Original scientific paper

Genetic algorithm based optimisation of conveyor belt material cross section area

Željko Vrcan orcid.org/0000-0002-7005-4130 ; Department of Mechanical Engineering Design, Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Neven Lovrin ; Department of Mechanical Engineering Design, Faculty of Engineering, University of Rijeka, Vukovarska 58, HR-51000 Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Belt conveyors are used to transport large quantities of bulk material quickly and economically over short to medium distances, e.g. for transfer from the extraction point to a processing station or shipment point. The load capacity of a belt conveyor depends on several factors, such as the trough cross section of the conveyor belt, belt speed, material density and material angle of surcharge. The load capacity of belt conveyors is mostly determined by the trough cross section, so cross sections of commercially available troughs have been compared to cross sections of matching roller layout, but optimised via a genetic algorithm. A comparison has also been made with deep semi-circular troughs, due to a significant increase in material cross section when compared to flat, v-shaped,
trapezoidal and polygonal troughs.

Keywords

belt conveyor; conveyor belt; genetic algorithm; load capacity; optimisation

Hrčak ID:

55431

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/55431

Publication date:

30.6.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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