Conveyor Belt Speed & Capacity Calculator
Calculate theoretical conveyor belt throughput in tonnes per hour based on belt width, speed, material density, and surcharge angle.
Results
What is it?
Conveyor belt throughput depends on the cross-sectional area of material carried, belt speed, and bulk density of the material. The troughed cross-section (where idlers support the belt in a V-shape) significantly increases capacity compared to a flat belt by allowing material to pile up.
How to use
Enter belt width (in mm), belt speed (m/s), the bulk density of your material (tonnes per cubic metre), and the surcharge angle (the angle of the material mound above the belt edge). The calculator outputs cross-section and throughput in tonnes per hour.
Example scenario
A 1,000mm belt running at 1.5 m/s carrying sand (density 1.6 t/m�) at 20� surcharge: cross-section � 0.071 m�, capacity � 612 t/hr. Doubling belt speed to 3.0 m/s would double throughput to ~1,224 t/hr.
Pro tip
Belt speed should generally not exceed 3.5 m/s for granular materials (dust and spillage increase rapidly above this). Increase belt width before increasing speed for better reliability. Also apply an efficiency factor of 0.85-0.90 for real-world capacity to account for material variability and belt loading patterns.