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Combustible dusts and gasses are prevalent in the handling of bulk biological material, from compost and mulch to biofuels to fertilizers. Without proper handling, spillage hazards can build and dust can concentrate and be ignited by the smallest spark. Martin Engineering, a bulk materials handling equipment manufacturer, collaborated with the authors of Foundations&#; for Conveyor Safety, to create how-to guidance that covers fire prevention. Ignition sources for conveyor fires fall into three general categories &#; friction; dust/material/chemical; and mechanical/maintenance.

&#;For example, a source of friction is inadequate belt cleaning in the discharge zone, which can lead to dust and carryback on the return side of the belt, causing a fouled tail pulley to run under a stalled belt, which creates tremendous heat,&#; explains the guidance. &#;Dust emissions of any kind (combustible or noncombustible) tend to foul rolling components eventually causing the roller to seize. A rolling component can also stall if impact or cargo weight causes the bearings to collapse. Continuous frictional contact with a seized idler or the roller face can cause a loaded belt to exceed safe operational temperatures.&#;

Controlling fugitive material requires proper belt cleaning, chute sealing and belt tracking. Spillage that collects around the loading/discharge areas can potentially act as fuel. Dust control is extremely important when handling combustible substances. &#;Significant amounts of dust in an enclosed area (transfer chute, loading zone, etc.), when exposed to high heat/static or a foreign metal object, can potentially create an explosion,&#; states the guidance.

Ongoing fire prevention strategies include:

• Reduce fugitive material by providing a flat, stable belt surface that facilitates effective sealing.
• Installation of heavy-duty belt cleaner system limits the amount of carryback, spillage, and fugitive dust.
• Regularly contain airborne dust at transfer points and remove accumulation.
• Replace damaged rollers promptly. Conveyor belt alignment is also an essential prerequisite to belt safety.
• Test fire detection and suppression systems in accordance with regulatory standards.

Prevent Conveyor Belt Fires

Safety and Standards in Conveyor Belt Fire Prevention

Conveyor belt fires pose a significant risk due to their rapid spread potential. While the belt itself can burn, it's the belt's length and movement that exacerbate the danger, allowing fires to quickly traverse large facility distances. Typically, fires start from friction-induced heat at pulleys or from materials inadvertently loaded onto the belt.

To mitigate these risks, best practices include:

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• Regular belt inspections
• Clearing combustible accumulations
• Addressing potential fire sources of fire such as seized rollers, overheated bearings, or belt misalignment

In environments with heightened risks&#;like underground coal mining&#;strict regulations often mandate self-extinguishing belting to replace less stringent flame-retardant options.

It's important to note that all conveyor belts can burn if exposed to sufficient heat and airflow. Governmental regulatory bodies use standardized laboratory tests to categorize the burning characteristics of different conveyor belts. A "self-extinguishing" belt, in general terms, refers to one that does not propagate a fire once the ignition source is removed in a controlled laboratory setting.

Fire-safety standards for conveyor belting are similar among major coal mining countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Poland, Russia, and South Africa. For example, Germany implemented strict requirements over 30 years ago.

Various international regulatory and advisory organizations, such as the British Standards Institution (BSI), Conveyor Manufacturers Equipment Association (CEMA), Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN), European Standards (EN), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), provide guidance on conveyor belt safety.

Tests conducted in these countries typically include:

• Drum Friction Test (DIN and others): Measures surface temperature to ensure it remains below 325 degrees Celsius (617° F) after a specified time and tension.
• Surface Resistance Test (ISO 284/EN/DIN ): Ensures the belting is conductive enough to prevent electrostatic charge build-up.
• High-Energy Propane Burner Test (EN): Determines if flames self-extinguish within a specified time after ignition.
• Laboratory Scale Gallery Test (DIN and ): Ensures flames self-extinguish and leave a defined undamaged length after ignition.

In the United States, outside of underground coal mines, the regulatory standard for conveyor belts is primarily determined by the Bunsen Burner Test (CFR Part 30 Section 18.65). This test involves exposing a small piece of belt (approximately 150 by 12 millimeters or 6 by 1&#;2 inches) to a Bunsen burner flame for one minute. After removing the flame, airflow is applied for three minutes, and the duration of any flames or afterglow is recorded. To meet the standard, the average of four samples must not burn for more than one minute or exhibit afterglow for more than three minutes.

Historically, Europe and the US differed in belt safety regulations until stricter measures aligned practices globally. For underground coal mines in the US, the Belt Evaluation Laboratory Test (BELT) ensures belts resist flames for extended periods, reflecting updated safety norms.

Other Safety Considerations for Conveyor Belts

Additional standards may apply globally, varying by region or industry. Some countries impose stricter requirements concerning belt toxicity, hygiene, or surface roughness. Detailed specifications can be found in standards established by organizations such as DIN, EN, ISO, BSI, CEMA, and others. It is crucial for conveyor belting to be compatible with the materials it transports, ensuring safety and compliance with applicable standards.

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