Modelling of energy accumulation in belt conveyor systems under faulty conditions

The consideration of potential energy stored in a system is paramount to carry on safe maintenance operations of mechanical system. In particular, this paper concentrates on the elastic energy accumulation occurring in a belt conveyor system ensuing a seizure of one of the pulleys owing to, for example, dirt and spilled bulk material accumulation in the belt inlet zone. The hazard of considering the system completely discharged just because the electrical supply cut off and the effect of such an energy storage are investigated by means of a lumped mass dynamic mathematical model. It allows time variable operating conditions to be considered, as well as starting and stopping phases transients. Standard maintenance operations are simulated, and the effect of stored energy sudden release investigated.