Flat Belt Conveyor
Flat belt conveyor is suitable for a range of applications. They can transport items straight out of furnaces or freezers, and they can handle greasy materials like metal nubs.
A flat belt conveyor can also be used to load vehicles. But Geller says that many car care operators are unfamiliar with this equipment.
Material Conveyance
A flat belt conveyor can convey a wide range of products and materials. It can carry items that are both light and heavy, regular and irregularly shaped. It can move them in batches or at a steady rate, depending on the process’s needs. These conveyor systems are often used in assembly processes for assembling parts. They may be equipped with curved sections that use tapered rollers and curved belting to move products around corners.
These systems are also used to move goods between different locations. This could include moving finished goods out of a production line to a shipping area, or they can be used to Flat belt conveyor move raw material from storage piles to a furnace. They can even be used to transfer break bulk goods such as oil drums or crates off ships into storage areas.
The cleats on these systems can be made of steel, aluminum or stainless steel and are built to withstand impacts. They can be spaced close together for lightweight items or farther apart for heavier items that may need extra support. The cleats can also be designed with a wing shape for cleaning purposes or to keep material from falling off the belt.
The drive pulley at the loading end is called the head pulley and has the largest diameter of the pulleys in the system. The tail pulley on the return run is called the tail pulley and has a smaller diameter than the head pulley to help reduce wear on the belt by allowing the belt to move more freely through the idlers.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of a conveyor is an important factor in food safety and production efficiency. Processors must meet strict sanitation standards to ensure product integrity. A speck of food residue left on a conveyor belt can cause contamination that rapidly spreads to other products. With DNA mapping making it possible to trace microbial contamination back to its source, processors need to be extra vigilant about cleaning and sanitation.
To keep their food processing conveyors sanitary, manufacturers should use designs that facilitate washing and sanitization. Stainless steel conveyors with a rotary polish finish perform better against corrosion when exposed to harsh washdown chemicals. They also inhibit microbial attachment better than standard 2B mill finish stainless.
In addition to stainless steel, there are several other components to consider for hygienic conveyor systems. For example, plastic modular belt units that feature a flat belt surface on the running side minimize areas of potential debris collection and biofilm formation. They also have dynamic open hinges and rods to allow water to reach the hinge and rod area, eliminating any stagnant spots that can harbor microorganisms.
Another way to increase hygienic conveyor systems is to integrate them into the processing line. These automated cleaning systems, called clean-in-place (CIP), lower downtime by using a spray bar that targets the conveyor frame and belt with spray nozzles. These units, such as Lechler’s Series 612 PVDF flat nozzles, deliver a uniform water flow that evenly covers the full conveyor surface and helps reduce water usage.
Safety
Whether or not a conveyor system is in use, it is always important to keep it clean. Regular cleanings of the belt and surrounding frame can help prevent dangerous debris buildup, which is a common cause of mistracking in conveyors. Those who regularly work around conveyors should also make sure that they are aware of the safety hazards and best practices associated with the equipment in question. This includes being familiar with the conveyor’s manual and following it at all times.
In addition to regular cleanings, it is important to ensure that any shear pins or other parts of the conveyor are not obstructed. A conveyor that is not adequately guarded can lead to an accident resulting in serious injury or even death.
When working on a conveyor belt, it is essential to never touch anything while the machinery is turned on. This could result in a limb being crushed or cut and it can also pose a danger to electrical current.
Another aspect of safety to consider when maintaining a conveyor is the head pulley, which is located on the head end of the conveyor belt. Flat Belt Conveyor Manufacturer Those who work around this area should also be aware that there is the possibility of in-running nips between the head pulley and the belt, so proper fencing must be placed to ensure full isolation.
Maintenance
In any type of conveyor system, it is important to keep a close eye on all components and equipment for potential complications. When a problem arises, it can have untold ramifications throughout the entire process and lead to expensive repairs that could be avoided with routine preventative maintenance.
It is also a good idea to have a plan in place for dealing with unforeseen problems. For example, it is a common issue for material spillage to occur on the belt, especially along transfer and load points. This can lead to blockages that will have a domino effect and cause issues further down the line. It is possible to fix this with a process called cold curing, which involves applying a compound that acts as a glue to the damaged area.
Another common issue is that the conveyor belt can slip, which leads to an increase in noise and a loss of productivity. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as the head pulley becoming overly worn or having a lack of proper tension. A good way to avoid this is by making sure the head and tail pulleys are properly crowned and regularly checked for excessive wear.
Overall, flat belt conveyor systems are a great option for car care facilities that want to improve their operations. They are safer for newer vehicles with electronic braking systems because they eliminate the track entrance rails that can trigger these systems when they are moved. In addition, they are able to accommodate dualies and exotic cars that may have low hanging battery boxes without damaging the undercarriage.