1- If bolted connections are to be used, the geometry of the connection is as 

 important as the belt's synthetic carcass load-carrying capacity. Exposure 

 time is also a consideration. The weave of the carcass is also extremely 

 important. This has been demonstrated by the Uniroyal UsFlex Belt. 



2- If chemicals are used rather than bolts in making up the connection, the 

 interaction between the chemical and the rubber covers becomes the 

 important consideration. In other words, is the rubber cover of the 

 particular belt suited for this application? Tlie next consideration would be 

 the load-carrying capacity of the carcass. 



Chemicals can be problematical as the data using Flexane and cold vulcanizing compound 

 suggests. TTie key factor is that the bond must be fully cured before being put into 

 operation. This could be extremely difficult to determine. 



There is an extremely large selection of ur ethanes available, requiring an exhaustive study 

 to determine which urethanes to use with which rubber. Some of the variables are: the 

 solvent used in the bonding agent, room temperature, air moisture content. Curing time 

 varies with all of these. Keep in mind that these four belts represent a very small sample 

 that one can select from. 



However, the material shows great promise and there are marinas on Long Island that 

 have successfully used conveyor belts for boat moorings for the past three to four years. 



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