Here is a good read on that subject.

http://www.saimh.co.za/beltcon/beltcon12/paper1203.htm

The 2nd question is most likely for spare part compatability on the owners need. A flywheel impact on the conveyor system (tensions, take-up, run-on & stopping times) needs to be properly designed by an engineer. ■

The short version in which I may repeat Mr. Obstrezki's paper.

1. Control coasting time between two conveyors where the receiving conveyor must coast longer to eliminate chute plugging.

2. Control belt sag at the confluennce between downhill and uphill, where otherwise a downhill or horizontal belt loading may coast longer than a succeeding incline section which pulls belt from the take-up (TUP) and deposits it into the intersection point between downhill and uphill. This condition may be so severe that the TUP travel is exhausted and forces the counterweight into the structure under severe impact with unwanted consequences.

3. Control load sharing between dual holdbacks located on different pulleys.

4. Aid starting and stopping regulation of drives and high modulus rated belts where the power loss of the belt can cause a shockwave propogation to low belt tension regions that can overload the lower tension belt pulleys causing pulley failure from loads that exceed their design capacity.

5. Aid starting and stopping, per point 4, to provide power and brake regulation within acceptable parameters that otherwise would cause control pertubations with unacceptable consequences. ■

Sorry Marion for the misspelling which should have been: M.Otrebski ■