Determination by Standardized Test Methods of the Drum Friction Resistance Performance of Conveyor Belts Use in the Underground and at Surface

The field of use of conveyor belts is varied, they can be found both in the composition of installations operating in normal environments as well as in environments with the danger of potentially explosive atmospheres. The use of conveyor belts in environments with the risk of potentially explosive atmospheres requires the fulfilment of those safety requirements aimed at preventing sources of initiation of explosive atmospheres. In order to ensure the highest level of security, in these spaces with the danger of potentially explosive atmospheres, the conveyor belts used must have adequate protection properties against sources of ignition that may appear during their operation. At the same time, in this context, the application of test methods that allow determining the specific performance of conveyor belts, such as, for example resistance to friction on the drum, resistance to flame propagation, electrical resistance, is also important. The paper essentially aims to deal with the issues related to the application of standardized test methods, developed in the laboratory, necessary to determine the performances regarding the friction resistance on the drum of the conveyor belts used in the underground and at surface.