KNOWLEDGE BASE
CONVEYOR BELT GLOSSARY
A working reference for engineers, buyers, and technicians who design, specify, or maintain belt conveyors. Each entry includes a one-line definition, an in-depth explanation, the formulas that matter, and references to DIN 22101, ISO 5048 / 14890 / 15236, and the CEMA orange book where applicable. Cross-links lead directly to the relevant product pages and free engineering calculators.
Browse by category
Belt Types & Construction
6Conveyor Belt · Fabric Conveyor Belt · Steel Cord Conveyor Belt
Drives & Pulleys
3Drive Pulley · Pulley Lagging · Motorized Drive Roller
Idlers & Supports
3CEMA Idler Class · Impact Idler · Self-Aligning Idler
Geometry & Design
3Trough Angle · Surcharge Angle · Belt Sag
Forces & Physics
3Effective Tension (Te) · Friction Factor (f) · Capstan Equation (Eytelwein)
Bulk Materials
1Angle of Repose
Industry Standards
1DIN 22101
All terms
C
- Capstan Equation (Eytelwein)The Capstan or Eytelwein equation T1/T2 = e^(μθ) describes the maximum tension ratio a belt can sustain across a driven pulley before slipping, given the friction coefficient μ and the wrap angle θ in radians.
- CEMA Idler ClassCEMA idler class (A, B, C, D, E, F) is the U.S. standard rating system that groups conveyor idler rolls by shell thickness, bearing size and maximum load — A is lightest duty, F is heaviest.
- Chevron Conveyor BeltA chevron conveyor belt has raised V- or U-shaped rubber profiles vulcanized onto the top cover, allowing it to convey loose bulk material at incline angles of up to 30–40°.
- Conveyor BeltA conveyor belt is a continuous loop of reinforced rubber or polymer that carries bulk material or unit loads between two or more pulleys driven by an electric motor.
- Cover CompoundCover compound is the rubber formulation laminated to the top and bottom of a conveyor belt carcass, classified by abrasion (D, H, L), heat, oil or anti-static resistance per DIN 22102 / ISO 10247.
D
- DIN 22101DIN 22101 is the German standard 'Continuous conveyors — Belt conveyors for bulk materials — Basis for calculation and design', the de facto international reference for belt conveyor engineering.
- Drive PulleyThe drive pulley is the powered drum of a conveyor that transmits torque from the gearbox to the belt by friction, generating the effective belt tension Te that overcomes all resistances.
F
- Fabric Conveyor Belt(EP / NN)A fabric conveyor belt uses 2–6 textile plies (typically polyester warp / nylon weft, designated EP) bonded with rubber skim coats to form a flexible, high-strength carcass.
- Friction Factor (f)(f)The friction factor f is the dimensionless DIN 22101 coefficient (typical range 0.018–0.030) that lumps all idler bearing, belt indentation and seal friction into a single number for main-resistance calculation.
S
- Self-Aligning IdlerA self-aligning idler is a pivoting troughing or return idler that automatically steers a mistracking conveyor belt back to centre by tilting its outer rolls into the belt's drift direction.
- Steel Cord Conveyor Belt(ST)A steel cord conveyor belt embeds parallel galvanized steel cables longitudinally in a rubber carcass, designated ST500–ST5400 for breaking strengths from 500 to 5400 N/mm.
- Surcharge AngleSurcharge angle is the angle of the material heap above the rim of a troughed conveyor belt during conveying, typically 5–25° lower than the static angle of repose due to belt vibration.