Belt conveyor capacity calculator
Solve for capacity in t/h, the belt speed needed, or the loaded cross-section area needed.
Result
How it works
Conveyor capacity is the volume of material passing per second multiplied by its bulk density. The volume flow is the loaded cross-section area of material on the belt times belt speed.
Choose what to solve for: capacity from a known area and speed, the speed needed for a target capacity, or the loaded area needed. The loaded area for a given belt width, trough angle and surcharge angle comes from your design standard or the belt supplier.
Formula
Q = 3600 × A × v × ρ × k v = Q / (3600 × A × ρ × k) A = Q / (3600 × v × ρ × k) qG = Q / (3.6 × v) material load per metre of belt [kg/m]
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Q | Capacity | t/h |
| A | Loaded cross-section area of material | m² |
| v | Belt speed | m/s |
| ρ | Bulk density | t/m³ |
| k | Documented capacity reduction factor (e.g. incline), 0–1 | — |
| qG | Material load per metre of belt (used in tension calculations) | kg/m |
Worked example
Inputs: Loaded area A = 0.08 m²; Belt speed v = 2 m/s; Bulk density ρ = 1.6 t/m³; Documented reduction factor k = 1 0–1.
- Q = 3600 × 0.08 × 2 × 1.6 × 1
- Q = 921.6 t/h
- Material load qG = 921.6 / (3.6 × 2) = 128.0 kg/m — the input for the Te & belt tensions calculator
Assumptions and limits
- Use k = 1 for the actual operating area. Apply a documented reduction factor (for example an incline factor) once only. Do not double-count it.
- Bulk density is in t/m³ (1.6 t/m³ = 1600 kg/m³). Check the units of your source; a figure such as 1.6 kg/m³ is almost certainly a unit error.
- Belt width, edge distance, trough and surcharge angles and lump size need separate checks.
- Design to a capacity margin, not to 100 % of the theoretical area.
Screening estimate, not a design approval. Verify measured inputs, current standards, manufacturer limits and site procedures before purchasing, cutting or installation. Isolate and lock out equipment before any hands-on measurement.
Questions
How do I get the loaded area A?
From your design standard or the supplier’s tables for your belt width, idler trough angle and the material’s surcharge angle.
Is “TPH” in a US chart the same as t/h?
Usually not. US charts quote short tons (2,000 lb) per hour. 1 short ton = 0.907 t, so 1,000 TPH ≈ 907 t/h.
Why does my real conveyor carry less?
Uneven feeding, spillage, a lower actual surcharge angle and incline all reduce the real loaded area compared with the theoretical value.
Source notes
- Volumetric flow definition (Q = area × speed × density). Loaded area for a given trough geometry should come from your design standard (e.g. DIN 22101 or CEMA) or the belt supplier.
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