Abrasion and tension are responsible for a large proportion of the damage done to conveyor belts, but other forms of stress are also possible. Chapter four of Martin Engineering's Foundations notes that one prominent example is damage from heat.
Many conveyor systems operate in hot environments, but exposure to extreme temperatures through direct contact with heated materials can prove particularly damaging.
This kind of stress can lead to widespread cracking of the top cover of a conveyor, as the material expands when in contact with heated materials and then contracts after they are removed.
This process can also break down some of the bonds between layers in a belt and, in some instances, excessively hot materials can melt or burn the belt directly, potentially damaging the underlying layers.
The first note is to ensure that materials do not exceed the listed temperatures of a belt, and purchasing a belt designed for high heat can help ease these concerns. However, the book notes that allowing materials to cool before placing them on the conveyor is ultimately the only way to entirely avoid heat damage. If possible, companies could also consider using other means of transport until the materials have cooled.
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