Mahmud,

A bucket belt conveyor typically consists of a flat belt with metal or plastic buskets attached to it. The buckets hold the material while the flat belt lifts the bukets vertically to the discharge point.

The most common belt conveyor design consistes of a flat belt which is shaped by angled idler sets. The shaped belt holds the material as it is conveyed from the load point to the discharge point.

Therefore, the difference is that bucket belt conveyors are used to transport material vertically and belt conveyors are used to transport materila horizontally.

There are other design options for vertical conveyance, such as corrugated sidewall belts, belt-on-belt lift systems, and the MultiFold belt system. Also, there are other options for horizontal conveyance, such as sidewall belts, pipe belts, square belts, etc.

Hope this helps. ■

Dear Mr. Mahmud,

It seems you are referring to the difference in design between plain belt conveyor and conveyor using belt fitted with compartments / buckets. The conveyor using belt bucket, would generally be of higher inclination, and some times it could be as high as 90 degree. Fundamentally, the design style for belt tensions is similar, however calculation of capacity and usable belt speed are naturally different. Often the conveyor geometry would be different depending upon the type of compartment you have on the belt.

Regards,

Ishwar G Mulani.

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

Author of Book : Belt Feeder Design and Hopper Bin Silo

Advisor / Consultant for Bulk Material Handling System & Issues.

Email : parimul@pn2.vsnl.net.in

Tel.: 0091 (0)20 25882916 ■

Dear Mahmud,

The tension calculations are the same, except that with the Bucket belt elevator the lift component is the major consideration.

As far as the idler friction factor is concerned, many bucket elevators do not useidlers for the vertical lift. As such, that part of the equation will be zero.

You can access the tension formulae from CEMA, ISO, a variety of software sources, or use Mr. Mulani's book.

Hope this helps. ■