Conveyor trajectory discharge angles

This paper presents a review of the various methods available to predict the discharge angle of material as it leaves the head pulley of a conveyor belt. This discharge angle prediction is a vital component in the overall determination of the discharge trajectory of material and as a result will dictate the design of a transfer chute to adequately feed downstream components in a system. The discharge angle will also dictate the location of a stockpile if this is the desired application of the conveyor belt. Included in this paper are numerical comparisons of the methods presented to quantify similarities and differences between individual approaches by using a range of belt speeds and pulley diameters. Observations made on the various methods will be discussed, including advantages, disadvantages and limitations.