Choosing the Right Conveyor Sidewall Pocket Size for Improved Performance

February 7, 2024

Sidewall pocket size is the area between the inside of the sidewalls and the cleat. It may seem minor in material handling and conveyor systems. However, sidewall pocket size is critical for optimizing sidewall conveyor belt performance, increasing productivity, and ensuring workplace safety.

Efficient Material Handling

A conveyor can easily move a certain amount and type of material based on the size of its sidewall pockets. When the pocket is well-designed, it can hold more product, so you get the correct capacity out of your conveyor and will have less downtime. It also allows material to move smoothly and consistently, avoiding the spillage and jams that can happen with incorrectly sized sidewalls and cleats. Having the correct sidewall and cleat combination means greater capacity is achieved, costs go down, and greater throughput is achieved.

Versatility in Handling Various Materials

Different industries work with a range of materials, from fine powders to large aggregates. The correct inner pocket size ensures the conveyor can handle all these items efficiently. Custom sidewall pockets make it easy to change the size and shape of the material quickly. Sidewall pocket size improves conveyor adaptability by enabling varied materials to move efficiently, which makes it essential to every business using a sidewall conveyor system.

Workplace Safety and Environmental Impact

Having the right size inner pocket increases productivity and safety at work. A correctly sized sidewall pocket lowers the risk of incidents and health problems by stopping material from spilling out and reducing dust. Also, less spillage into adjacent pockets reduces environmental or facility cleanup. Your facility can do its part to keep the workplace safe and environmentally friendly by using well-designed sidewall pockets.

Considerations When Designing Your Sidewall

Pocket size is vital when designing a belt for your sidewall conveying needs. Several factors will determine the correct pocket size for your application:

The cleat pocket must be twice the size of the largest particle being conveyed.

The cleat height should be 75% of the maximum particle size if the incline angle is less than 75 degrees.

If the incline angle exceeds 75 degrees, the cleat height should be 150% (1.5 times) of the maximum particle size.

Durowall Sidewall Belting

Our Durowall sidewall belting offers various cleat styles and compounds in single- and two-piece construction. Many of our larger cleats contain a double layer of fabric reinforcement for added strength. Our rubber compound has a higher durometer than corrugated sidewall, and belt covers to maintain the cleats' shape and integrity when transporting heavy material in steep-angle applications.

When determining pocket size, consider one of the following cleat styles for your application:

T-Cleat

Vertical cleat
Used to convey material up to a 35-degree incline angle
Cleaner removal of material at the discharge end

C-Cleat

Scoop-style angled cleat
Used for inclines over 35 degrees
Greater carrying capacity than T-cleats

S-Cleat

Vertical for the first 60% of their height, then bend at a 40-degree angle for the rest of the height
Form a bucket when used in a vertical application
Used in applications where the incline is over 45 degrees
Designed for steep inclines and high-tonnage applications
Vertical portion of the cleat allows it to be mechanically attached to the sidewalls, creating a more stable and durable conveying pocket

Conclusion

In calculating the correct capacity of your custom sidewall belt, determining the right sidewall pocket size is very important. Optimizing the number of sidewall pockets has many benefits, such as making it easier to move materials, increasing productivity, and improving safety and environmental friendliness. Industries that understand the importance of sidewall pocket size will stay ahead of the competition while ensuring their processes are safe and sustainable.