Sidewall Belt System Components
A sidewall conveyor system consists of three integrated components:
- Base belt: The main load-carrying belt, similar to a standard flat conveyor belt in construction
- Corrugated side walls: Rubber walls bonded to both edges of the base belt, forming the containment sides of each material compartment
- Cleats (cross members): Rubber ribs bonded across the belt width at regular intervals, forming the back walls of each compartment
Selecting Wall Height
Wall height determines the maximum material depth on the belt and the maximum lump size that can be accommodated:
| Wall Height | Max Lump Size | Typical Capacity | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60mm | 40mm | Low–Medium | Fine materials, food processing |
| 100mm | 65mm | Medium | Crushed stone, aggregates <50mm |
| 160mm | 100mm | Medium–High | Crushed ore, coal, sand |
| 200mm | 130mm | High | ROM ore, large aggregates |
| 250mm | 160mm | High | Large lump ore and rock |
| 315mm | 200mm | Very High | Very large lump applications |
| 400mm | 260mm | Maximum | Large ROM ore |
Selecting Cleat Profile and Spacing
Cleats prevent material from sliding backward down the incline. Cleat selection depends on inclination angle and material characteristics:
- T-profile cleats: Standard —?for most bulk materials up to 45°
- Y-profile cleats: Better for sticky materials —?the Y shape sheds material on the return side
- Pocket cleats: For very fine materials on steep inclines —?create deeper pockets
- Cleat spacing: 150mm for small material; 300mm for medium; 500—?00mm for large lump
Base Belt Rating
The base belt must be rated for the full tension in the system. Sidewall belts typically use EP fabric carcass because the belt must flex sideways as it forms the corrugated wall shape —?ST cord belts are not suitable for sidewall applications (the steel cords prevent the lateral flexibility needed).
- For short conveyors (<100m): EP200/3 or EP250/3
- For medium conveyors (100—?00m): EP315/3 or EP400/3
- For long/high-lift conveyors (>300m or >30m lift): EP500/4
💡 Sidewall Belt Total Cost vs Bucket Elevator
For applications requiring vertical or near-vertical material transport up to 50—?0m lift, sidewall belts and bucket elevators are competing solutions. Sidewall belts handle larger lump sizes (bucket elevators struggle above 100—?50mm), can negotiate horizontal curves, and have lower maintenance requirements. Bucket elevators have higher capacity per unit width and are better for very fine, free-flowing materials. For lumpy mine ore needing 30—?0m lift, sidewall belt is usually the better choice.
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