Environmental Considerations in Conveyor Belt Selection
Selecting a modular belt or conveyor chain goes beyond the transported product or line layout. The operating environment directly affects the performance, durability, and safety of the entire system. Therefore, understanding and respecting environmental conditions is essential to avoid premature failures and ensure continuous efficiency.

Extreme Temperature Environments
Both excessive heat and cold impact material performance. At high temperatures, plastic components may deform, lose strength, or expand, affecting belt tension. In cold environments, there is a risk of stiffening, cracking, and reduced flexibility.

Bellt Recommendations:

Polypropylene (PP): suitable for moderate temperatures from -20 °C to 100 °C
Acetal (POM): preferred for durability at up to 90 °C
Polyethylene (PE): ideal for refrigerated environments down to -50 °C; below -70 °C, sprockets may need adaptation
Stainless Steel: withstands up to 300–350 °C
Presence of Moisture, Water, or Steam
Environments with frequent washing or constant moisture require materials resistant to hydrolysis, corrosion, and microbial growth. POM and PP are recommended due to their low water absorption. The belt surface must allow proper drainage and easy cleaning.

Bellt Recommendations:

Open surfaces for quick drainage
Smooth finishes (especially stainless steel models)
Plastic materials resistant to hot water and cleaning agents
Contact with Chemical Agents
Acids, alkalis, alkaline detergents, and substances like sodium hypochlorite are common in industrial cleaning and may degrade materials. In such environments, use chemically resistant materials like PP, PE, or stainless steel.

Bellt Recommendations:

PP: excellent resistance to sodium hypochlorite
PE: good resistance to mild acids
Stainless Steel AISI 304: ideal for sanitary and chemical environments
Abrasive Environments
Dust, sand, grains, or metal particles accelerate the wear of tracks, sliding surfaces, and chain pins. Choose abrasion-resistant materials like PE or AISI 431 stainless steel, which offers high mechanical resistance.

Bellt Recommendations:

UHMW high-density wear strips and guides
AISI 431 stainless steel chains for high mechanical stress
Layouts with protections against abrasive intrusion
Radiation Degradation
UV radiation, microwaves, or other radiation sources can cause material failures. Signs include whitening, discoloration, and brittleness—usually limited to the surface layer.

Bellt Recommendations:

PP or POM with UV-resistant additives
Strict Hygiene Requirements
Conveyors in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries must meet strict standards like ANVISA RDC 275/2002, RDC 589/2021, FDA, or EU-Food.

Bellt Recommendations:

Food-grade approved materials
Smooth or open surfaces for easy cleaning
Module design with minimal cavities or crevices
Use of food-grade lubricants where needed
Dust, Ventilation, and Other Factors
Fine dust (flour, fertilizer, cement) requires care to prevent buildup, friction-related ignition, or the need for proper exhaust systems.

Recommendations:

Minimize friction with appropriate materials
Schedule regular inspections of sliding components
Consider ventilation or enclosure in critical sections
Conclusion
Understanding the work environment enables the selection of safer, longer-lasting materials and layouts, reducing downtime and optimizing conveyor performance.
Bellt Correntes offers expert technical support to evaluate environmental factors in your plant and recommend the ideal conveyors, belts, and components.