International Journal of Innovation in Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Materials Vol. 6 (No. 1). 2024. pp. 57-66 Journal homepage: publikasi.mercubuana.ac.id/index.php/ijimeam DOI: 10.22441/ijimeam.v6i1.19449 Enhancing Conveyor Belt Performance: Evaluating the Impact of In- creased Capacity Using Belt Analyst Software Gian V. Golwa 1, *, Sari Murdiyati 2 and Muhammad K. Satria 1, * 1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Mercu Buana, Meruya Selatan, Jakarta 11650, Indonesia 2 School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia *Corresponding Authors: gianvgolwa@mercubuana.ac.id (GVG), moh.kevinsatria@gmail.com (MKS) Abstract This study investigates the effects of increasing conveyor belt capacity from 148.5 tons per hour (t/h) to 180 t/h on the overall system performance, employing both manual measurements and simulations using Belt Analyst software. The research aims to evaluate critical parameters such as effective pulling force, motor power requirements, structural load, and belt deflection, which are essential for determining the feasibility and impact of such an upgrade. The analysis reveals that with the capacity increase, the effective pulling force required rises to 14,072 N, while the motor power usage escalates to 15 kW. Concurrently, the structural load experiences a signifi- cant increase from 46.144 kg/m to 56.238 kg/m, and belt deflection intensifies from 22 mm to 27 mm. These findings suggest that increasing the conveyor belt capacity to 180 t/h, may lead to increased stress on the structure and belt, which could potentially affect the lifespan and perfor- mance of the conveyor system. Furthermore, while the conveyor system's performance en- hances at the higher capacity, it also places additional stress on the system's components. The study further examines the implications of these changes, emphasizing the potential risks to the conveyor belt’s structural integrity and the possible reduction in its lifespan due to the increased mechanical stress. It is highlighted that careful consideration and precise engineering adjust- ments are necessary when planning capacity enhancements to avoid adverse effects on the sys- tem's longevity and reliability. Article Info: Received: 14 February 2023 Revised: 6 May 2024 Accepted: 3 June 2024 Available online: 1 September 2024 Keywords: Conveyor belt performance; ca- pacity increase; structural simu- lation; belt deflection; belt ten- sion analysis © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Universitas Mercu Buana (In- donesia). This is an open-access article under CC BY-SA License. 1. Introduction Conveyor belts play a critical role in the production processes of various heavy industries, such as steel, fertilizer, chemical, and cement manufacturing. These industries rely heavily on conveyor systems to transport bulk materials efficiently from one location to another, making them indispen- sable for maintaining continuous operations. In construction projects, conveyor belts are also es- sential for material handling, ensuring that resources are moved smoothly and reliably across the site. A typical conveyor system consists of two pulleys that loop continuously over a belt, which car- ries the material along a defined path. This belt is supported by a series of rollers that maintain its stability and alignment [1]. The performance of conveyor belts in bulk material handling is crucial for optimizing production capacity, as even minor inefficiencies can lead to significant operational de- lays and increased costs. The use of advanced software tools, such as Belt Analyst, has revolutionized the analysis and simulation of conveyor systems [2]. These tools enable detailed examination of the system's perfor- mance, allowing for precise adjustments that can lead to significant improvements in both efficiency and reliability. Understanding the mechanical properties of the materials used in conveyor belts, par- ticularly the rubbers, is vital for ensuring smooth operation. These properties influence key factors such as friction between the belt and driving drum, which in turn affects power consumption and overall system efficiency [3], [4]. One of the primary challenges in conveyor belt operations is managing material flowability to prevent spillage, which can disrupt production and create environmental concerns. Modeling and simulation are essential for addressing these challenges, as they allow for the virtual testing of How to cite: G.V. Golwa, S. Murdiyati, and M.K. Satria, "Enhancing conveyor belt performance: Evaluating the im- pact of increased capacity using Belt Analyst software," Int. J. In- nov. Mech. Eng. Adv. Mater, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 57-66, 2024