Question

In a belt conveyor, drive unit is coupled

• A. Midway of loading and unloading point
• B. At loading end of the belt
• C. Along the length of the belt
• D. At discharge end of the belt

Hint:

Remember the mechanical rule for flexible belt drives:
It is always more efficient to pull a flexible member under tension (drive at the discharge/head end) than to push it (drive at the loading/tail end).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A belt conveyor is a continuous materials-handling system that uses a moving fabric or rubber belt to transport bulk materials.
The mechanical design of a belt conveyor includes pulleys at both ends: the head pulley (at the discharge end) and the tail pulley (at the loading end).
The location of the drive motor unit is chosen to optimize belt tension, reduce slippage, and minimize mechanical stress.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze why the drive unit is coupled at the discharge end of the belt:
1. Tension Distribution: When the drive pulley is located at the discharge (head) end, it pulls the loaded, carrying side of the belt toward itself.
This ensures that the carrying run of the belt remains under high tension, while the return run (underneath) remains relatively loose.
This is the most efficient configuration for transmitting torque from the motor to the belt.
2. Prevention of Belt Slippage: Placing the drive at the head end increases the wrap angle and the effective friction between the drive pulley surface and the belt.
If the drive unit were coupled at the tail (loading) end, it would have to push the loaded side of the belt, which can cause the belt to buckle, sag, or slip on the pulley.
3. Power Efficiency: Pulling a load requires less energy and results in more stable operation than trying to push a flexible belt.
Therefore, standard conveyor designs place the drive unit at the discharge end of the belt.

Step 3: Final Answer:
In a belt conveyor, the drive unit is coupled at the discharge end of the belt.