In 1981 Lawrence Nordell realized that powerful computers could be used to analyze the dynamics of conveyor belts to explain previously unexplainable failures. He hired the smartest graduate student he could find to build the first commercial computer model of conveyor belt dynamics, and Conveyor Dynamics, Inc. (CDI) was born. Since 1981 CDI has pioneered numerous conveyor design technologies including:
| Year |
Innovation |
| 1981 |
CDI Incorporates, releasing our first version of BeltStat and BeltFlex (static and dynamic conveyor belt analysis software) |
| 1986 |
BeltFlex predicts the new Quintette coal conveyor will fail during commissioning. CDI ignored and conveyor fails as CDI predicted. CDI builds and supplies a unique proportional brake that eliminates the problem, and the mining industry finally recognizes the value of the dynamic analysis CDI was promoting. |
| 1987 |
Commission world’s strongest belt (ST-6600 N/mm) in Palabora Mine, RSA. |
| 1988 |
Begin develop rubber rheological model using laboratory and field measurements from Syncrude Oil Sands in Canada. Start promoting Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) conveyor rubber to the mining industry. |
| 1996 |
Commission world’s longest single flight trough conveyor– Zisco Project 15.6km, Zimbabwe. |
| 1999 |
Commission world’s largest downhill conveyor system and world’s strongest belt, ST-7800 N/mm (3 conveyors, 12.7km, 1296m drop, 8700 tph)– Los Pelambres, Chile. |
| 2007 |
Commission world’s longest single flight trough conveyor– Curragh Project 20km, Australia. |
| 2015 |
Commission world’s longest single flight trough conveyor– Sasol Project 27km, South Africa. |
| 2017 |
Commission world’s longest single flight pipe conveyor- Yubei Project, 15km, China |
