Indentation rolling resistance in pipe conveyor belts: a review

In this paper, a detailed literature review of indentation rolling resistance (IRR) in pipe belt conveyors is provided. Pipe belt conveyors offer an alternative to overcome the technical limitations of trough belt conveyors. However, pipe belt conveyor systems are more complex than trough belt conveyors, and the system’s life cycle can be significantly affected by some important technical aspects. Based on analytical formulations deduced from Jonkers to Rudolphi and the mathematical models used for pipe belt conveyors with regard to IRR, the influence of variables such as belt speed, vertical load, back cover thickness, idler radius, temperature, panel spacing, transverse stiffness, number of cycles, filling degree, and linear belt mass is discussed. The dimension standards for belt conveyors are shown, as well as relevant experimental methods currently available for measuring the IRR. Several main belt manufacturers of low rolling resistance compounds are noted.