Overview
ISO 2406:1974 - Continuous mechanical handling equipment - Mobile and portable conveyors - Constructional specifications - is an international standard that defines the dimensional characteristics for mobile and portable belt conveyors. First published in 1974 by ISO/TC 101, the standard clarifies conveyor types, basic definitions and preferred sizes for belts, idlers and pulleys to promote compatibility and sound construction practices.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Specifies dimensional characteristics (not performance or materials) for mobile and portable conveyors.
- Definitions:
- Mobile conveyor: Designed to be moved as a unit on wheels, crawlers or pontoons.
- Portable conveyor: Designed to be lifted and moved, usually manually, as a unit.
- Types covered: Portable and mobile conveyors; typical belt configurations include flat belts, troughed belts (2- or 3-roll idlers) and belts with cleats.
- Belt and structure widths: Belt width (b1) and structure width (b2) are given in millimetres; portable conveyors have a maximum belt width of 650 mm.
- Centre-to-centre lengths: Preferred centre-to-centre lengths (l) are listed in metres (examples: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 - values of 24 and 28 m are shown as indicative). Portable conveyors: maximum 10 m.
- Idler diameters: The standard lists typical carrying-idler diameters in millimetres (examples include 88.9, 101.6, 108, 127 and shaft sizes such as 51, 63.5, 76.1 mm).
- Pulley nominal diameters and lengths: Nominal pulley diameters (examples: 215, 250, 315, 400, 500, 630 mm) and recommended pulley length options (e.g., 100, 125, 160, 200 mm). The standard notes the diameter of motorized driving pulleys and refers to ISO/R 1816 for pulley lengths.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 2406 is primarily used by:
- Conveyor manufacturers and OEMs for consistent dimensional design of mobile and portable conveyors
- Mechanical designers and integrators specifying conveyor components (belts, idlers, pulleys)
- Purchasing and procurement teams requiring standard-compliant equipment
- Plant engineers, site installers and inspectors verifying dimensional compatibility
- Industries using mobile/portable conveyors: mining, construction, ports, agriculture, bulk handling and warehousing
Related standards
- ISO/R 1816 - Belt conveyors: basic characteristics of motorized driving pulleys (referenced for pulley lengths)
- ISO/R 2109 - Idler dimensions for belt conveyors
(ISO 2406 references these standards for complementary dimensional details.)
Keywords: ISO 2406, mobile conveyors, portable conveyors, conveyor dimensions, belt conveyor specifications, continuous mechanical handling equipment.
