Mathematical models for indirect measurement of contact forces in hexagonal idler housing of pipe conveyor

This article presents creation and verification of linear regression models intended for prediction of the pipe conveyor belt contact forces on the idler rolls in the hexagonal idler housing. This problem is solved for using the method of indirect measurement, which enables to specify other required parameters with certain desired calculation accuracy on the basis of one monitored parameter. There is defined an initial hypothesis, which consists in assumption that it is possible to determine the contact forces in all other guide idler rolls according to detection of the contact force in one guide idler roll. The obtained models are corresponding with real operational conditions. The main advantage of these models consists in a fact that they have been created according to the real experimental measurement. The results presented in this paper are useful for the real practice because they enable to arrange such position of the guide idler rolls in the hexagonal idler housing, which is easy accessible not only with regard to the mounting of it, but also taking into the consideration safety, as well as which is suitable for installation and service of the measuring equipment.