Utilisation of measurements to predict the relationship between contact forces on the pipe conveyor idler rollers and the tension force of the conveyor belt

Operating conditions of rubber-textile conveyor belts represent a source of information providing a wide spectrum of operating characteristics. Various theoretical and experimental methods, mostly based on ex post approach, have been recently employed for the identification of such operating characteristics. However, this approach is not very effective and is used as a source of data for various follow-up analyses. On the other hand, the operation of conveyors requires the prediction of needed forces and adjustments of operation based on such forces. This is called ex ante approach. The paper covers an introduction of the option allowing operating characteristics to be predicted based on a tool basis determined by experimental measurements. The whole procedure is demonstrated by a specific example focusing on the prediction of the contact force - tension force relationship. The presented results have been derived using the tools of statistical analysis. The article presents only the first part of the research in which data was recorded without the material being transported, there are two reasons for this: 1. Finding information about the behaviour of the conveyor belt when it has been implemented and started without the material being transported, 2. Detection of changes occurring in the conveyor belt when burdening it with conveyed material. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.