Belt Splicing: Vulcanised Vs. Mechanical

Reference & Information Sources:

Flexible Steel Lacing Company
"Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials"

Points to consider

1. Vulcanised Splicing.

Advantages:

Has the highest practical strength.
Has a long service life.
Spillproof - splice is continuous i.e. material will not seep through joint.
Smooth & Continous - will not damage or interfere with belt ancilliary equipment. (scrapers,underspeed switches etc.)

Disadvantages:

Possible greater initial expenditure.
Time consuming procedure.
Logistically demanding - vulcanisers are demanding w.r.t positioning and manoeuvrability.
Take-up Travel - has to be designed to allow for full belt stretch between resplicing operations.

2. Mechanical Splicing .

Advantages:

Low cost - initial expenditure.(might need re-splicing more often as opposed to vulcanised splice)
Quick procedure. - may be speedily implemented
Logistically easy - mechanical splices can be performed with basic tools, almost anywhere, along the conveyor length.
Take-up Travel - not a real consideration due to ease of re-splicing when full stretch has been reached.
Inspection:possible failure or deterioration of a mechanical splice more easily visible.

Disadvantages:

Has a lower strength rating.
Has a shorter service life.
Non-Spillproof - fine materials sometimes seep through joint.
Rough Surface - sometimes has detrimental effect or interferes with belt ancilliary equipment. (scrapers,underspeed switches etc.)
The exposed end of the belts at the joint are exposed to the effects of the weather as well as the conveyed materials.