BadgerFan

I think its more appropriate to calculate the torque required to break loose the material fastened (by shear work) or on the belt (push and accelerate) than the non-essential and extremely diffiicult problem of calculating, by rheological analysis, all torque conditions associated with brush deformations and the environmental conditions.

You only care about delivering what is needed a the brush tip to break loose ( adhesion; cohesion and mass acceleration as a function of material debris properties) to remove the debris. This, in itself, can be academically interesting and theorectically difficult to mathematically model. Easy by lab experiments (except the frozen bits) and then build a phenomenological/parametric model.

Lawrence Nordell

Conveyor Dynamics, Inc. ■

I would like to say that rotary nylon brushes are suitable only for real cleaning / sweeping of belt surface. The rotary nylon brush will not be good for forceful removal of material from belt surface. You can compare its action to “buffing brush wheel” in workshop or shoeshine rotary brush wheel. The nylon brush is very effective for removal of fine dust clinging to belt whether dry or damp.

Brush of six inches diameter looks to be small. It is necessary to have certain peripheral speed, and centrifugal “g” effect for it to remain clean.

Nylon brush resistance to belt, its KW etc can be calculated by theoretical approach, but it is better to go directly by field data / test data.

If you wish to have forceful removal of material clinging / sticking to belt (like mud) more appropriate means could be rotary rubber blade cleaner.

Regards,

Ishwar G Mulani.

Author of Book : Engineering Science and Application Design for Belt Conveyors.

Email : parimul@pn2.vsnl.net.in ■