Identification of conveyor belt tension with the use of its transverse vibration frequencies

Abstract

Belt vibration is related to the tension force along the entire length of the conveyor route. The ability to predict belt vibrations can provide information about the correct operation of the conveyor. Vibration analysis is usually based on theoretical models or stationary tests. In this article the vibration frequency of a working conveyor was measured, in the absence of the material and with the belt loaded. The tests were carried out in motion using a specially made device placed onto the conveyor belt. The distribution of the frequency of transverse vibration of the belt along the entire length of the conveyor route was identified. Using the phenomenon of belt vibration, the increase in belt tension in the top belt strand was determined. The comparison of the measured increases in the tensile force with the values obtained by computer simulation showed the high accuracy of the method.