A regression model for prediction of pipe conveyor belt contact forces on idler rolls

• A real 8 m long section of a pipe conveyor is simulated with the part where the pipe shape of the belt is formed.
• A regression model is created an statistically evaluated.
• Mean Percentage Error was chosen to comprehensively assess the adequacy of the prediction.
• The tension forces 9000 N, 12,000 N and 15,000 N have Mean Percentage Error of prediction less than 5%.

The paper presents design and verification of regression models for prediction of pipe conveyor belt contact forces on idler rolls. Their advantage is in the fact that they have been created according to the real experimental measurement. The obtained models correspond with real operational conditions. The concept of the experimental rig at the Technical University of Košice is designed so that it represents 8 m long section of pipe conveyor. The conveyor belt is an object with action of tension force and at the same time it takes the initiative in the contact force formation. Several criteria have been used to verify the presented regression models. The tensioning force 9000, 12,000 and 15,000 N have MPE of prediction error less than 5%. About 120,000 measured values have been processed during the evaluations which correspond to approximately 15,000 results from experimental measurements.