Q&A
Rubber is a high-molecular material with reversible elastic deformation capabilities. It can deform under external force and return to its original shape once the force is removed.
Rubber is characterized by high elasticity, stretch ability, and abrasion resistance, and is widely used across various industries such as agriculture, construction, mining, transportation, recycling, and healthcare.
Rubber is primarily obtained from plants that produce latex, which is a milky, gel-like fluid containing rubber particles, water, proteins, and resins. This latex contains natural polymers (mainly polyisoprene) that can be used to produce natural rubber.
Common rubber-producing plants include:
- Hevea brasiliensis (Brazilian rubber tree) – the main global source of natural rubber
- Parthenium argentatum (Guayule)– a desert shrub alternative
- Ficus elastica (Indian rubber tree)
- Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Russian dandelion)
A rubber conveyor belt is a type of equipment widely used in industrial production processes for transporting materials, products, or bulk goods. It is made from a combination of materials such as rubber, polyester fibers, or add with reinforced steel breaker. Rubber conveyor belts are characterized by high tensile strength, wear resistance, impact resistance, large load capacity, and long service life.
Features:
- High load capacity:
Rubber conveyor belts with multi-layer reinforcement structures can carry extremely heavy materials and are often used for bulk material transportation. - Puncture resistance:
Rubber conveyor belts reinforced with steel wire layers provide excellent puncture resistance. - High elasticity and impact resistance:
Rubber conveyor belts possess good elasticity and impact absorption properties, ensuring stable material transport and reducing the risk of material spillage. - Long service life:
Under normal operating conditions, high-quality rubber conveyor belts are durable and long-lasting. - High wear resistance:
The surface of a rubber conveyor belt offers high wear resistance, effectively withstanding rough materials and friction. - Acid and alkali resistance:
Certain rubber conveyor belts can be customized with chemical-resistant properties, making them suitable for transporting chemical fertilizers and similar materials. - Oil and grease resistance:
Some rubber conveyor belts can be designed with oil-resistant properties, suitable for applications such as feed transportation, wood processing, and waste recycling plants. - Customizable design:
Rubber conveyor belts can be manufactured in various forms to meet different conveying requirements, such as:- Shapes: flat type, patterned type, corrugated sidewall type, V-guide type, etc.
- Structures: multi-layer fabric or add with steel breaker reinforcement.
- Functions: heat-resistant, flame-retardant, anti-static, and more.
- Vulcanized Joint (Hot Splicing):
This is the most durable and strongest joint type. It is suitable for heavy-duty transport systems, high-temperature environments, high-speed operations, and long-distance conveying. - Cold Splicing:
This method provides medium joint strength and is easier to install. It is ideal for light to medium-duty belts, agricultural applications, or as a maintenance solution. - Mechanical Fasteners (Belt Clips):
Quick to install and remove, these are suitable for temporary conveyor setups, systems that require frequent belt removal, or emergency repairs.
To maximize the service life and maintain the quality of rubber conveyor belts, proper storage conditions are essential. Follow the guidelines below:
- Store Indoors
- Store conveyor belts in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated indoor warehouse.
- Protect the belts from rain, moisture, snow, and direct exposure to outdoor environments.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight
- Keep belts away from direct sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Long-term UV exposure can cause rubber aging, cracking, and loss of elasticity.
- Maintain Proper Temperature
- Recommended storage temperature: 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
- Avoid temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (104°F).
- Prevent sudden temperature fluctuations.
- Control Humidity
- Recommended relative humidity: 50% to 70%.
- Excessive humidity may promote mold growth and damage fabric-reinforced belts.
- Keep Away from Heat Sources
- Store belts at least 1 meter (3 feet) away from heaters, boilers, radiators, steam pipes, or other heat-generating equipment.
- Avoid Contact with Chemicals
Keep belts away from:
- Oils and lubricants
- Solvents
- Acids and alkalis
- Fuels
- Ozone-generating equipment
- Corrosive chemicals
These substances can deteriorate the rubber compound and reduce belt performance.
- Store Properly on Reels
- Conveyor belts should be stored on their original reels whenever possible.
- Never fold, crease, or sharply bend the belt.
- Rotate stored reels periodically if stored for an extended period.
- Prevent Excessive Weight
- Do not stack heavy objects on top of conveyor belts.
- Excessive pressure may cause permanent deformation.
- Protect from Mechanical Damage
- Avoid impacts, cuts, punctures, and abrasion during storage and handling.
- Use appropriate lifting equipment when moving heavy belt rolls.
- First-In, First-Out (FIFO)
- Practice the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory principle.
- Use older stock before newer stock whenever possible.
- Long-Term Storage Inspection
For belts stored longer than 12 months:
- Inspect the belt surface for cracks or hardening.
- Check for deformation.
- Rotate the reel periodically.
- Perform a visual inspection before installation.
- Recommended Storage Position
- Store rolls vertically on their original reels.
- Ensure the reel is supported evenly to prevent distortion.
