How to determine the required conveying capacity?
Capacity depends on three factors: material characteristics (density, particle size, flowability), operating hours (continuous or intermittent), and matching with upstream and downstream equipment. We recommend sizing at 1.2× peak capacity to leave margin. Port bulk terminals typically need 1,000–3,500 t/h, while large mines can reach over 5,000 t/h.
How much do material properties affect selection?
Significantly. Abrasiveness determines the wear-resistant material grade, moisture content affects chute angles and blockage risk, and particle size affects belt width and drop design. Iron ore and cement clinker need high-wear configurations, while grain and fertilizer need anti-breakage and anti-contamination designs.
Mobile or fixed equipment?
Mobile equipment suits multi-berth, multi-vessel operations and space-limited sites, with lower upfront investment and fast deployment. Fixed equipment suits single-berth, high-capacity, continuous operations. If vessel types vary and quay space is limited, choose mobile.
How to match upstream and downstream capacities?
Bulk material handling is a continuous chain — any mismatched link becomes a bottleneck. Design according to the "minimum capacity link" of the entire line, with 10–20% margin. For example, if the truck unloader is 500 t/h, the belt conveyor should be 600 t/h and the shiploader 550 t/h.
How do environmental requirements affect selection?
Ports, power plants and cement plants face increasingly strict dust and noise regulations. Options include enclosed conveying (pipe conveyors), dust suppression systems, enclosed chutes and covers. Pipe conveyors are the first choice where environmental requirements are strict.
How to choose stacking equipment for a stockyard?
It depends on the stockyard layout. Long, narrow yards suit telescopic stackers; fan-shaped or circular yards suit radial stackers; large bulk stockyards suit bucket wheel stacker reclaimers. If the site changes frequently, mobile telescopic stackers offer the most flexibility.
At what distance do you need multiple transfer points?
A standard belt conveyor can handle 1–3 km in a single flight, and a pipe conveyor can reach over 5 km. Beyond single-machine capability, multiple transfers are needed — but each transfer adds a dust point and a maintenance point. Prefer long single flights over multiple transfers.
How to control material breakage and segregation?
Reducing drop height, using spiral or stepped chutes, and reducing transfer angles all reduce breakage. For fragile materials like grain, fertilizer and cement clinker, drop-height control is especially critical.
How to estimate maintenance cost?
Main costs come from: wear parts replacement (idlers, pulleys, belt cleaners, belts), energy consumption (motor power × operating hours), and downtime losses. When selecting equipment, prioritize solutions with standardized wear parts, fewer maintenance points and lower energy consumption.
How to evaluate a manufacturer's turnkey capability?
Look at three things: whether they have similar project references, whether they can provide a complete solution from design to commissioning, and whether they offer complete technical documentation and after-sales support. Prefer manufacturers that can supply a complete line solution.
