Basics

Introduction

Pocket or sidewall conveyors have been used in many applications for decades. This conveyor technology was developed in response to the need for steep angle conveying of bulk materials.

Unlike the sandwich type belt conveyor, the pocket belt comprises of three main components namely, the base belt, a series of cleats or flights and a pair of flexible sidewalls as indicated adjacent. The assembled belt gives the impression of a number of individual 'pockets' which hold the material in flight and the sidewalls provide the necessary lateral constraint to the product. It is from these features that the conveyor has derived its generic name.

Pocket belt conveyor design is relatively widely protected by individuals within engineering firms. Some suppliers have however, developed their own "in house" belt design, which offer some specific features and benefits above other competing belts. Also, design procedures vary and the capabilities of some pocket belt suppliers' belts are claimed to be superior to others.

In terms of this engineering handbook therefore, pocket belt conveyor technology is described in as much detail as possible, without infringing on proprietary information. Content has been sourced from numerous engineers, general materials handling companies and proprietary suppliers.

This section provides a foundation and introduction to pocket-type belt conveyors.