DEP SPECIFICATION

TROUGH BELT CONVEYORS

DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.

September 2012
ECCN EAR99

DESIGN AND ENGINEERING PRACTICE

© 2012 Shell Group of companies

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, published or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of the copyright owner or Shell Global Solutions International BV.

This document contains information that is classified as EAR99 and, as a consequence, can neither be exported nor re-exported to any country which is under an
embargo of the U.S. government pursuant to Part 746 of the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 746) nor can be made available to any national of such
country. In addition, the information in this document cannot be exported nor re-exported to an end-user or for an end-use that is prohibited by Part 744 of the Export
Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. Part 744).

.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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PREFACE

DEP (Design and Engineering Practice) publications reflect the views, at the time of publication, of Shell Global Solutions
International B.V. (Shell GSI) and, in some cases, of other Shell Companies.
These views are based on the experience acquired during involvement with the design, construction, operation and
maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where deemed appropriate DEPs are based on, or reference international,
regional, national and industry standards.
The objective is to set the standard for good design and engineering practice to be applied by Shell companies in oil and
gas production, oil refining, gas handling, gasification, chemical processing, or any other such facility, and thereby to help
achieve maximum technical and economic benefit from standardization.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to Shell companies for their consideration and decision to
implement. This is of particular importance where DEPs may not cover every requirement or diversity of condition at each
locality. The system of DEPs is expected to be sufficiently flexible to allow individual Operating Units to adapt the
information set forth in DEPs to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use DEPs, they shall be solely responsible for such use, including the
quality of their work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In particular, for those
requirements not specifically covered, the Principal will typically expect them to follow those design and engineering
practices that will achieve at least the same level of integrity as reflected in the DEPs. If in doubt, the Contractor or
Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without detracting from his own responsibility, consult the Principal.
The right to obtain and to use DEPs is restricted, and is typically granted by Shell GSI (and in some cases by other Shell
Companies) under a Service Agreement or a License Agreement. This right is granted primarily to Shell companies and
other companies receiving technical advice and services from Shell GSI or another Shell Company. Consequently, three
categories of users of DEPs can be distinguished:
1) Operating Units having a Service Agreement with Shell GSI or another Shell Company. The use of DEPs by these
Operating Units is subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the relevant Service Agreement.
2) Other parties who are authorised to use DEPs subject to appropriate contractual arrangements (whether as part of
a Service Agreement or otherwise).
3) Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users referred to under 1) or 2)
which requires that tenders for projects, materials supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said
users comply with the relevant standards.
Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements with users, Shell GSI disclaims
any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage (including injury or death) suffered by any company or person
whomsoever as a result of or in connection with the use, application or implementation of any DEP, combination of DEPs
or any part thereof, even if it is wholly or partly caused by negligence on the part of Shell GSI or other Shell Company. The
benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to Shell GSI and/or any Shell Company, or companies affiliated to these
companies, that may issue DEPs or advise or require the use of DEPs.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant contractual arrangements, DEPs shall
not, without the prior written consent of Shell GSI, be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever and the
DEPs shall be used exclusively for the purpose for which they have been provided to the user. They shall be returned after
use, including any copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior written consent of Shell GSI. The
copyright of DEPs vests in Shell Group of companies. Users shall arrange for DEPs to be held in safe custody and Shell
GSI may at any time require information satisfactory to them in order to ascertain how users implement this requirement.
All administrative queries should be directed to the DEP Administrator in Shell GSI.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4
1.1 SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 4
1.3 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 4
1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 5
1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP ....................................................................................... 5
1.6 DUAL UNITS ............................................................................................................... 5
1.7 DATA SHEET.............................................................................................................. 5
2. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE
CONTRACTOR .......................................................................................................... 6
3. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY THE
MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER .................................................................................. 7
4. REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................... 8
4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................... 8
4.2 CAPACITY, BELT WIDTH AND SPEED .................................................................... 9
4.3 IDLERS ....................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 BELT TENSION AND POWER ................................................................................. 10
4.5 BELT SELECTION .................................................................................................... 10
4.6 PULLEYS .................................................................................................................. 11
4.7 SHAFTS .................................................................................................................... 11
4.8 BELT HOLDBACKS .................................................................................................. 11
4.9 BELT TAKE-UPS ...................................................................................................... 12
4.10 BELT CLEANERS ..................................................................................................... 12
4.11 BEARINGS................................................................................................................ 12
4.12 CONVEYOR DRIVE ................................................................................................. 12
4.13 COUPLINGS ............................................................................................................. 14
4.14 LOADING CHUTES, DISCHARGE CHUTES, AND SKIRTBOARDS ...................... 14
4.15 BELT SCALES .......................................................................................................... 14
4.16 ZERO-SPEED DEVICE ............................................................................................ 15
4.17 SHOP ASSEMBLY AND TEST................................................................................. 15
5. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 16
6. BIBLIOGRAPHY ...................................................................................................... 17
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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 SCOPE
This new DEP specifies requirements and gives recommendations for the design,
manufacture, shop assembly, shop painting and delivery of enclosed, heavy duty, troughed
belt conveyors.

1.2 DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by Shell GSI, the distribution of this DEP is confined to Shell
companies and, where necessary, to Contractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated
by them. Any authorized access to DEPs does not for that reason constitute an
authorization to any documents, data or information to which the DEPs may refer.
This DEP is intended for use in facilities related to oil and gas production, gas handling, oil
refining, chemical processing, gasification, distribution and supply/marketing. This DEP
may also be applied in other similar facilities.
When DEPs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process shall be implemented;
this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this DEP, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases, the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this DEP which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this DEP as closely as possible.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
1.3.1 General definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies equipment and
services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
NOTE: The term Vendor is used in CEMA Standard. For the purposes of this DEP, the term Vendor shall be
understood to mean Manufacturer/Supplier.

The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for it. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicates a requirement.
The word should indicates a recommendation.

1.3.2 Specific definitions

Term Definition
Angle of The angle made by the surface of the material when poured onto a pile,
Repose as measured from the horizontal.
Design The design capacity shall be 115 % of the peak capacity. The capacity on
Capacity which basis the structural and mechanical design calculations are made.
Operating The average capacity to be expected under normal operating conditions,
Capacity including down-time periods for regular maintenance and repair.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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Term Definition
Peak The maximum capacity ever to be expected, for any period of time as
Capacity required by the operation.
Surcharge The angle from the horizontal which the material assumes when the
Angle material is at rest on a moving belt. This value can only be determined by
test, but may be estimated as 15° less than the angle of repose. For bulk
materials known to be easily “fluidized”, a test shall be performed and the
measured value used for belt conveyor design.
Valley Angle The slope of the line of intersection of two non-vertical wall surfaces, as
measured from the horizontal. This angle is always less steep than the
sloping wall.

1.4 CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this DEP are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets ( ). Other documents referenced by this DEP are listed in (5).

1.5 COMMENTS ON THIS DEP

Comments on this DEP may be submitted to the Administrator using the DEP Feedback
Form by:
• Entering comments directly in the DEP Feedback System on the Technical
Standards Portal http://sww.shell.com/standards (mandatory for users with access to
Shell Wide Web);
• Clicking on the DEP Feedback Form button on the DEPs DVD-ROM main page (for
users without access to Shell Wide Web);
• Requesting a copy of the DEP Feedback Form from the Administrator at
standards@shell.com (for users without access to Shell Wide Web).
For the last two options, the completed DEP Feedback Form can be attached to an email
and submitted to the Administrator at standards@shell.com. Only feedback that is entered
into the Feedback Form will be considered.

1.6 DUAL UNITS

This DEP contains both the International System (SI) units, as well as the corresponding
US Customary (USC) units, which are given following the SI units in brackets. When
agreed by the Principal, the indicated USC values/units may be used.

1.7 DATA SHEET

This DEP is intended to be used with requisition (data sheet) DEP 31.27.00.92-Gen.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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2. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTOR

The Contractor shall supply the following equipment, materials and services:
1. Process design, engineering design and layout.
2. Control schemes and general arrangement drawings showing major system
components, configuration, and selection of materials of construction for equipment.
3. Determination of the relevant product properties and data sheet showing the
equipment configuration including all required nozzles and general arrangement
drawings.
4. Foundations, structural design of supports and the selection of materials of
construction.
5. Inlet and discharge chute work not specified in this document.
6. Interconnecting ductwork, unless otherwise specified in attached documents.
7. Unloading, storage and erection at the jobsite, of shop-assembled equipment unless
specified for the Manufacturer’s/Supplier’s account.
8. All field piping, piping design and piping fabrication not internal to or part of the
specified equipment.
9. Electrical equipment shall be suitable for the hazardous area classification in which it
will be installed. This equipment shall be driven by an electric driver(s) that complies
with DEP 33.66.05.31-Gen. The equipment and its driver shall be suitable for
continuous operation. The driver nameplate power, exclusive of service factor, shall
be at least 110 % of the power required for any specified operating condition.
For suitable bearing life expectancy, drivers shall be provided with grease lubricated
bearings. All bearings, including those of the motor and gearbox, if fitted, shall be
anti-friction and shall have a minimum ISO 281 L-10 rating life of 40,000 hours in
continuous operation at rated operating conditions. The re-greasing interval shall be
4000 hours, if an L-10 lifetime of 40,000 hours is not possible.
The drive-end bearing of the driver shall be capable of accepting the forces
associated with driven equipment.
10. Plant air supply and other utilities. Manufacturer/Supplier shall specify the required
quantities and qualities of plant air and other utilities and indicate tie-in point on the
drawings, as required in (No. 1) above.
11. Selection of insulation materials and their installation shall be in accordance with
DEP 30.46.00.31-Gen.
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3. EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS AND SERVICES SUPPLIED BY THE

MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER
The Manufacturer/Supplier shall supply the following equipment, materials and services:
1. All conveyors, equipment and system components identified by item number made a
part of this specification.
2. Preparation and supply of all shop detail drawings required for fabrication, final
assembly, erection and operation of system and components.
3. Installation, operation and maintenance instructions for each system component
included within the scope of this supply.
4. Control devices where shown on the attached drawings and made a part of this
specification.
5. Mechanical design and structural calculations and documentation including, but not
limited to, specifying static and dynamic loads required for the engineering
Contractor to design foundations and any structures within their scope of work.
6. All mechanical components, including complete drive assemblies, base frames,
guards, flexible connectors and other items required for a complete and operable
system.
7. Shaft mounted holdbacks for all inclined conveyors.
8. Belt cleaners where shown on the attached drawings made a part of this
specification.
9. Conveyor belting, belt splicing and belt splicing materials and tools.
10. All inlet plenum and discharge hood nozzles and manifolds required for purging
and/or venting or dust/vapour collection.
11. Valves, gates or dampers where specified, complete with operators and position
indicating limit switches.
12. Access and inspection ports of system equipment shall be hinged, gasketed and
clamped closed with positive latching clamp/latches where frequent or routine
access is expected. Bolted, gasketed panels are preferred where frequent/routine
access is not expected.
13. Supports for the equipment and auxiliaries included within the scope of this DEP,
down to the Contractor’s support steel elevation. Including but not limited to, all
conveyor frames, supports, tubular galleries where specified, stairs, ladders,
walkways, handrails, grating, chutes, loading skirts, conveyor covers where
specified, and all other items required for a complete assembly in accordance with
DEP 34.17.00.32-Gen., DEP 34.19.20.31-Gen., DEP 34.28.00.31-Gen., and
DEP34.28.00.33-Gen.
14. All shop and field erection bolts, all machinery fasteners, and all shims.
15. All items of fabricated steel external surfaces shall be finished in accordance with
DEP 30.48.00.31-Gen.
16. Pre-assembly and testing, prior to shipment from the fabricator’s shop, of all items to
the greatest extent possible that will permit shipment to the jobsite.
17. Removal of all internal fixtures used for the purpose of fabrication, erection and fit-
up, and restoration of all affected surfaces.
18. All supports where specified; e.g., stairs, ladders, walkways, handrails, grating,
chutes, skirts, doors or covers where specified; and all other items required for a
complete assembly.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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4. REQUIREMENTS

4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The system design of belt conveyors handling bulk materials shall conform to this
DEP and the latest edition of the following Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers
Association (CEMA) publications (or an equal standard approved by the Principal):
• Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials
• Conveyor Installation Standards for Belt Conveyors Handling Bulk Materials
• Trough Belt Conveyors Standard 502
• Trough Belt Conveyors Standard 575
Note: The above standards are hereinafter referred to as the "CEMA publications" in this DEP.

2. Conveyors shall be designed for continuous, 24 hours per day operation.

3. Conveyors shall be designed to start when fully loaded.
4. Design documents shall include general arrangement drawings with sufficient detail
to permit shop detailing and fabrication by a third party.
5. Angle of inclination, speed, design capacity and the size and locations of inlets and
outlets, shall be as indicated on the attached general arrangement drawings and
data sheets.
6. Transfers between conveyors shall be avoided where possible within the limitations
of the space available, and belt strength permitting use of a single belt.
7. Trough belt conveyors may be arranged in various combinations of horizontal and
inclined runs as required; however, the maximum inclination shall not exceed 0.32
radians (18 degrees).
8. All conveyor sections of a conveyor shall be of the same component group
designation, and all couplings, coupling bolts, and other rotating parts shall be of the
same size and interchangeable.
9. Inlet and outlet spouts shall have bolted flanges for connection to other conveyors or
chutes. The Contractor shall specify the flange bolt hole pattern per CEMA
Publications, if possible. If a gate or valve is required at an inlet or outlet, the
Contractor shall specify the bolt pattern to match in preference to the use of a
transition piece.
10. Concave or convex vertical curves shall be used where space permits to form
smooth transitions between sections of different slopes. The vertical curve radii and
design of the conveyor shall be in accordance with the guidelines given in CEMA
publication. Concave vertical curve radii shall be sufficient to assure that the belt
does not lift from the carrying rollers under any combination of belt loading and
starting conditions.
11. Trajectories shall be plotted for each discharge in accordance with the procedures
outlined in the CEMA publication.
12. The Contractor shall identify the materials of construction for all parts in contact with
the conveyed product, taking into account the product's corrosivity, abrasivity, and
tolerance for contamination. Unless otherwise specified, non-contact parts and drive
components shall be made of the Manufacturer's/Supplier’s standard material.
13. All equipment shall be neatly finished, and all parts shall be free of slag, weld
splatter, and burrs.
14. All shop connections shall be welded. Where possible, all welds shall be seal
welded.
15. Carbon steel shall be welded in accordance with AWS D1.1 or approved equal.
Stainless steel shall be welded in accordance with AWS A5.4/A5.4M or approved
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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equal.
16. All bolt holes shall be shop drilled or punched, not flame cut.
17. All gaskets shall be fitted, with bolt holes punched and cover gaskets attached to the
covers with a suitable adhesive.
18. Materials of construction shall be as shown on the data sheets made a part of this
specification and as specified herein.
19. All field connections shall be bolted. Bevel washers shall be provided for all fasteners
used to bolt conveyor feet and supports to the flanges of structural channels or
I-beams. All field fasteners (bolts, nuts, and washer) shall be ASTM A325,
galvanized or approved equal.
20. Each conveyor shall be assigned an equipment item number by the Principal and all
component parts delivered shall be identified by that equipment item number.
21. Each conveyor shall be supplied with a permanently affixed stainless steel tag,
embossed with the equipment item number.
22. After the satisfactory run of the assembled conveyor, it may be disassembled as
required for shipping. Each mating sub-assembly shall be match-marked for ease of
field erection. Match marks shall be clearly visible after all painting is completed.

4.2 CAPACITY, BELT WIDTH AND SPEED

1. The procedure for calculation of belt width, belt speed and belt capacity shall be in
accordance with of the CEMA publication where the surcharge angle is taken as 20°.
2. Where the feed to a belt conveyor is volumetrically controlled (e.g., screw or rotary
plate feeder), then the capacity for a given belt width and surcharge angle shall be
as shown in the conveyor capacity tables of the CEMA publication.
3. Where the feed to a belt conveyor is not volumetrically controlled, then the capacity
for a given belt width and surcharge angle as shown in the conveyor capacity tables
of the CEMA publication shall be reduced by 20 % to provide a 25 % surge
capability.
4. The following belt speeds shall be the maximum allowable for the given belt widths:

Belt Width Maximum Speed

450 mm (18 in) 1.25 m/s (250 fpm
600 mm (24 in) 1.5 m/s (300 fpm)
750 mm (30 in) 1.75 m/s (350 fpm)
900 mm (36 in) 1.75 m/s (350 fpm)
over 900 mm (36 in) 2.0 m/s (400 fpm)

4.3 IDLERS
1. All idlers shall conform to CEMA classification C5 or better.
2. All idlers shall be furnished with a bearing lubrication arrangement permitting the
lubrication of all bearings from one grease fitting located at the walkway side of the
conveyor. Grease fittings not accessible from the walkway or other access platform
shall be piped by the Manufacturer/Supplier to a remote grease fitting that is
accessible from a walkway or work platform.
3. All idler support frames shall be of the fabricated steel type with four mounting bolts
per idler assembly.
4. Impact idlers shall be used at all loading points. Impact idlers shall be of the grooved
moulded rubber type. Impact idlers shall be spaced as shown on the attached
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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drawings.
5. Return idlers shall be single steel rollers mounted such that the return belt run is
located below the conveyor stringers.
6. Training idlers shall be furnished, where shown on the attached drawings, on both
the carrying and return sides of all conveyors. Training idlers shall be the “positive
type”.
7. Troughing idlers shall be of the three equal length roller type with 35° trough angle,
unless noted otherwise by the Contractor.
8. The troughing idler spacing shall be selected to limit the belt sag between idlers to
2 % of the span. The following maximum troughing idler spacing shall apply:

Belt Width mm (in) Spacing mm (ft)

450 mm (18 in) 1500 (5.0 ft)
600 mm (24 in) 1350 (4.5 ft)
750 mm (30 in) 1350 (4.5 ft)
900 mm (36 in) 1350 (4.5 ft)
over 1050 mm (42 in) 1200 (4.0)

9. The maximum return idler spacing shall be 3 m (10 ft).

10. One 20° “transition” troughing idler shall be placed at each carrying side pulley. The
distance from the centre of the pulley to the centre of the transition idler shall be as
follows:

% Belt Rated Tension Tail Pulleys All Other Pulleys

over 90 % 1.8 x Belt Width 0.9 x Belt Width
60 to 90 % 1.6 x Belt Width 0.8 x Belt Width
< 60 % 1.2 x Belt Width 0.6 x Belt Width

11. Impact idler spacing shall not exceed one half of the troughing idler spacing.
12. Positive type training idlers shall be used on both carrying and return runs of all
conveyors of 60 m (200 ft) or more nominal length. Training idlers shall be placed not
more than 15 m (50 ft) from both terminals and not more than 30 m (100 ft) apart.
13. Fixed guide rollers shall be used on both carrying and return runs of all conveyors
less than 60 m (200 ft) in length and placed adjacent to each terminal pulley.

4.4 BELT TENSION AND POWER

1. Conveyor belt tensions and required power shall be determined in accordance with
the procedures defined in the CEMA publication. Conveyors shall be designed to start
when fully loaded to design capacity.
2. Skirtboard friction affecting belt tension and power shall be based on an assumed
value of the skirtboard friction factor (CEMA designation “Cs”), for those products not
identified by CEMA, of 0.25.

4.5 BELT SELECTION

1. Belting shall be a minimum of two plies of synthetic textile fabric.
2. Belt covers shall be RMA grade II, and shall have a fire resistance rating conforming
to MSHA 18.65 requirements.
3. Belt cover material shall be oil resistant Chloroprene (Neoprene).
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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4. Vulcanized belt splices shall be used.

5. Correct troughability of empty multiple-ply belts is a concern. The belt selection
guidelines for belt selection in the CEMA publication shall apply.

4.6 PULLEYS
1. Pulley diameters shall be selected in accordance with the recommendations of the
manufacturer of the belting selected, and the minimum diameter as listed below:

Type Pulley Minimum Diameter

Drive 750 mm (30 in)
Tail 600 mm (24 in)
Take-up 600 mm (24 in)
Bend 450 mm (18 in)
Snub 450 mm (18 in)

2. Drive Pulleys shall be drum type conforming to ANSI/CEMA B105.1 with 12 mm

(1/2 in) thick vulcanized rubber lagging having a grooved herringbone pattern.
3. Tail pulleys shall be positioned so that the top of the pulley is on the belt line.
4. Tail and take-up pulleys shall be self-cleaning wing type, conforming to ANSI B501.1.
All other pulleys shall be drum type, conforming to ANSI/CEMA B105.1.
5. Snub pulleys shall only be used where required to gain sufficient “wrap” on the drive
pulley to prevent slippage under starting conditions.
6. Snub and Bend Pulleys shall be drum type conforming to ANSI/CEMA B105.1 with
10 mm (3/8 in) thick vulcanized rubber smooth lagging.
7. Discharge pulleys shall be positioned so that the top of the pulley is one-half the
trough depth above the top of the troughing idler centre roll next the pulley, as
measured perpendicular to the belt line.

4.7 SHAFTS
1. All shafting material shall be cold rolled AISI C-1018 carbon steel in sizes up to
100 mm (3-15/16 in) diameter or approved equal. All shafts larger than 100 mm
(3-15/16 in) diameter shall be AISI C-1042 carbon steel or approved equal.
2. Shaft sizes shall be as shown on the attached drawings.
3. Shafts shall be provided with standard square keys. Shallow, tapered or Woodruff
keys shall not be provided.
4. Shaft sizing and deflection shall conform to ANSI/CEMA B105.1 and ANSI B501.1.
Shafts shall be designed in accordance with ANSI 106.1 code for the design of
transmission shafting.
5. Shaft sizes less than 125 mm (5 in) diameter shall be either 74.6125 mm (2-15/16 in),
87.3125 mm (3-7/16 in), 100.0125 mm (3-15/16 in), 112.4375 (4-7/16 in) or
125.4125 mm (4-15/16 in).
6. Shaft bearings shall be selected for a minimum L-10 bearing life of 40,000 hours.

4.8 BELT HOLDBACKS

1. All inclined conveyors shall be supplied with a totally enclosed, overrunning clutch or
sprag type holdback, mounted to the driven conveyor shaft.
2. Holdbacks shall be selected having a 1.5 service factor based on motor nameplate
horsepower.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
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3. Holdbacks shall be totally enclosed over-running clutch type or sprag type.

4. Holdbacks shall be secured to shafts by suitable retaining collars.
5. Holdback torque arms shall be enclosed in a safety guard.

4.9 BELT TAKE-UPS

1. Belt take-up lengths shall be selected in accordance with the recommendations of
the manufacturer of the belting selected; but the minimum take-up length shall not be
less than 1-1/2 % of the overall endless belt length.
2. Take-ups shall be manual screw types for take-up lengths up to 1000 mm (36 in).
For longer lengths, an automatic gravity type take-up shall be supplied where space
permits. Vertical gravity take-ups shall be furnished complete with take-up pulley
carriage, guides, counterweight boxes, and safety enclosure. Counterweight boxes
shall be sized for a weight 20 % in excess of conveyor requirements. At erection,
counterweight boxes shall be filled with concrete to the level specified for the
conveyor requirements.
3. The take-up length shall include provision for excess length to repair minor belt
damage without additional splicing, as well as stretching or shrinking.

4.10 BELT CLEANERS

1. Belt cleaners shall be approved by the Principal and provided of the type and location
shown on the drawings provided by the Contractor.
2. Belt cleaners shall be shop mounted within the discharge chute. Wiper load adjusting
devices shall project through the chute wall. Access doors or removable covers shall
be provided to permit belt cleaners to be serviced without the need to disturb the head
pulley mounting or dismantling of the chute work.

4.11 BEARINGS
1. Pillow block bearings shall be self-aligning, double row roller bearings conforming to
American Bearing Manufacturer’s Association (ABMA) requirements. Unless
otherwise specified on drawings, pillow block bearings shall be supplied with integral
labyrinth type seals with closed end shields. Grease relief shall be provided.
2. Pillow block bearings shall be mounted to the shafts with tapered adapter assemblies
to secure the bearing race to the shaft journal.
3. Pillow block bearings shall be re-greasable through a hydraulic grease fitting. All
grease fittings not accessible from a walkway or service platform shall be piped to a
remote lubrication point accessible to a walkway or service platform. Grease piping
shall be type 304 stainless steel tubing or hydraulic hose.
4. Pillow blocks shall be cast iron, four-bolt base design mounted with sole plates and
corrosion resistant shims.

4.12 CONVEYOR DRIVE

DEP 31.29.00.38-Gen. shall apply to gears with greater than or equal to 37 kW (50 HP)
power. Gear reducers with less than 37 kW (50 HP) power shall have American Gear
Manufacturers Association (AGMA) Class II rating equal to or greater than the conveyor
shaft and coupling torque capability; i.e., minimum 1.4 service factor: This Class refers to
gear motors that can operate under steady loads that do not exceed the normal rating and
24 hours of running time per day; OR a gear motor that can operate under moderate shock
loads not exceeding 1.25 times the rated load torque and 8-10 hours of running time per
day.
Rated torque capacity of the gear reducer shall exceed the motor nameplate power rating,
as follows:
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
September 2012
Page 13

Motor Nameplate Minimum Gear Rating

0.75 kW, 1.5 kW (1 HP, 2 HP) 1.5 kW/(2 HP) Class II
3.75 kW, 5.6 kW, 7.5 kW (5 HP, 7-½ HP, 10 HP) 7.5 kW/(10 HP) Class II
11.2 kW, 14.9 kW (15 HP, 20 HP) 14.9 kW/(20 HP) Class II

If the conveyor is inclined, the Contractor shall ensure that the specified driver tolerates the
inclination without detriment to gear lubrication, level indicators and seals.
Gear reducers shall be single or double reduction with a direct or V-belt drive between
motor and gear reducer input shaft.
V-belt drives shall not be applied to troughed belt conveyors. Chain drives shall be selected
based on the motor nameplate horsepower with a service factor of 1.5.
1. The maximum chain sprocket diameter ratio shall be 3 to 1.
2. Roller chain selections shall be limited to these standard ANSI series:
a) 120 single
b) 140 single
c) 160 single
d) 180 single
e) 200 single, double, or triple.
3. Chain drives shall be arranged so that the lower strand is tensioned and is as near
horizontal as practical. Chain drive centre distance shall be approximately equal to 30
chain pitches.
4. All sprockets shall be steel with machine-cut teeth.
5. Driven sprockets shall have a maximum of 60 teeth.
6. Driver sprockets shall have a minimum of 16 hardened teeth.
7. Driver sprockets shall have compression type taper lock bushings and hubs, with
standard square keys. Where required to meet this specification, special oversize
hubs shall be provided.
8. Driven sprockets shall be furnished bored to size.
9. ANSI standard pinned and cottered roller chain shall be used. Two sets of connecting
links shall be provided with each chain drive.
10. An oil retaining, dust tight chain enclosure shall be provided for each chain drive. The
enclosure shall be fabricated of heavy gauge steel, and shall be of the split-case
design with removable pin hinge joints at both ends.
11. The enclosure shall be furnished with oil lubrication and drain fittings.
12. Speed reducers shall be selected for approximately 100 rpm output speed and
1750 rpm input speed.
13. The preferred speed reducer for low power requirements is the concentric shaft type
gear reducer. Parallel shaft reducers are preferred for 40 horsepower and greater.
Shaft-mounted speed reducers shall not be used.
14. The drive motor shall be directly coupled to the reducer input shaft. Coupling selection
shall be based on motor nameplate horsepower with a 1.5 service factor.
15. The overhung load on the speed reducer output shaft shall be based on the starting
torque of the fully loaded belt conveyor.
16. Chain guards and coupling guards shall be fully enclosed and designed for ease of
inspection.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
September 2012
Page 14

17. If a variable speed drive is required, a variable frequency alternating current (VFAC)
controller shall be used with a standard induction motor. Gear reducer and V-belt
ratios shall conform to the requirements shown herein to determine the 100 % point
of the speed range.
18. Motor mounts shall be supported directly by the drive gear reducer, and of a design
that permits removal of the trough cover and opening of the inspection door without
disturbing the motor installation.

4.13 COUPLINGS
1. Unless otherwise noted, drive couplings shall be Principal-approved, with tapered
compression type hubs and bushings having standard square keys.
2. Couplings shall be guarded with a heavy gauge steel enclosure.
3. Couplings for speed switches shall be Principal-approved equal.

4.14 LOADING CHUTES, DISCHARGE CHUTES, AND SKIRTBOARDS

1. Loading chutes shall be sized to handle the full belt capacity (which may be greater
than the design maximum capacity).
2. Loading chutes shall centre the load and impart an initial velocity in the direction of
the receiving belt’s travel. Direct loading in a direction transverse to the belt travel
shall not be allowed.
3. Loading chute shall be not wider than two-thirds of the width of the receiving belt.
4. Discharge chutes shall be designed to collect conveyed material from discharge belt
cleaners and snub pulleys, and discharge it with the main material flow.
5. Chute valley angles shall be designed to self-empty based on measured solids flow
properties but not be less than 60° from the horizontal.
6. Chutes shall be fabricated of minimum 6.4 mm (1/4 in) steel plate, adequately
stiffened to minimize deflection. Wear points within the chute shall be lined with a
minimum 3.5 mm (10 gauge = 0.1345 in) 304L stainless steel liner welded to the
chute; or a 6.4 mm (1/4 in) UHMW Polyethylene, mechanically fastened to the chute.
7. At least one access door or covered opening shall be provided to permit inspection
and cleanout.
8. Skirtboards shall extend from the end of the loading chute to 1000 mm (3 ft) per
0.5 m/s (100 fpm) of belt speed.
9. Skirtboards shall be covered, with hinged and quick clamp access doors to permit
inspection and cleanout.
10. Skirtboard width and height shall conform to the tabulated values shown in the
CEMA publication: Belt Conveyors for Bulk Materials, entitled: ‘Minimum Uncovered
Skirtboard Height’.

4.15 BELT SCALES

1. Where a belt scale is specified to be a part of the troughed belt installation, the
requirements of this section shall prevail.
2. The belt scale shall be a weighbridge that takes the place of conventional troughing
idlers.
3. The belt troughing angle shall be 20° at the scale.
4. Where the belt scale is required for “custody transfer” purposes, the weighbridge
type used shall be an “approach-retreat” type having at least four idlers.
5. The designer shall locate the weighbridge near the tail end of the belt, and
downstream of the loading chute skirtboard.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
September 2012
Page 15

6. The distance from the end of the skirtboard to the idler adjacent to the weighbridge
shall be based on the belt speed, as follows:

Belt Speed Distance

Up 1.5 m/s (300 fpm) 1200 mm (4 ft)
1.5-2.0 m/s (300 – 450 fpm) 2400 mm (8 ft)
2.0-3.0 m/s (450 – 600 fpm) 3000 mm (10 ft)
3.0-3.8 m/s (600 – 750 fpm) 4500 mm (15 ft)
> 3.8 m/s (>750 fpm) 6000 mm (20 ft)

7. A minimum of two troughing idlers shall be installed between the end of the feed
skirtboard and the first scale idler.
8. Whenever possible, the weighbridge shall be located at a horizontal portion of the
belt.
9. Whenever possible, the belt take-up shall be automatic. A vertical gravity take-up is
preferred.
10. Training idlers shall not be located within 12 m (40 ft) either side of the scale.
11. For outdoor locations, the belt shall be protected by a windbreak or cover.

4.16 ZERO-SPEED DEVICE

If the intended use of a conveyor requires a control signal to indicate conveyor stoppage, a
proximity type sensor device shall be specified.
Location of the proximity probe shall be at the trough centreline near the non-drive end of
the conveyor, and on the side opposite the product being conveyed.

4.17 SHOP ASSEMBLY AND TEST

All conveyors shall be shop assembled to ascertain proper alignment and fit-up.
The shop assembly of the complete conveyor, including drives, motors, guards, seals,
covers, gaskets and other components, shall be run to ascertain free movement of all parts.
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
September 2012
Page 16

5. REFERENCES
In this DEP, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES: 1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.
2. The DEPs and most referenced external standards are available to Shell staff on the SWW (Shell
Wide Web) at http://sww.shell.com/standards/.

SHELL STANDARDS
Thermal insulation DEP 30.46.00.31-Gen.
Protective coatings for onshore facilities DEP 30.48.00.31-Gen.
Requisition – Trough belt conveyor DEP 31.27.00.92-Gen.
General-purpose gear units (amendments/supplements to DEP 31.29.00.38-Gen.
API 677)
Electrical machines - Cage-induction types (amendments/ DEP 33.66.05.31-Gen.
supplements to IEC 60034-1 and IEC 60034-14)
Design and engineering of buildings DEP 34.17.00.32-Gen.
Reinforced concrete structures DEP 34.19.20.31-Gen.
Onshore steel structures DEP 34.28.00.31-Gen.
Onshore ancillary steel structures DEP 34.28.00.33-Gen.

AMERICAN STANDARDS
ABMA Standards ABMA
http://www.americanbearings.org/
Issued by: American Bearing Manufacturer’s Association

Specifications for welded steel conveyor pulleys with ANSI/CEMA B105.1

compression type hubs
Design of transmission shafting ANSI B106.1
Standard welded steel wing pulleys ANSI B501.1
Standard specification for structural bolts, steel, heat treated, ASTM A325
830 MPa (120/105 ksi) minimum tensile strength
Structural welding code – Steel AWS D1.1
Specification for stainless steel electrodes for shielded metal arc AWS A5.4/A5.4 M
welding
Belt conveyors for bulk materials - 6th Ed.2nd Print; CEMA
http://www.cemanet.org/publications/index.html
Conveyor installation standards for belt conveyors handling bulk CEMA
materials;
http://www.cemanet.org/publications/index.html
Bulk material belt conveyor troughing and return idlers - Selection CEMA Standard 502
and dimensions
http://www.cemanet.org/publications/index.html
Bulk material belt conveyor impact bed-cradle - selection and CEMA Standard 575
dimensions
http://www.cemanet.org/publications/index.html
Issued by: Conveying Equipment Manufacturer’s Association
ECCN EAR99 DEP 31.27.00.26-Gen.
September 2012
Page 17

Standard flame test procedure for: hose conduit, fire suppression MSHA 30 CFR § 18.65
hose cover, fire hose liner and other materials; 30, Code of
Federal Regulations, Part 18, Section 18.65
http://www.msha.gov/30cfr/CFRINTRO.HTM
Issued by: Mine Safety and Health Administration

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Rolling bearings — Dynamic load ratings and rating life ISO 281

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY
NOTE: The following documents are for information only and do not form an integral part of this DEP.

AMERICAN STANDARDS
Standard Handbook of Chains -2nd Ed. ACA 020
Issued by: American Standard Chain Drives

Chain, roller, power transmission and conveyor, with connecting ANSI B29.1
links and attachment links
American standard V-belt drives
http://www.vbeltsupply.com/conventionalvbelts.html
http://www.gates.com/facts/documents/Gf000274.pdf

BRITISH STANDARDS
Continuous handling equipment and systems — Safety and EMC BS EN 620 + A1
requirements for fixed belt conveyors for bulk materials

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
Continuous mechanical handling equipment for loose bulk ISO 1535
materials - Troughed belt conveyors (other than portable
conveyors) - Belts -
Continuous mechanical handling equipment for loose bulk ISO 1536
materials - Troughed belt conveyors (other than portable
conveyors) - Belt pulleys - First Edition
Continuous mechanical handling equipment for loose bulk ISO 1537
materials - Troughed belt conveyors (other than portable
conveyors) - Idlers - First Edition