Mechanical Conveyor Belt

Emily BrownET 493

Fall 2013Advisor: Dr. Ma

Instructor: Dr. Koutsougeras

Southeaster Louisiana University Mechanical EngineeringUndergraduate

Design a conveyor belt system for the Sustainability Center

Purpose

Layout

To Design

Dusty environment Exposure to heat from the boiler Back burn Pellet overflow/underflow Danger of moving parts with high torque Belt slip or misalignment

Safety concerns:

Conveyor 1 (Feeds boiler) Research conveyor belt types and applications Research safety requirements Develop a general function layout using Visual Logics Rough frame design Optimal frame dimensions based on boiler/steam turbine intake Strength analysis (force and moment balance, bending stress, etc.) Motor selection Design drive based on boiler/steam turbine intake rate Determine necessary gear ratio (motor : drive – torque increase and speed reduction) Belt selection based on pellet load Placement of idlers on the frame (tension uptake) Selection of alignment and heat sensors Pellet regulation device- either before or after the conveyor Add finer details to Visual Logic

Conveyor 2 (from mill to storage) ***repeat steps used for Conveyor 1 with the additions: Elevation sensor for changing conveyor height with respect to storage pile height Actuator selection

Methodology

Research conveyor types Preliminary Visual Logic Layout Safety Requirements Rough Frame Design for conveyor 1

(feeding belt) Belt research Motor and Drive research Acquired Boiler/Steam Turbine feed

requirements

Thus far...

Visual Logic

Frame Sketch-Conveyor 1

Drive Choices

Cleated Belt

Cleated timing Belt: http://eternalrubber.com/products/synchrotransport-belts

Source: www.baldor.com

Boiler/Turbine Specifications

Source: ttp://umaine.edu/publications/7216e/>.

Fuel Types

Source: ttp://umaine.edu/publications/7216e/

Fuel Input

Pellet Mill Output (conveyor 2)

Source: http://gardenheat.com/electric pellet mill.html

Deliverables

 "Cherry-picking Conveyor Components to Optimize Energy Efficiency." - Facilities Green Zone. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.greenmanufacturer.net/article/facilities/cherry-picking-

conveyor-components-to-optimize-energy-efficiency>.

 "Newfield Slewing Ring Company." Slew Drive. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.bombayharbor.com/company/61696/product.html>.

Sources