If you are talking about flexible sidewall belts these can comfortably climb vertically. Spillage results from improper loading, as is usual elsewhere throughout belt conveying. I was involved with the installation of a flexible sidewall belt which had a top slewing facility so that it could feed different silos in the Port of Liverpool. So these belts can be twisted while running and still carry the material without spillage. That was in1985 but things haven't changed that much.

Your poor old flexible sidewall installations seem to be a constant concern and I recommend a consultation with a specialist from Moers. ■

Hello,

Flexowell / Contiwell vertical conveying will have obtuse angle type cleats (partitions) to enhance conveying capacity.

From capacity calculation point of view, these are acting like buckets. So material retained will have sloping upper face, by surcharge angle, in a manner similar to bucket elevator.

The volume retained by partition / bucket will be at least when inclination is 90 degree. As the inclination to horizontal decreases, the retained volume (formed by surcharge angle) increases as per geometric diagram.

That means such conveyor - elevator capability for capacity increases; as the inclination to horizontal decreases.

Vertical (S - type) conveying requires minimum structure, because generally lower horizontal portion is on ground and upper portion happens to be on bunker floor. But when such conveyor (elevator) is made at 70, 60 degree, etc., then quite heavy supporting structure adds into the equipment cost. Therefore, making it inclined just to increase capacity; is likely to be uneconomical solution.

Ishwar G. Mulani

Author of Book : Engineering Science And Application Design For Belt Conveyors (new print November, 2012)

Author of Book : Belt Feeder Design And Hopper Bin Silo

Advisor / Consultant for Bulk Material Handling System & Issues.

Pune, India.

Tel.: 0091 (0)20 25871916

Email: conveyor.ishwar.mulani@gmail.com

Website: www.conveyor.ishwarmulani.com ■