How to Calculate Conveyor Capacity (t/h) — A Practical Guide

Conveyor capacity is the mass flow a belt can transport per hour. The core formula is:

Q (t/h) = 3.6 × A × v × ρ

Where A is the cross-sectional area of material on the belt (m²), v is the belt speed (m/s), and ρ is the bulk density (t/m³).

For a 1000 mm belt loaded to a 0.05 m² profile at 1.5 m/s with limestone (1.6 t/m³): Q = 3.6 × 0.05 × 1.5 × 1.6 = 0.432 t/h per unit area — multiply by the real loading geometry.

Common mistakes: ignoring trough angle, underestimating bulk density at moisture variations, and not derating for incline above 10°. Use a real belt-capacity table when sizing finally.