Conveyor belt systems are mechanical devices that transport objects, they are common throughout all industrial applications. Conveyors are used in most material handling industries for transporting bulk materials, or packets and parcels. For example, the conveyors shown below are in ecommerce and warehouse environments.
Conveyor belts consist of a continuous loop of belt wrapped around and driven by one or more pulleys (known as drums) and powered by an electric motor. A metal plate bed or rollers normally support the belt from the underside. The pulley that is powered is called the drive pulley, whilst the unpowered is known as an idler pulley.
The frame construction of a standard belt conveyor usually consists of a metal such as powder coated mild steel or stainless steel for example. The belt or conveyor surface belting itself is available in a wide range of materials, such as plastic, leather, rubber, and also coated fabric. Usually the belt is manufactured from several layers of material, the structural or strengthening layer of which is known as a carcass. For example, in fabric coated belts cotton is often used for the carcass, whilst the cover material might be PVC.
Conveyor systems remain popular due to their time and labor saving benefits. The manual handling of materials reduces when using a conveyor system. As a result, much more efficient transport of large volumes of goods is achieved, allowing for higher volumes to be processed.
The use of conveyors is also space efficient, as less space and personnel is needed to move the items. As a result transporting products between stations in production and processing lines is simple and efficient with a conveyor.
Some industries and businesses may require only part-time or occasional use of a belt conveyor. A landscaping company or builder for example may need to hire a belt conveyor to clear their worksite more efficiently.
The belt conveyor system is also very versatile and can transport a wide range of objects, of all shapes and sizes. It is generally less expensive than other conveyor systems. Conveyor belts are also useful in instances where the use of a roller conveyor system for example would be unsuitable due to items being too light, having irregular bottomed surfaces, or also being too small. Consequently, these items may not move, could slip, or even get stuck in the rollers.
Conveyor systems have different safety requirements depending on the usage & environment. The belt conveyor manufacturer should ensure that any risks are properly accounted for, and any workplace safety regulations are also adhered to. Industrial belt conveyors should be fitted with start-stop buttons, they can also be set up with remote stops. They can also have belt sway switches, which will stop the conveyor if the belt loses alignment.
If the belt conveyor is moving at a speed other than what has been specified, a speed switch can stop the belt to ensure the users, products, and the belt itself do not become damaged. If the belt however does become damaged, a belt rip switch is triggered. Fitted guards ensure products remain on the conveyor system when moving goods on an incline.
Conveyor systems controls can be as simple as on and off, or soft-starts which cushion loads on start up. Variable frequency drives also control the speed and acceleration of the motors.
Whilst most people are familiar with the standard horizontal conveyors as seen in supermarkets, there are many other types of belt conveyors manufactured to suit specific applications.
Belt conveyors are available to suit all environments and applications. Belt conveyors are very versatile and can be manufactured to be able to transport goods around corners, whilst incline belt conveyors can transport items between differing height levels.
In most cases most manufacturers build to suit the conveyors industry application. For moving products across short distances or within buildings, a general material handling belt could be used. For farming, mining, and other industries that produce large quantities of materials, a bulk material handling belt would be required.
Whilst belt conveyor systems can seem quite complex, many of the conveyors can be seen in a modular sense. It’s a case of building a complex system from relatively simple components. The key thing is to partner with a conveyor manufacturer or supplier who understands your industry and applications, working environment, and products. Consequently they will be able to piece together the perfect belt conveyor solution.
The specification of the belt conveyor is normally dependent on the application, industry, and product type. Manufacturers of bespoke and custom belt conveyor systems will ask about what the end usage of the conveyor will be, this is to ensure the conveyor system is built to suit that application. Things you should consider include the maximum load capacity, the conveyor belt system speed, throughput, the frame material or shape, and also drive configuration.
As well as this the type of product or material to be conveyed must be considered. Conveyor belts for the food industry for example must be suitable for washdowns and disinfecting. These conveyors often have a blue belt material, to denote they are washdown suitable which is a requirement of food hygiene laws. The belt surface itself also needs to be resistant to scratches or damage, as that could harbour bacteria.
Another consideration for your belt conveyor supplier is static electricity, as conveyor belts can generate static as they travel around the pulleys. Where static sensitive components need to be conveyed, this could be harmful to the product. A conveyor belt manufactured with anti-static technology, for example conductive belting, or static control brushes solves this problem.
Some items may be sensitive to vibration, pressure, or could be hazardous materials. These should therefore be discussed with the conveyor manufacturer so they can counter risks, thus ensuring the conveyor designed is fit for purpose.
The environment the conveyor will be running in is also important as humidity or temperature can affect operation. Consequently the conveyor needs to meet certain specifications to be able to continue optimal performance.
