A Guide to Fire Retardant Conveyor Belts

Fire retardant conveyor belts are essential in industries where materials are transported under conditions with high fire risks. These belts are specifically designed to resist ignition and reduce the spread of fire, ensuring worker safety and protecting valuable equipment. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of fire retardant conveyor belts, their applications, and what to consider when selecting the right one for your needs.

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What Are Fire Retardant Conveyor Belts?

Fire retardant conveyor belts are made using special materials and treatments that minimize the risk of combustion. They are widely used in industries such as mining, power plants, steel manufacturing, and chemical processing, where fire hazards are prevalent. These belts meet stringent safety standards and are designed to maintain their performance even in high-risk environments.

Key Features of Fire Retardant Conveyor Belts

Fire retardant conveyor belts have several critical features that make them suitable for hazardous environments:

1. Heat Resistance

These belts are capable of withstanding high temperatures without deforming or losing functionality.

2. Flame Retardant Properties

The materials used in fire retardant belts reduce the spread of flames, minimizing fire damage.

3. Anti-Static Properties

Static electricity can be a fire hazard, especially in environments with flammable materials. Fire retardant belts often come with anti-static properties to prevent static buildup.

4. Self-Extinguishing Materials

In the event of ignition, fire retardant belts are designed to self-extinguish, preventing the fire from spreading further along the conveyor system.

Fire Retardant Conveyor Belt

Applications of Fire Retardant Conveyor Belts

Fire retardant conveyor belts are crucial in various high-risk industries. Here are some common applications:

1. Mining Industry

Used to transport coal and other combustible materials safely within mines and processing plants.

2. Power Plants

Essential for handling materials such as coal, biomass, and ash, where high temperatures and fire risks are present.

3. Steel Manufacturing

Used in environments with molten metal and extreme heat, ensuring safe material transport.

4. Chemical Processing

Fire retardant belts are used to move chemicals that pose a high risk of ignition or explosion.

Choosing the Right Fire Retardant Conveyor Belt

Selecting the right fire retardant conveyor belt for your application involves considering several factors:

1. Fire Resistance Standards

Ensure the belt meets industry-specific fire resistance standards such as ISO 340 or MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) certifications.

2. Temperature Range

Choose a belt that can handle the temperature range of your operation without compromising its integrity.

3. Material Type

Different materials offer varying levels of fire resistance. Common options include PVC, rubber, and specialized synthetic compounds.

4. Load Capacity

Ensure the belt is designed to handle the weight and volume of materials you need to transport.

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5. Durability

Look for belts that offer resistance to abrasion, impact, and wear, especially if operating in harsh environments.

Maintenance Tips for Fire Retardant Conveyor Belts

Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of fire retardant conveyor belts. Here are some tips:

1. Regular Inspections

Inspect the belt regularly for signs of wear, damage, or degradation. Replace worn-out belts promptly.

2. Clean the Belt

Keep the belt clean to prevent the accumulation of debris, which could increase fire risks.

3. Monitor Belt Tension

Ensure the belt is properly tensioned to avoid slippage and excessive wear.

4. Lubricate Components

Keep conveyor rollers, bearings, and other components well-lubricated to reduce friction and prevent overheating.

Questions and Answers About Fire Retardant Conveyor Belts

Q: What standards should fire retardant conveyor belts meet?

A: Fire retardant belts should comply with industry standards such as ISO 340 or MSHA certifications, which ensure they meet specific fire resistance criteria.

Q: Are fire retardant belts suitable for high-temperature environments?

A: Yes, these belts are designed to withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for applications in steel manufacturing, power plants, and similar industries.

Q: How do I know if a fire retardant belt is self-extinguishing?

A: Manufacturers often provide certifications and test results showing that the belt&#;s materials are self-extinguishing under fire conditions.

Q: Can fire retardant belts be used outdoors?

A: Yes, many fire retardant belts are designed for outdoor use and are resistant to weathering and UV exposure.

Conclusion

Fire retardant conveyor belts are an essential safety feature in industries prone to fire hazards. By understanding their features, applications, and maintenance requirements, you can select the right belt for your needs. Prioritizing safety and compliance ensures smooth operations and protects both personnel and equipment from potential fire risks.

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Bulk handling &#; most common grades of fire resistance

EN Category 1. EN contains the standards for electrical and flammability safety requirements for general purpose conveyors used above ground. Category 1 is the most basic classification and simply demands that the belt is anti-static. This means that the belt meets the primary requirement for use in ATEX 114 (Directive /34/EU) classified zones if necessary.

Application: In environments where coal dust, fertilizer, grain or other potentially combustible materials such as biomass are present, it is essential that the conveyor belt cannot create static electricity that could ignite the atmosphere. Belts need to be able to allow static electricity to pass through the metal frame of the conveyor structure down to earth rather than allow static to build up. The safest approach is for all belts to meet EN Category 1.

EN Class 2A and Class 2B

The basis of most tests within EN for belting actual fire resistance is EN ISO 340*. These standards make the distinction between fire resistance with covers, which is Class 2A (often referred to as K grade) and fire resistance with and without covers, which is Class 2B (often referred to as S grade). The relevance of &#;with and without covers&#; is primarily because the rubber skim layers between the synthetic plies protect what is essentially the most flammable part in the construction and which can provide the path for flames to propagate. The rubber skim material therefore needs to be as equally fire resistant as the outer covers. Unfortunately, manufacturers who want to minimise costs to achieve a more competitive price often use rubber skims that have insufficient resistance to fire and/or are too thin.

*EN ISO 340 tests involve exposing six individual samples of belt to a naked flame causing them to burn. The source of the flame is then removed and the combustion time (duration of flame) of the test piece is recorded. A current of air is then applied to the test piece for a specified time after the removal of the flame. The flame should not re-ignite.

The time it takes for the belt sample to self-extinguish after the flame has been removed is measured. The duration of continued burning (visible flame) should be less than 15 seconds for each sample with a maximum cumulative duration of 45 seconds for each group of six tests. The average allowable time per sample is therefore 7.5 seconds. This factor is crucial because it determines the distance that the fire can be effectively carried by a moving belt. For this reason, Fenner Dunlop in The Netherlands strive for an average maximum time limit of only one second, which is more than six times faster than the required standard.

Application: For the majority of bulk material handling &#;open air&#; applications, EN Class 2A (K grade) or Class 2B (S grade) levels of fire resistance would be perfectly adequate. The best way to decide between Class 2A and Class 2B is to consider the material being carried. For moderately abrasive materials such as grain, then Class 2A is usually suitable. However, if the material is more abrasive and tends to wear the top cover more rapidly and/or you would prefer a higher level of fire safety then the safest option is to choose Class 2B.

Class 2A is usually perfectly adequate for moderately abrasive materials such as grain.

EN Class 4A

Class 4A involves a more severe fire test according to EN -1 method A, C or D in addition to EN ISO 340 testing.

Application: This increased level of fire safety is particularly necessary when conveying biomass because the dry flammable dust found in biomass can be ignited by static electricity created by abrasion within the conveyor system because the source only requires ignition energy as low as 17mJ for ignition to take place. Biomass dust is also prone to self-ignition, especially if it becomes damp. A chemical reaction can take place that causes self-heating and what is referred to as &#;off-gassing&#; (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane emissions).

Class 4A involves a more severe fire test according to EN -1 method A, C or D

Although the use of covered conveyors minimizes this risk, the risk to human life is heightened in enclosed environments because burning rubber belts release thick toxic smoke that contains cyanide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and products of butadiene and styrene. EN Class 4A is therefore usually also the best choice for conveyors operating in closed or covered conditions

You cannot put a price on safety.

Experience shows, without doubt, that the price will invariably be reflected in its overall performance including its ability to self-extinguish fire in good time. The low prices may be very tempting, but it is important to understand how those prices are achieved. The true reason is that raw materials, including the expensive chemicals needed to create rubber that has a good standard of resistance to fire, represent up to 70% of the cost of producing a conveyor belt. Consequently, the only way to manufacture a low-price belt is to use (or omit altogether) low grade raw materials and essential additives. There simply is no other way. The price of an insufficiently fire-resistant conveyor belt cannot be calculated. It really is a matter of life and death.

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