Chemical swelling and degradation come hand-in-hand with oil-prone applications in the industries. Regular conveyor belts become victims of chemical swelling and degradation by absorbing grease, oils, and other fluids.
This is where an oil-resistant conveyor belt comes to your rescue. Let us see how it is resistant to such conditions, even with the exposure to these liquids.
Is Your Oil-Resistant Conveyor Belt Chemical Swelling and Degradation-Proof?
What is chemical swelling?
Chemical swelling is the process by which a regular conveyor belt absorbs chemicals, oils, grease, fats, and other substances. This absorption forces the polymer chains in the rubber apart. As a result, the rubber material starts to expand.
What is chemical degradation?
Chemical degradation is the process by which the rubber conveyor belts eventually deteriorate in the long run. This happens when the physical and chemical properties of the belts hamper. Exposure to oils, chemicals, and others is responsible for this.
How is an Oil-Resistant Conveyor Belt Different?
- An oil resistant belt has extraordinary resistance against oils, greases, fluids, fats, and other fluids. Besides, it also has good resistance against acids, alkalis, salt, and other chemicals.
- Unlike regular conveyor belts, an oil resistant belt does not swell or decompose with oil exposure. As a result, it has its former physical and properties as it was.
- There are different oil-resistant belt types depending on their grades and formulations. However, the different oil-resistant belt types have different tolerances of chemicals or oils.
Tests That Prove the Stability of an Oil-Resistant Conveyor Belt in Oil-Exposure
- An oil resistant conveyor belt from reputed suppliers is tested and certified. They undergo elaborate tests to check if they are capable of chemical swelling or degradation. There are two tests that can analyze the oil resistant belt. One is ISO 1817 and the other is ASTM D1460 test.
- In the ASTM D1460 test, the samples of the rubber of oil resistant convyeor belt are taken. Next, the samples are kept immersed in the test liquid. Besides, these oil resistant belt samples are kept immersed in the liquid for a particular duration.
- For standard practice, the samples of the oil resistant conveyor belt are kept at an ambient temperature or 70 degrees centigrade. They can be kept for a duration ranging from 3 to 7 days.
- Next, the changes in the samples of the oil-resistant belt are noticed. The changes in dimension of the oil-resistant belt samples are caused due to the absorption of the liquid. They are measured to calculate their value.
- However, the ASTM D1460 test is a lesser elaborate process for testing the samples of the oil-resistant conveyor belt.
- These tests prove that the oil resistant belt for conveyor systems is resistant to chemical swelling and degradation. It has no chances of premature breakdown because of these factors. In addition, the oil-resistant belt does not spill the materials that are to be conveyed.
- Owing to their good chemical resistance properties, they are durable and have good longevity. As a result, the oil-resistant conveyor belts do not require frequent repairing or replacements.
To wrap up,
Chemical swelling and degradation can lead to the sudden breakdown of conveyor belts. This can waste resources, bring in operational downtime, and lead to dangerous accidents.
With an oil resistant conveyor belt, industries remain confident. It offers a good service life and performance in oil-prone environments. Make sure to buy tested and certified belts to avoid chemical swelling and degradation.
Here are some FAQs for you!
What are the benefits of oil-resistant conveyor belts?
Ans: Oil resistant rubber conveyor belt has good mechanical strength and great oil resistance. It automates the material handling process in oil-prone regions. This increases the productivity and efficiency of the plants. Besides, the oil-resistant belt for conveyor reduces the chances of material slippage and accidents due to it.
Where are oil resistant belt applications predominant?
Ans: Oil resistant conveyor belts are common in oil and gas refineries, manufacturing, food-processing, and automotive sectors. However, their applications are quite common during harvesting, warehousing, processing, and other activities.
What determines the oil-resistant belt price list?
Ans: Oil resistant belt material types (grades and formulation) determine their price list. High-quality belts from reputed manufacturers or suppliers usually have higher prices. On the other hand, their specifications and quantity to be purchased also determine it.

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