Belt conveyors have been used for over 150 years. The concept of conveying bulk solid materials by belt, however, has not really changed. Most research has been focused on the improvement of conveyor components and on the optimization of the belt’s reinforcement material and rubber compounds.
Today, however, one can differentiate between open and closed conveyor systems. In conventional open belt conveyor systems, the belt is troughed and the bulk solid material is in direct contact with the air, (although the total conveyor may be enclosed).
In closed conveyor systems, the belt contains the bulk material, thus eliminating the risk of dust contamination.