Coal handling uses heavy-duty multi-ply rubber conveyor belts with abrasion resistant covers, typically rated at 220 to 600+ PIW depending on conveyor length and load. For enclosed coal handling facilities, fire retardant (FR) rated belting is required to meet MSHA standards. Anti-static compound is recommended in any enclosed area where combustible coal dust is present.

Fly ash and bottom ash require heat resistant belt compounds. For fly ash up to 350F, standard heat resistant compound is adequate. For bottom ash, slag, and clinker at higher temperatures, maximum high temp compound rated up to 400F (fines) and 700F (lumps) is needed. Always specify both material temperature and particle size, as fine particles transfer heat to the belt faster than lumps.

MSHA requires fire retardant belting in enclosed coal handling facilities. Beyond the regulatory requirement, most power plant operators and insurance carriers specify FR belting on all fuel handling conveyors regardless of whether MSHA jurisdiction applies. FR belts self-extinguish when the ignition source is removed, preventing belt fires from spreading through the conveyor system.

Standard heat resistant compound handles continuous temperatures up to approximately 350F. Maximum high temp compound handles up to 400F for fine particles and up to 700F for lumps. The max high temp compound also resists hardening and cracking better under sustained heat cycling. Use standard heat resistant for fly ash and warm coal. Use max high temp for bottom ash, slag, clinker, and any material above 350F.

Yes. The hot asphalt compound is specifically designed for combined oil and heat exposure up to approximately 350F. It handles petroleum coke, hot asphalt, oily grains, and oil-treated coal. For extreme temperature and oil combinations, neoprene-based compounds provide additional chemical resistance. Call Texas Belting with your material specs and we will confirm the right compound.

PIW (pounds per inch of width) depends on conveyor length, material weight per foot, belt speed, and incline. Short conveyors under 100 feet may need 150 to 220 PIW. Long-distance conveyors and heavy coal handling typically require 330 to 600+ PIW. Texas Belting can help calculate the correct PIW rating for your conveyor design. Call 888-203-2358 with your conveyor length, width, material weight, and incline.

Yes. Biomass fuel (wood chips, wood pellets, switchgrass, agricultural waste) uses heavy-duty rubber and general purpose rubber belting with anti-static compound (biomass dust is combustible) and moisture resistance (biomass is often wet). We carry the same belt types used for coal handling, with compound selections adjusted for biomass-specific conditions.