides of the belt, causing the belt to veer towards the side with greater tension.

B. Frame tilt

Misalignment of the conveyor frame, including misalignment of the frame centerline and unevenness on both sides. This will cause the belt conveyor to run off-center severely and be difficult to adjust.

C. Uneven pressure on the rubber plates

Uneven pressure on the rubber plates on both sides of the feed chute causes inconsistent running resistance on both sides of the belt, resulting in belt misalignment of the belt conveyor.

2. Belt misalignment during operation

A. Material sticking to rollers and idlers

Because mineral materials have a certain degree of stickiness, some mineral powder will adhere to the rollers and idlers. This will cause the diameter of the rollers or idlers to increase in some areas, resulting in uneven tension on both sides of the belt and causing the belt conveyor to run off-track.

B. Belt loose

After running for a period of time, belts may permanently deform or age due to stretching, causing a decrease in tension. This loosening of the belt can lead to belt misalignment.

C. Uneven distribution of ore

If the conveyor belt does not deviate when idling, but deviates when under heavy load, it indicates that the material is not evenly distributed on both sides of the belt.

D. Vibration during operation

During operation, belt conveyors inevitably generate some mechanical vibration. The faster the operating speed, the greater the vibration, and the greater the possibility of belt misalignment. For belt conveyors, the vibration caused by the radial runout of the idlers has a significant impact on belt misalignment.