Foto: Tribelt
A demanding environment
Recycling is one of the harshest places a conveyor belt can work. Glass, plastic and metal are heated, separated or processed mechanically before they can be reused, so the belt meets high temperatures, sharp edges and heavy loads, sometimes all at once. Tribelt, the Dutch manufacturer of metal conveyor belts, makes belts designed for exactly these conditions. They help move recyclables efficiently, limit downtime and support a more circular production chain.
Processes Tribelt supports
- Intake and sorting: receiving and sorting incoming material sets the pace for the whole plant. Tribelt belts are built for heavy, uneven loads such as metals, plastics and mixed waste, and widths are matched to the intake hall and sorting lines. Speed, length and belt type are agreed with the customer to keep a steady flow with limited wear.
- Pre-treatment and shredding: after sorting, material is often reduced in size. High-strength belts with wear-resistant surfaces feed shredders, mills and crushers continuously. Open mesh for fine fractions and height-adjustable modular frames let one belt serve several machines. Belt tension, direction and drive are chosen with the customer to avoid breakdowns.
- Transport to separation: moving material to separation equipment is a logistical puzzle. Modular conveyors can be extended, tilted or split to feed several stations. For magnetic separation or screening, Tribelt can add special profiles, anti-slip surfaces or raised edges, improving both efficiency and safety.
- Discharge and storage: at the end of the line, recycled material is collected, stacked or buffered. Reinforced frames and adjustable inclines handle heavy metals or bulk goods; narrow, quick-change belts suit light fractions.
- Extras: chain belts for extreme loads, flat or grooved surfaces and sensors that monitor belt tension and flow.
Commonly used belts
A practical example is the Glapor case, in which recycled glass is fused into insulation material on a Tribelt furnace belt.
Frequently asked questions
What makes recycling hard on conveyor belts?
Glass, plastic and metal are often hot, sharp-edged and heavy, and are heated, separated or shredded before reuse. Belts must resist all three at once.
Which Tribelt belts are used in recycling?
Closed spiral (compound balanced) belts, eyelink belts and specialty belts such as chain belts for very heavy loads.
Advice or a quote?
Quotes and advice go through Tribelt's official website.