There is a considerable chance of a conveyor belt fire. While the belting itself is combustible, its length and movement present a risk that a belt might quickly spread a fire throughout a large portion of a building.
The most frequent cause of conveyor belt fires is friction heat from a pulley spinning against a slipping or stalled belt, or from the belt passing over an idler that has seized. Inadvertent loading of hot or burning material onto the conveyor belt has resulted in other conveyor fires.
What impact does flammability have on conveyor belt selection?
Conveyor belt selection is greatly influenced by flammability, especially in areas where fire threats may exist.
It is necessary to test conveyor belts for flammability, particularly in explosive environments, to guarantee protection against sources of ignition.
An operational context’s necessary fire resistance level is determined by possible igniting threats.
For example, to avoid the spread of fire, which can have disastrous effects, belts used in mining or places with flammable dust must adhere to strict fire retardancy regulations.
When choosing conveyor belts that are appropriate for a certain application, it is essential to do thorough risk assessments and follow safety regulations.
Which are the most important flammability requirements for mining conveyor belts?
The following are the main flammability requirements for conveyor belts in the mining sector:
1. For a small belt sample to pass the Bunsen Burner Test (CFR Part 30 Section 18.65), flames must burn for no more than one minute.
– The Belt Evaluation Laboratory Test (BELT), which specifies requirements for parts that remain intact after being exposed to flames, requires enhanced flame resistance for underground coal mines.
2. Belts are categorised according to their application by standards such as SR EN 12882:2016 and SR EN 14973:2016, with tests demonstrating a flame persistence of no more than 45 seconds.
3. To ensure conformity with international safety standards, ISO 340:2022 includes flammability testing procedures relevant to different types of conveyor belts.
Conveyor belts used in mining, particularly underground coal mines, must adhere to strict fire resistance criteria in order to keep workers safe and stop fires from spreading.
