Belt Conveyor Motor Power & Tension Calculator
Calculate CEMA effective tension (Te), slack-side tension (T2), drive pulley power, and motor size for bulk material belt conveyors per CEMA 7th Edition.
Conveyor Geometry & Capacity
Belt Weight & Drive Lagging
CEMA Tensions & Motor Horsepower
| Effective Tension at Drive (Te): | -- kN |
| Material Lift Tension Component (Ty): | -- kN |
| Horizontal Friction Tension (Tx + Tm): | -- kN |
| Slack-Side Tension Required (T2): | -- kN |
| Tight-Side Peak Tension (T1): | -- kN |
| Material Loading per Meter (Wm): | -- kg/m |
| Gravity Take-Up Counterweight Mass: | -- tonnes |
Recommended Tools & Equipment
Tested hardware and components for high reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Effective Tension (Te) in CEMA belt conveyor standards?
Effective tension (Te) is the total circumferential tangential pull force that the drive pulley must impart to the conveyor belt to move the loaded belt. It represents the sum of forces needed to overcome empty belt friction (Tx), load horizontal friction (Tm), vertical material elevation change (Ty), and accessory resistances (skirtboards, belt scrapers, and pulleys).
Why is slack-side tension (T2) necessary at the drive pulley?
Governed by Euler's capstan friction equation (T1 / T2 <= e^(mu * theta)), a conveyor drive pulley transmits torque purely by friction against the belt. Without sufficient residual tension (T2) maintained on the slack return side by a gravity counterweight take-up, the spinning drive pulley will lose grip and slip, burning the rubber belt within seconds.
What distinguishes CEMA 7th Edition calculations from earlier editions?
The 7th Edition replaces the historical constant friction factor "f" with the universal method, calculating indents and viscoelastic resistance of the rubber bottom cover rolling over idlers (Ky and Kx factors) as functions of temperature, belt carcass modulus, and troughing geometry.