Methods of Testing of Roller Rotational Resistance in Aspect of Energy Consumption of a Belt Conveyor

The testing of roller rotational resistance is essential in improving and searching for new design solutions to reduce the energy consumption of belt transport. The publication presents three methods of testing idler rotational resistance using various laboratory test stands designed and built by the authors. According to the first method, the test consists of applying torque to the roller axis and measuring the resistance force to rotate the roller axis. According to the second method, the test consisted of speeding up the idler, measuring the free stopping time and determining the moment of resistance to rotating the idler. The third stand enables the simulation of loads recommended by the PN-M-46606: 2010 and DIN 22112 standards, as well as operational loads, while measuring the dynamic rotational resistance. The comparative tests used two rollers different in terms of bearing type, hub type and quality of craft. The research object was ø133 × 465 rollers, most commonly used in the raw materials industry. The result of the research carried out is the assessment of the possibility of reducing the energy consumption of the belt conveyor by appropriate selection of the design features of a typical idler.