Selection of a suitable softstarter for application with conveyor belts

Comparison of starting methods

Conveyor belts can have a lot of different looks and directions of use. It is a typical constant torque load with low to high braking torque depending on how heavy it is loaded. Let’s take a look at the most common motor starting methods and then select the most suitable softstarter for this kind of application.

Table of contents:

• Direct-on-line start (D.O.L)
• Star-delta start
• Softstarter

Direct-on-line start (D.O.L)

Conveyor belts often need a starting torque very near or just above the rated torque of the motor. A direct-on-line start with a normal squirrel cage motor gives approx. 1.5 to 2.5 times rated torque of the motor depending on motor size, type etc.

When making a direct-on-line start there is a very high risk of slipping between the belt and the driving role depending on this high starting torque.

Gearboxes and couplings are also exposed to high mechanical stresses. This result is considerable wear and tear and often high maintenance costs. Sometimes fluid couplings are used to reduce the transferred torque.

This method is expensive and requires a lot of maintenance.

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Star-delta start

This is a starting method that reduces the starting current and starting torque. The device normally consists of three contactors, an overload relay and a timer for setting the time in the star-position (starting position). The motor must be delta connected during a normal run, in order to be able to use this starting method.

Instead we use star-delta motor start.

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Softstarter

By using the softstarter, starting torque can be reduced to a minimum value still able to start up the conveyor belt. The setting possibility of the softstarter makes it possible to adjust the torque to exactly the level that is necessary for the start.

When using a softstarter you will receive approx. 3 to 4 times rated motor current during start.

Selection of a suitable softstarter

Normal start

A start of short and light loaded conveyor belt is a typical normal start. For conveyors with D.O.L starting time less than 5 seconds, select a softstarter according to the rated motor power.

Heavy duty start

Conveyor belts can in some cases be very long and if the belt is fully loaded during start the starting time can be very long. For such applications select a softstarter designed for heavy duty start. It is also possible to select a softstarter for normal start if the softstarter is chosen one size larger than the rated motor power and use an overload relay class 30.

Go back to Methods ↑

Electric Motor Soft Start 60HP

Reference: Softstarter handbook – ABB (Download)