Coal handling plants move large tonnages over long conveyors in enclosed galleries, where a belt fire is a serious risk. Fire resistant, antistatic belts are the norm, and often required.
Belt by duty
| Duty | Typical belt |
|---|---|
| Coal and lignite in galleries | EP 630/4 5+2 FR |
| Open yard conveyors | EP 500/4 5+2 FR or Y |
| Fly ash | EP 400/3 4+2 Y |
| Biomass | EP 400/3 4+2 Y or G |
Why fire resistance matters in coal handling
Coal dust and fines collect around conveyors, and friction from a seized idler or a slipping drive can ignite them. On an ordinary belt, the fire then travels along the belt itself, through galleries and transfer towers. A fire resistant belt stops burning once the source is removed, so the fire stays where it started.
Antistatic covers matter for the same reason: a belt that builds static charge over a long run can spark in a dusty atmosphere.
Long, heavily loaded conveyors
Power plant conveyors are long and carry high tonnage, so the rating comes from the belt tension calculation rather than habit: 630 to 1000 kN/m in 4 or 5 plies is common. Low elongation EP fabric keeps the take-up travel within limits on long centres.
Fly ash, bottom ash and biomass
Fly ash is fine and abrasive but not hot by the time it reaches the conveyor; general purpose or abrasion resistant covers suit it. Bottom ash can still be warm: check the temperature. Biomass such as rice husk and bagasse is light but bulky; general purpose belts work, and oil resistant covers help where the fuel is oily.
Questions
Which belt is used in coal handling plants?
Fire resistant antistatic (FR) belts, flame tested to ISO 340, usually EP 500 to 800 kN/m in 4 plies with 5+2 mm covers.
Need the belt chosen for you?
Send your conveyor, our engineers select the belt
Length, lift, width, speed, capacity and the material. We reply with the rating, covers and grade, a datasheet and a quotation, usually the same working day.