How to Take Care of a Flat Belt Conveyor
A flat belt conveyor is a handling system that operates using continuous belts to transport products or materials from A to B.
It’s commonly used in industrial environments and washdown areas, and it’s able to convey small, soft, or irregularly shaped items without damaging them.
While chain and roller systems have long dominated the industry, flat belts are starting to take a big chunk of market share. Here are a few of the top reasons why:
1. Durability
Conveyor belts are an essential part of many industries, but they can also be susceptible to breakdowns or unplanned shutdowns. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of them so they can perform at their best for years to come.
The first thing you should do is get a flat belt conveyor assessment for your business. This will help you identify any issues that need to be addressed so you can make improvements and increase the lifespan of your belts.
Another way to protect your conveyor system is by checking the rollers on a regular basis. The rollers are used to keep the belt in place while it’s moving, so it’s important that they’re not damaged or rusted.
If a roller isn’t properly maintained, it could start to damage the belt over time and cause major problems for the system. That could even lead to the entire conveyor shutting down if it’s in need of repair.
This is one of the most common issues that can arise, so it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. Check the rollers for any signs of wear or rust, and then replace them as needed.
Finally, check the conveyor frame for any mistracking or crooked angles. This can happen from the natural motion of the conveyor or from any other factors that may be affecting it, and it’s important to catch it as quickly as you can so you can avoid further damage.
Keeping your conveyor clean and free of excess material is an easy way to prevent buildups from occurring in the first place. This will also make it easier to detect any issues that might be developing, so you can fix them before they get out of hand.
2. Low Maintenance
Flat belt conveyors are a great option for many businesses that need to transport heavy materials. Whether it’s for mining operations, a manufacturing facility or a large warehouse, these systems can help move products quickly and safely.
One of the main advantages of this system is that they require much less maintenance than other types of conveyors. Typically, they can last for years and need only regular checks to maintain their efficiency.
Some of the common issues that can lead to breakdowns or poor performance include: mistracking, material spillage and buildups, and electrical problems. Performing these checks regularly can help you catch small problems before they become larger, costly issues.
Checking the frame: If the frame of your conveyor is crooked or slanted, it could be misguiding your belt and making tracking errors. It’s easy to spot this problem by looking at the frame from every angle and checking that it’s level and square.
Also, check that all the pulleys are evenly lined up with the frame and that they apply enough tension to your belt. This is important for keeping track of your products as they move down the line.
Conveyor belts can be cut incorrectly during the manufacturing process, making them crooked and causing tracking errors. This is an issue that should be addressed immediately by a manufacturer to prevent the damage from worsening or getting out of hand.
Other maintenance steps that can help you ensure your equipment is running properly include: lubrication, replacement of parts with wear and tear, cleaning and upgrading to newer components. These are all simple steps that will Flat belt conveyor extend the life of your conveyor and avoid costly breakdowns in the future.
3. Adaptability
Flat belt conveyors can be designed to fit with different types of vehicles. They can accommodate vehicles with dual real wheels (“dualies”), as well as low-profile sports cars. They can also accommodate cars that have automatic braking systems installed. This means that the driver can remain in park or neutral if they prefer.
Adaptability is a huge benefit of using Flat belt conveyors. They can be adjusted to accommodate changes in vehicle height, weight, and length, which can lead to higher throughput rates.
As a result, they can be used for conveying a wide range of products. For example, they can transport hot solids or reheat drained liquors. They can also be used for spraying additives or washing a variety of materials.
In addition, they can be adapted to meet a variety of environmental standards. For example, they can be used in mining operations or in populated areas where noise and dust emissions are a concern.
Another important factor that needs to be considered when designing a Flat belt conveyor is the material it will be made from. There are a number of potential materials, and each one has its own unique properties.
Some materials, such as metal, are better suited for certain applications than others. For instance, steel can be a good choice for some environments, but it can be too harsh for others.
It is also important to consider the strength of the mechanical connection that will hold the belt together. This is because the connection will affect the deflection of the belt during operation.
It is best to choose a mechanical fastener that is compatible with the thickness of the belt. This way, the fastener will be able to take the tension that the belt will experience during operation.
4. Flexibility
Flat belt conveyors can be used in a variety of applications. They are also durable, low-maintenance, and flexible. They are available in a variety of different designs and models, and can be custom-built to meet your needs.
In addition to these features, Flat belt conveyors are easy to install and maintain. This is because they use a single continuous loop of material that is easy to replace and wash. They are a great option for industrial environments and slow assembly lines that need to convey items without damaging them.
Another great feature of flat belt conveyors is that they can handle a wide range of material types and sizes. They are also durable and can resist abrasion and sharp edges.
They can also be used for a number of different functions, including transporting granular or bulk materials, and they are very affordable. Additionally, they can be used in a variety of different industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing.
For example, a flat belt conveyor can be used to transport biosolids from a bar screen to a load out area. It can be equipped with a gravity take-up system, which ensures that the conveyor will retain optimum tension throughout the entire length of the conveyor.
A troughing belt conveyor uses off set idlers to form a bowl shape with the belt to transfer bulk materials with minimal spillage. It can be equipped with cleats or side walls to help stop product from rolling back.
A flex wall belt conveyor is similar to a troughing belt conveyor, but it includes corrugated side walls that allow the material to flow more easily over inclines. This type of belt is a good choice for industrial environments that have a lot of spillage, and it is also very inexpensive to purchase and install.
5. Safety
Flat belt conveyors are a great way to transport materials. However, they can also pose some safety issues if not properly maintained. Fortunately, there are some simple things that you can do to make your Flat belt conveyor safer for workers and customers alike.
The first thing you can do to protect yourself and the conveyor is to check its frame regularly. This will ensure that it is square and all of the pulleys are evenly lined up with the frame. This will help prevent any issues with belt slippage or slipping of parts, which can lead to more serious problems and damage your system.
Another important safety measure is Flat belt conveyor to check for excess material buildups on the belt. If this happens, it can cause the system to mistrack and wreak havoc on the flow of materials.
This is why it is so important to regularly clean the system. This will prevent any unwanted issues and keep your conveyor running smoothly for a long time.
When it comes to maintenance, it is very important to follow all of the rules and regulations set by your company. You should never touch any part of the system that is not labeled as safe for maintenance and cleaning, and you should always shut down the power to the machine before working on it.
Aside from these basic precautions, you can also install a belt sway switch and speed switch to protect the conveyor from damage. These systems will automatically stop the belt if it begins to lose its alignment, or if there is a cut, flap or rip in the fabric. This will prevent damage to the belt and its structure and reduce your risk of injury.