1.2.2 Conveyance Uses

Conveyor systems use either chains, belts, or rollers, depending on the application. The general guidelines for suitability are shown in Table 1.2, and discussed in Basics Section 1.2.1.

Belt conveyors are most suitable for large-volume movement of bulk materials. Except for this situation, chains, belts, and rollers are generally difficult to compare in terms of capacity, speed, or distance of conveyance of unit materials.

NOTE: In this discussion, bulk materials refer to items like grain or cement that may shift during conveyance. Unit materials, such as automobiles or cardboard, are stable when conveyed.

**Table 1.2**
Conveyor Type	Chain	Belt	Roller
Bulk Handling
Unit Handling		Only for light conveyor
Dust in Conveying Bulky Goods		/ ( for closed conveyor)
Space Required	Small	Large	Large

Excellent Good Poor