ANS:B - Belt

The most suitable conveyor for long-distance transportation of cold, non-abrasive, granular, irregular shape, or fine materials is a belt conveyor. Here's why:

1. Belt Conveyor:
   • Belt conveyors are versatile and widely used in various industries for transporting bulk materials over long distances.
   • They consist of a continuous belt made of rubber, canvas, or other materials, which moves over rollers or pulleys to transport materials from one location to another.
   • Belt conveyors are suitable for handling a wide range of materials, including granular, irregularly shaped, or fine materials, without causing significant degradation or damage to the material.
2. Advantages for the Given Material Characteristics:
   • Cold Materials: Belt conveyors can handle materials at ambient temperatures without affecting their properties.
   • Non-abrasive: The smooth surface of the belt minimizes abrasion and wear on the material being transported.
   • Granular/Irregular/Fine Materials: Belt conveyors can handle materials of varying sizes, shapes, and textures, including fine materials, effectively.
3. Other Options:
   • Bucket Conveyor: Suitable for lifting bulk materials vertically or on an incline but less ideal for long-distance horizontal transportation.
   • Screw Conveyor: Effective for moving bulk materials that are free-flowing or semi-fluid but may not be as suitable for long distances or handling fine, irregular materials.
   • Apron Conveyor: Typically used for heavy-duty applications and handling large, abrasive materials but less common for fine or irregular materials and long-distance transport.