We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Industry

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Pipe Conveyor?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,219
Share

A pipe conveyor is a system used to move materials from one set location to another within a specific space. The system features a rubberized belt that is curled into a cylindrical shape and propelled through a series of rollers or idlers that help keep that shape. The purpose of a pipe conveyor is to transport materials while reducing spillage; the belt forms a sealed system that will not allow materials to seep through, thereby preventing loss and potential contamination of other components in the conveyor system. The flexibility of the rubber belt allows the conveyor to feature curves, inclines, and declines as well.

The belt on a pipe conveyor is usually fairly thick to provide structure to the cylindrical shape once it is formed. Materials will be loaded onto the belt through a hopper while the belt is still in its flat form. The belt will then run through a series of idlers and rollers that force the belt into its cylindrical shape. The materials being transported will essentially be sealed within the belt and transported forward in the pipe shape created by the rounded belt. Once the materials reach the end of the pipe conveyor system, the belt will flatten again and the materials will be unloaded off the end of the belt.

The length of the pipe conveyor system can vary, though most systems tend to be quite long. They are most often used in processing settings, especially in mines or other outdoor locations that require raw materials to be transported to or from a processing facility. The pipe conveyor is especially convenient because the track of the system can be bent around corners; the radius of this bend will vary depending on the thickness and type of belt being used to transport materials.

The cost of the system can be a fair amount higher than other conveyor systems, however, and little has changed in terms of technology since the original pipe conveyor models hit the market in the 1970s. The system is generally only as strong as the belt it uses, and the belt can wear fairly quickly, especially if it is not tensioned correctly or if other components are not lined up properly. Special training is required in order to operate or otherwise maintain these systems, so many companies opt not to use the system to avoid excess training and higher operational costs.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-pipe-conveyor.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.