Flameproof class a

Belts used in underground environments, such as mines and tunnels, must meet a number of technical requirements, both in terms of physical performance and safety characteristics. According to EN 14973, the main aspects to be considered include:

• Wear resistance: Belts must withstand high mechanical load and continuous friction with the conveyed material while maintaining their integrity over time.

• Fire resistance: The standard requires that underground conveyor belts be made of self-extinguishing materials and have fire resistance properties. This is especially important to reduce risks in underground environments, where emergency situations can be particularly dangerous.

• Smoke Emissivity: Belts must have low levels of toxic smoke emission, even in the event of fire or overheating, to ensure the safety of operators and underground ventilation systems.

• Chemical resistance: Tape materials must be able to withstand the chemicals and environmental conditions found in basements, such as moisture and corrosive substances.

Mechanical and Structural Properties
Compounds used for underground belts must possess certain mechanical properties to ensure high performance, such as:

• High traction: Belts must be designed to withstand high weights without compromising their integrity.

• Flexibility: The ability to bend without cracking or breaking, even under low temperature conditions, is essential, as underground conveyors are often subject to tight bends and mechanical stresses.

• Fatigue resistance: The compound must be able to withstand repeated load cycles, such as those resulting from carrying heavy or abrasive materials.

Safety and Environmental Protection Standards
EN 14973 provides guidelines regarding safety during the operation of underground conveyors. Among the main requirements are:

• Fire safety: Belts must be designed to minimize fire hazards by using fire-resistant materials and limiting the accumulation of flammable dust.

• Monitoring systems: The standard requires that conveyor belts be equipped with systems to monitor operating conditions, such as belt temperature, to detect any malfunctions or hazards.

• Minimization of environmental risks: The adoption of compounds with low toxic gas and fume emissions is crucial to ensure environmental protection and worker safety in underground environments.

In summary, underground conveyors must be designed to meet the requirements of EN 14973, ensuring high performance in terms of mechanical strength, safety against fire and smoke emissions, and chemical resistance. Selection of the right compounds and careful design are essential for operator safety and plant life. It is critical that the belts used meet these standards to prevent hazards and optimize operational efficiency in underground environments.