Authors: A.I. Fomin, E.N. Ushakov

Title of the article: Rationale for choosing the design of a catching device for a bremsberg belt conveyor in coal mines

Year: 2026, Issue: 2, Pages: 95-103

Branch of knowledge: 2.8.8. Geotechnology, Mining machines (engineering)

Index UDK: 622.647.2

DOI: 10.26730/1816-4528-2026-2-95-103

Abstract: Belt conveyors are the most widespread and efficient mode of transportation in coal mines. Depending on the inclination angle and direction of material transport, belt conveyors are classified into three main types: horizontal, uphill, and downhill (bremsberg) conveyors. For downhill (bremsberg) belt conveyors, there are design solutions for capturing the upper strand of the conveyor belt in case of its rupture. However, these solutions have not gained wide adoption in Kuzbass coal mines due to their complex design and low operational efficiency. The study analyses the safety requirements set forth in regulatory and technical documents for catching (belt‑arresting) devices. It has been established that underground belt conveyors with installation angles exceeding 10° must be equipped with devices capable of catching the conveyor belt in the event of its rupture. Conveyor installation angles below 10° are not considered in this paper, as such configurations have a low potential to lead to significant consequences (economic losses and risk of personnel injury) if an incident occurs. Existing design solutions for catching conveyor belts in case of rupture have been reviewed based on a patent search. As a result of the research, groups of catching devices have been identified. For each group, advantages and disadvantages have been determined, and the optimal method for catching the upper strand of a downhill (bremsberg) belt conveyor during transportation of people and cargo has been justified. A rational design type and operating principle have been established for a catching device of the upper strand of a downhill (bremsberg) belt conveyor used for transporting people and cargo. This design complies with the requirements set forth in current regulatory documents. As a result, it has been substantiated that the group of lever-type catchers for the upper strand of downhill (bremsberg) underground belt conveyors — whose operation is based on the principle of stopping the belt by lifting it above the roller supports using stopping elements — ensures: reliable catching and holding of the conveyor belt on downhill conveyors; unobstructed safe passage of people along the upper strand of the belt; elimination of passenger injuries during activation; independence from external energy sources.

Key words: bremsberg belt conveyor catching device catcher conveyor belt coal mine

Receiving date: 20.10.2025

Approval date: 15.03.2026

Publication date: 04.06.2026

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