ASTM D378

ASTM D378 – Standard Test Methods for Rubber (Elastomeric) Conveyor Belting, Flat Type

Description:

Significance and Use

4.1 Flat conveyor belts are used in many industrial applications in which they are subjected to a great variety of stresses and conditions. Service conditions can be calculated or measured. Design levels and test requirements are established by manufacturers, or end-users, or both. The test methods are used to measure the characteristics of conveyor belting as they relate to service conditions.

4.2 The tests outlined by these test methods are commonly applied by belt manufacturers to control the quality of their products.

4.3 Research and product development activities in flat belting involve extensive testing as outlined by these test methods.

4.4 In case of conflict between the provisions of these test methods and those of detailed specifications or test methods for a particular belt, the latter shall take precedence.

Scope

1.1 These test methods (and references) cover the procedures for evaluating the physical properties of flat conveyor belting. Performance criteria for belting will not be detailed here, but can be found through the RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) Conveyor and Elevator Belt Handbook, ANSI (American National Standards Institute), various governmental authorities, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Belting for conveying and elevating materials generally is designated and defined as follows:

1.1.1 Heavy Duty Conveyor—A heavy duty belt is defined as belting designed for bulk haulage of materials, such as stone, crushed rock, sand, metals ores, coal, wood chips, etc., and has a carcass strength (design) substantial enough to withstand conveyor system tensions of 160 PIW and above.

Note 1: PIW is an abbreviation for pounds per inch of width commonly used in the conveyor belt industry.

1.1.2 Light Duty Conveyor—A light duty belt is defined as belting designed for conveying a variety of lower weight materials, packages, industrial and electronic goods, and food products. These belts often are shorter in length and width, with less overall thickness than heavy duty belting, and are generally used in conveyor systems with tensions less than 160 PIW.

1.1.3 General Description—Belting can have elastomeric coverings on one side, both sides, or neither side depending upon the specific application requirements. Belt coverings are comprised of various synthetic or natural rubber polymers, PVC, or other elastomeric materials, dependent upon application or customer requirements. The load bearing member(s) of most belting is generally a woven or interwoven carcass of synthetic or natural fibers such as, but not limited to, polyester, nylon, polyaramid, cotton, as well as steel (cable/cord type or woven mesh).

1.1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.