Flat Belt Conveyor
Flat belt conveyor is one of the most common types of conveyors used in manufacturing. It uses powered pulleys to move a flat belt that transports items from one end to the other.
This type of conveyor is versatile and easy to maintain, but it requires more maintenance than other conveyor types. It is also more difficult to clean in sanitary applications.
Versatility
Flat conveyor systems can be used in a variety of applications. They are able to transport products across multiple elevations, and can be integrated with cleated belt conveyors Flat belt conveyor for enhanced gravity flow. They are ideal for boosting wash system gravity flows and for handling a wide range of vehicle sizes. They can also be used to transport vehicles around the car wash, and are especially useful for those who operate exotic cars and dual-rear wheel pickups that often have low clearance.
The flat design of this type of conveyor makes it easier to clean, which is particularly important for sanitary applications. It can also work well in a range of temperatures and PH levels. This type of conveyor is also more rugged than flexible belt conveyors. It is capable of enduring heavy loads and harsh conditions. These systems can be configured with various take-ups, which can be easily removed for maintenance.
Modular plastic belt conveyors can travel in straight lines, curves, inclines, and declines. They are also more versatile than traditional flat conveyors, as they can be moved and modified in a number of ways. However, this versatility comes at a cost in terms of complexity and expense. If a modular belt becomes damaged, only one section needs to be replaced, unlike with a flexible conveyor. This can add up to significant savings over the working life of a conveyor.
Efficiency
Flat belt conveyors are designed to handle a wide variety of materials at high speeds and short distances. They are suited for any industry that requires material handling operations, such as those of mining and manufacturing sites. These conveyors are used to move items like plastic boxes or cardboard, mattresses, coiled wire, chemicals and motors. They can also be used to transport heavy or large bulky goods, such as crates and luggage.
These conveyors are also efficient in that they help to cut down on manual labor expenses. Workers who are no longer hauling loads around the facility can focus on other tasks that help them become more productive. In addition, they can minimize the risk of workplace injuries that can slow down production or increase overtime costs.
The efficiency of these conveyor systems is derived from the design of their frame, pulleys and drives. The frame is welded or made of extruded aluminum for durability and flexibility. They are easy to install and maintain. The drives and pulleys provide power to the belts through gears or a belt drive system. The belts are supported on idlers that keep them aligned with the drive pulleys.
Keeping flat belt conveyors clean and lubricated is also beneficial for their efficiency. This helps to reduce energy usage and wear on moving parts, which can significantly extend their lifespan. Additionally, regular cleaning helps to eliminate the buildup of bacteria and other substances that can cause contamination. This is especially important for sanitary applications, such as in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Safety
A conveyor belt can be dangerous for workers. It can lead to severe Flat Belt Conveyor Manufacturer injuries if they come in contact with it. Some of these injuries include dragged-in, crushed, or entangled limbs (resulting in serious injury trauma and even death), friction burns to the skin and body, and broken bones.
Any facility that has a conveyor should make it a top priority to train all employees in safe operations, and they should offer frequent refresher courses. They should also make it clear that preventing unsafe behavior is part of the company culture. They should allow people to anonymously report safety issues and ensure that all workers wear proper protective gear around conveyors.
Besides keeping the employees informed about best practices, it is important that they read and understand a conveyor system’s user manual. It will help them learn about the specific hazards that are associated with a conveyor system and the best ways to avoid those risks. The manual should also be displayed prominently in the work area to ensure that every worker is aware of it and follows its instructions. They should also make sure that all the motors and rollers on a conveyor are labeled with their respective hazards. This will alert the workers to the dangers and prevent them from visiting these areas unnecessarily.
Maintenance
A single broken part in a conveyor system can throw off the entire operation. That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and cleaning. These preventive measures can help catch issues before they become larger problems that require extensive work.
Inspect the rollers for structural damage, debris buildup and other issues. Look for sporadic roller seizures that cause spillage and investigate the underlying causes. Rollers are especially vulnerable to airborne welding slag and other abrasive contaminants. They need regular cleaning and lubrication to prevent friction that can wear them down faster than other components.
Examine the belt for rips, cuts and other damage. Replace it if necessary. The head and tail pulleys also need inspection, along with the drive unit. The unit should be properly greased and regularly lubricated, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
The conveyor system should have an emergency stop. It can help prevent accidents if workers try to operate the system while it’s still moving materials. It can also be a safety feature for anyone performing maintenance or repairs.
The conveyor system should have a dust containment system. This can prevent the accumulation of abrasive dust and other unwanted substances in the system.