Application of flammability testing methods for conveyor belts intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in order to select suitable types for field application

The National Institute of Research and Development for Safety in Mines and Explosion Protection, 32-34 G-ral Vasile Milea, Petroșani, România

^* Corresponding author: florin.paun@insemex.ro

Abstract

The conveyor belts are widely used and can be found, for example, in the underground and surface mining industry as well as in other industries involving the transport of various products, materials, etc.

The need to ensure the transport of various products, materials, involves the use of conveyor belts in normal environments as well as in environments with a potentially explosive atmosphere.

When used in potentially explosive atmospheres, conveyor belts shall not be sources of ignition for the explosive atmospheres generated by gases, vapors, flammable mists and/or combustible dusts in the mixture with the air.

This involves the use of conveyor belts in a particular construction, compliance with the applicable essential safety and health requirements as well as granting a special attention to the identification/selection of types suitable for the specific field application.

The purpose of the paper is to highlight the importance of testing by accredited laboratory tests, the flammability properties of conveyor belts intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, in order to easily identify/select, by end users, the types of conveyor belts adequate for specific application.