Design of a hydraulically controlled conveyor belt clamp for heavy-duty drift belt installation in underground applications: a case study

ABSTRACT The following paper provides a summary of the design and operating parameters for the Dynamic Belt Clamp. The Dynamic Clamp is hydraulically controlled to apply braking force on a belt via reference from an operator input. Belt braking force is proportional to hydraulic pressure applied. The clamp is not designed to be “fail safe” with the clamp opening when hydraulic system pressure is lost. Hand calculations were used along with finite element analysis to determine the structural stresses induced by the combined clamping force and belt tension. A 20 Metric Tonne belt tension capacity (196.1 kN lateral load) has been nominated for design purposes. A belt thickness of 50 mm has been assumed as a worst case for design purposes. In addition, a dynamic coefficient of friction of 0.2 has been assumed for the contact surfaces between the belt and the clamping beam surfaces. Australian Standard AS1418.1 – Cranes, Hoists and Winches General and AS3990 Mechanical Equipment – Steelwork have been utilized for determining the suitability of the design. The design meets the requirements of the standards for the proposed clamping loads and belt tensions. The combined stresses do not exceed allowable stress or displacement recommendations.