Abstract: A belt conveyor for conveying granular material comprises a tube and a hopper. Guide members guide the belt from a flat orientation as the belt leaves the lower roller into a cupped orientation as the belt enters the hopper. The cupped orientation is maintained by sliding contact at an interface between the lower surface of the belt and the hopper walls as the belt passes through the hopper. Left and right baffle members are attached along the hopper side walls and thereby prevent the granular material from sliding down the hopper walls into contact with the interface between the lower surface of the belt and the hopper walls. The belt has a width that is substantially fully exposed to granular material entering the hopper. A method of increasing the capacity of a belt conveyor comprises reducing the width of the flashing covering belt side portions.

Abstract: A belt conveyor for conveying granular material comprises a tube and a hopper. Guide members guide the belt from a flat orientation as the belt leaves the lower roller into a cupped orientation as the belt enters the hopper. The cupped orientation is maintained by sliding contact at an interface between the lower surface of the belt and the hopper walls as the belt passes through the hopper. Left and right baffle members are attached along the hopper side walls and thereby prevent the granular material from sliding down the hopper walls into contact with the interface between the lower surface of the belt and the hopper walls. The belt has a width that is substantially fully exposed to granular material entering the hopper. A method of increasing the capacity of a belt conveyor comprises reducing the width of the flashing covering belt side portions.