What is Conveyor Capacity?

Conveyor capacity is the measure of the maximum volume or mass of material that a belt conveyor can transport over a specific period, typically measured in Tonnes Per Hour (TPH). Understanding this metric is critical for engineering bulk material handling systems, ensuring that downstream processes are not overwhelmed and that the belt is not overloaded, which could lead to spillage or mechanical failure.

How to Calculate Conveyor Capacity

Calculating the capacity of a belt conveyor involves several physical variables. The fundamental formula used in this calculator considers the cross-sectional area of the material load on the belt, the speed of the belt, and the bulk density of the material being moved.

• Belt Width: The total width of the conveyor belt. Effective width is usually calculated as 90% of total width minus a small margin.
• Belt Speed: How fast the belt moves, usually expressed in meters per second (m/s) or feet per minute (fpm).
• Material Density: The weight per unit volume of the bulk material (e.g., coal, gravel, or grain).
• Surcharge/Trough Angle: The angle of the idlers which shapes the belt into a "U" or "V" form, significantly increasing the carrying area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the trough angle affect capacity?

A higher trough angle (such as 45 degrees) creates a deeper pocket for the material to sit in, allowing for a larger cross-sectional area without material spilling over the edges. This directly increases the TPH capacity compared to a flat belt.

Does belt incline affect the result?

Yes. While this calculator provides the theoretical horizontal capacity, steep inclines usually reduce the effective capacity due to material slip or the need for lower fill levels to prevent back-spillage. For inclines over 10-15 degrees, specialized calculations or cleated belts may be required.

Why is bulk density important?

Bulk density includes the air gaps between particles. Since conveyors move volume, knowing the weight of that volume (density) is the only way to convert volumetric flow into weight-based capacity (Tonnes).