Considering that the cost of the belt is related to its circumference then you have to go for a pipe conveyor. Your hinged belt has a most uneconomic perimeter in terms of rubber requirement. As a once upon a time inventor of a tear drop type of conveyor, we got UK Government funding to develop the beast as well, let me just say forget them with fondness. Pipe conveyors have a lot going for them at the end of the day. ■

Yes, monthly by what you say. Sling it & get a tube. Really. ■

Dear Blakeyg,

I was sure that all of these types of installations had been scrapped. How have you kept it going for so long. The design was by a Swedish firm which I believe went out of business around 1994. The paper you refer to was by Bateman Materials Handling for the promotion of pipe conveyors back in the early 1990's. The only person that I know who could possibly help you is Graham Spriggs (details on the forum) who spent time trying to get these things to work. I can not remember the trade name though.

Send me a layout and I'll give you an alternate solution. ■

Goodyear is the supplier of such belt and hold the patent rights. ■