Overview
SIST EN ISO 20238:2019 - also known as ISO 20238:2018 - is the harmonized European and International Standard for conveyor belts drum friction testing. Developed by CEN in conjunction with ISO, this standard specifies a standardized method to assess the propensity of conveyor belts to generate heat, flame, or glow when stationary under a specified tension in contact with a rotating steel drum. This test is crucial for fire risk assessment and safety in industries utilizing conveyor belt systems.
The method described in SIST EN ISO 20238:2019 simulates a stall condition, evaluating the potential fire hazard by observing the conveyor belt’s reaction to friction around a heated drum. This standard replaces EN 1554:2012, aligning the requirements and testing procedures across Europe and globally.
Key Topics
- Purpose of the Standard: SIST EN ISO 20238:2019 provides a systematic method to determine the likelihood of a conveyor belt to ignite due to friction when adhered to a driven steel drum under tension, mimicking real-world stall scenarios.
- Testing Conditions: The test can be performed under two main environmental settings:
- Still air
- Moving air (simulating airflow across the belt)
- Variations in Belt Tension: Describes methods for applying both fixed and increasing loads to the belt to reflect different operating stresses.
- Arc of Contact: Two options are available:
- Standard 180° arc of contact
- Reduced 135° arc, used when belt thickness or stiffness prevents the full arc
- Applicability Limitations: For belts containing steel reinforcement, it may not always be possible to complete the test as specified, and premature test termination is permitted under such circumstances.
- Reporting Requirements: Sets out detailed requirements for documenting the test process, results, belt identification, tension used, observed behavior (flame or glow), drum temperature, and any premature terminations.
Applications
SIST EN ISO 20238:2019 is widely applicable across industries employing conveyor belts, especially those where fire safety is critical. Key uses include:
- Mining: Testing conveyor belts for fire resistance in underground and surface mining operations.
- Bulk Material Handling: Assessing belts at ports, power plants, and heavy manufacturing for safety compliance.
- Industrial Processing: Ensuring operational safety in factories with automated material transport using belt conveyors.
- Belt Manufacturers & Suppliers: Demonstrating compliance with safety and performance requirements for new products.
- Inspection & Maintenance: Supporting routine safety checks and risk management in ongoing conveyor operations.
By verifying a conveyor belt’s resistance to ignition from friction-induced heat, the standard helps reduce the risk of fires, improve workplace safety, and meet regulatory obligations.
Related Standards
- ISO 7590: Methods for determining the thickness of conveyor belts, referenced for sample thickness measurements.
- ISO 65: Specifies requirements for carbon steel tubes, used for drum construction and air supply components.
- ISO 9329-1 / ISO 9330-1: Technical delivery conditions for steel tubes used in the design of testing apparatus.
- EN 60584-1: Defines EMF specifications and tolerances for thermocouples used in temperature measurement during testing.
- EN 1554:2012: Superseded by SIST EN ISO 20238:2019, but may be referenced for historical comparison or existing products.
- ICS 53.040.20: Classification related to conveyor components.
Practical Value
Adopting SIST EN ISO 20238:2019 provides clear, harmonized criteria for friction testing of conveyor belts, enabling:
- Consistent Risk Assessment: Standardized methods facilitate reliable and reproducible test results across different organizations and regions.
- Enhanced Fire Safety: Early identification of belts with a propensity to ignite can prevent accidents and costly downtime.
- Market Access: Compliance with this standard is often required for product acceptance in European and international markets.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets workplace safety regulations related to fire hazard prevention for conveyor systems.
Utilizing the SIST EN ISO 20238:2019 standard ensures safety, operational continuity, and global alignment for conveyor belt use in a range of critical industries.