Based on the experience of serving tunnel projects around the world, QBF rubber analyzes the common problems of tunnel sidewall conveyor belt as follows:

Design Selection Error

• Design capacity cannot meet the actual demand, resulting in overload and material spillage in vertical section.

• Size of particles from TBM is not fully considered. The actual size is too large, causing impact damage to the belt.

• Belt is not able to well accommodate materials with high water content. Material spills from belt two sides.

• Poor anti-stick performance leads to serious material carryback and hence limit the belt capacity.

Improper Design of Key Parts

• Small pulley is selected; take-up and bend pulley are not properly arranged.

• Inappropriate tracking measures are used.  

• Deflection wheels are not designed reasonably.

• Bad parts quality and poor machining precision cause poor stability

The design selection of the tunneling sidewall conveyor belt should be based on material characteristics, conveying requirements, environmental conditions and safety requirements and comprehensively consider the factors such as sidewall height, cleat design, rubber compound properties, belt width and speed. Only through scientific selection and reasonable design can the sidewall belt be ensured to operate efficiently, safely and stably in tunnel projects.

QBF Rubber provides the following solutions for sidewall conveyor belt design based on the characteristics of tunnel construction and different muck properties.

• The base belt adopts steel cord free zone design to protect cross rigidity.

• Anti-stick rubber compound is used to effectively reduce material carryback.

• The belt is configured with side blinkers to accommodate materials with high water content.

• Cleats are reinforced to resist to impact caused by large-sized material. TCS cleats are also available which enables quick replacement of damaged cleat blade.

• Hot vulcanized spicing delivers higher strength and longer service life.

QBF rubber has been focusing on European standard long-life sidewall conveyor belt to provide the fit-for-purpose solutions for tunnel projects. The market share of QBF rubber sidewall conveyor belt in tunnel project in China reaches 70% to support customer’s efficient construction.