ISO 2148:1974

Overview

ISO 2148:1974 - Continuous handling equipment - Nomenclature establishes a standardized, bilingual (English/French) vocabulary for continuous material‑handling systems. Prepared by ISO/TC 101 and aligned with the Federation Europeenne de la Manutention (FEM) classification, the standard defines basic terms and the names of principal appliances used to move bulk materials and unit loads along a predetermined path, continuously or intermittently.

Key topics

• Scope and language: Provides English and French terminology for continuous handling equipment; numbering of terms follows the FEM classification (continuous handling = No. 2).
• General definition: Clear definition of “continuous handling equipment” for consistent use in specifications, documentation and communication.
• Bilingual nomenclature lists: Includes basic terms and extensive lists of equipment names (mechanical, pneumatic and accessory items).
• Equipment categories covered:
  • Reclaiming appliances and storage equipment (silos, bunkers, stackers, shiploaders)
  • Feeders (belt, apron, screw, vibrating, rotary drum, etc.)
  • Conveyors and elevators (belt conveyors, screw conveyors, bucket elevators, apron conveyors, vibrating conveyors, hydraulic and pneumatic conveyors)
  • Monorails and overhead systems (continuous powered monorails, monorails with endless haulage)
  • Accessories (chutes, motorized pulleys, belt cleaners, magnetic separators, weighers, samplers, dosers, transfer tables, switches)
  • Pneumatic systems (suction, blowing, combined systems)
• Illustrations and annexes: Sketches illustrating selected terms are included; additional language equivalents (e.g., German) and further annexes were planned for subsequent editions.

Practical applications

ISO 2148 is primarily a terminology and classification standard used to:

• Create consistent technical specifications, drawings and bills of materials for conveyors, feeders, stackers and related appliances.
• Enable clear procurement documents and contracts by using standardized equipment names.
• Harmonize multilingual documentation, operator manuals and maintenance instructions.
• Support system designers, equipment manufacturers, integrators, maintenance teams, procurement specialists, translators and standards bodies in ensuring unambiguous communication across projects and countries.

Related standards and notes

• The nomenclature numbering is based on the FEM classification, linking ISO 2148 to European material‑handling taxonomy.
• Developed by ISO/TC 101 (Continuous mechanical handling equipment); users should check for later revisions or complementary ISO standards addressing performance, safety and testing of handling equipment.

Keywords: ISO 2148, continuous handling equipment, nomenclature, conveyors, feeders, stackers, material handling terminology, FEM classification.