Dear Tom,

Conveyor Dynamics, Inc. has published a number of papers on belt wear and life cycle predictions due to abrasion and gouging (tearing). The papers can be found on our website:

www.conveyor-dynamics.com

The concept was first published in Bulk Solids in 1994. Many applications have followed.

Further developement is to be published in 2003. All the development work uses Discrete Element Method (DEM) modeling.

Particle physics and their interaction with belt and chute walls can be well defined. Some calibration is required of materials in the absence of existing modeling data.

Belt life has been significantly increased, using the DEM design approach, through the utilization of curve chute technology.

Belt abrasive wear, gouging wear, puntcure damage, liner wear, dust emissions, and chute pluggage due to viscous flow can be evaluated.

We would be please to assist you in futhering your knowledge on the subject.

Lawrence Nordell

President

Conveyor Dynamics, Inc.

1111 West Holly St.

Bellingham, WA 98225

USA

ph 360-671-2200

fx 360-671-8450

email: nordell@conveyor-dynamics.com ■

Continuation of my first comment:

The specifics of puncture damage potential to steel cord belt construction must include:

1. The details of the instrument that produces the damage - its shape, mass, sharpness, orientation, etc. - chute and crusher liner plates, shovel teeth, drill bits, roof bolts, cribbing, tramp metals, wood, tools, ......

2. The construction of the belt and material properties - differeing cover material can inhibit tearing or not as well as the use of rip stop fabric reinforcement

3. Dimensions of the belt - thicker covers, stiffness resistance to impact

4. Chute designs that enhances or inhibits the orientation of the damaging instrument

5. Belt speed - work of tearing and replusion force

6. Impact load station design, its compliance, and resilience of belt support system to various forms of impact loading

7. Material flow forces that influence the puncture action - granular size distribution and rate of flow, drop distance, etc.

7. Captuing the physics of the tearing instrument with the belt and the support system - integrating all of the above into a design model

The belt manufacturer, Phoenix AG, has published sales literature on puncture tests and the advantage of using fabric breakers. They may refer to a DIN Standard test. Other belt manufactuers have conducted similar tests. They can be contacted through this forum. The Phoenix website has a problem so you must email Mr B. Kussel with your request.

Lawrence Nordell

Conveyor Dynamics, Inc. ■