What is a belt conveyor? How are they used? Your ...

Portable Belt Conveyors

Portable conveyors are useful to aid in loading and unloading vehicles, railcars, and also silos. Packaging facilities also make use of conveyors with casters, allowing for movement required.

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Metering Conveyors

This type of conveyor allows for the separation or accumulation of items. Often used prior to sorters and merges in the conveyor system. As the items are separated, then assessed using sensors to determine the items width, or to allow space in between items if a minimum gap is required for the next step of the sorting process.

These metering conveyors must be made with durable components to withstand many stops and starts. The products can also be weighed with the inclusion of a beltweigher into the conveyor system.

 

Sandwich Belt Conveyors

These differ from the standard design in that it uses two conveyors as opposed to one. These two belts are placed face to face, therefore allowing for the material being transported to be held (or sandwiched) firmly in between them. This allows the material to travel up steep inclines.

 

Pipe Conveyors

Pipe conveyors have a belt which rolls together to form a tube or pipe. The use of idler rollers around the outside of the belt maintains the circular shape.

A pipe conveyor is desirable for environments where space is extremely limited, or relatively steep inclines or bends are required. They are used in industrial applications where material spillage is undesirable.

 

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Belt Conveyor Specification

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. 

 

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What About Conveyor Safety?

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.

 

 

History & Facts

• - Thomas Robins&#; inventions led to the development of conveyor belts.
• - Henry Ford introduced conveyors into the Ford Motor Company factory.
• - Friedrich Krupp GmbH built the longest conveyor belt system in the world at 61 miles / 98 km.
• - Siemens installed the longest airport conveyor system at the Dubai International Airport. It measures 39 miles / 63 km.

Posted on 6/30/

The manufacturing industry is one of the largest users of belt conveyors. These conveyor systems are essential for moving raw materials, parts, and finished products through the production process. In this blog post, we will cover the basics of belt conveyors and their benefits for the manufacturing industry.

Advantages of Belt Conveyors in Manufacturing

Belt conveyors have become an essential component of modern manufacturing processes due to their numerous benefits, including:

1. Efficiency: Belt conveyors are highly efficient in moving items and materials from one point to another. They can handle a high volume of goods with minimal downtime, making them ideal for busy manufacturing facilities.
2. Cost-effective: Belt conveyors can move a large amount of material with minimal energy consumption, making them a cost-effective option for businesses.
3. Flexibility: Belt conveyors can be designed to handle a wide range of materials, sizes, and weights, making them a flexible option for various manufacturing processes.
4. Safety: Belt conveyors are designed with safety in mind, with features such as emergency stop buttons and guards.

Components of Belt Conveyors

While different conveyor systems may have unique components, most belt conveyors used in manufacturing follow a similar design with essential components, including:

1. Belt: The belt is the most crucial component of the conveyor system. It is usually made of rubber, fabric, or metal and is responsible for moving items and materials over the pulleys.
2. Pulleys: Pulleys are the wheels or drums around which the belt rotates. They are designed to provide the tension and traction necessary to keep the belt moving.
3. Support Rollers: Support roller or idlers provide support for the belt, along the underside of the conveyor and help to maintain its alignment. They also prevent belt sag, which can be detrimental to the conveyor's functionality.
4. Motor: The motor provides the power to drive the conveyor system. It is typically an electric motor that drives the pulleys through a gearbox or a direct drive system.
5. Controls: Controls enable the conveyor system to start, stop, and control the speed of the conveyor system. They can be manual or automated, depending on the requirements of the application. They can also be as simple or complex as the application requires.

Types of Belt Conveyors in Manufacturing

There are various types of belt conveyors that are used in modern manufacturing facilities, including:

1. Flat Belt Conveyors: These belt conveyors have a flat, continuous belt that moves items horizontally or at a slight incline. Flat belt conveyors are most commonly used in manufacturing and distribution facilities.
2. Modular Belt Conveyors: Modular belt conveyors (or modular plastic belt conveyors) are similar to flat belt conveyors, but they are designed with interlocking slats or modules that can be replaced individually. These conveyors are also positively driven, which means they can be configured in sizes a traditional belt conveyor may not be.
3. Incline Belt Conveyors: Incline belt conveyors are designed to transport items up or down an incline. They are often used in warehouses and production facilities where space is limited.
4. Curve Belt Conveyors: Curve belt conveyors are designed to move product around a corner (typically 90° or 180°) while maintaining the leading edge of the product. These conveyors are true corner units and do not require a straight running infeed or outfeed section. 

Wrapping Up "The Basics of Belt Conveyors for the Manufacturing Industry" 

Belt conveyors are an essential component of modern manufacturing processes. They provide an efficient and cost-effective way to transport items and materials throughout the production process. Understanding the components, types, and benefits of belt conveyors can help businesses choose the right conveyor system for their manufacturing needs.

If you need help determining if a Belt Conveyor is the right conveyor for your application, then check out mk's "Conveyor Comparison Tool". Input your most important manufacturing material handling parameters and the system will tell you which mk conveyor is the belt fit for your application.

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Important: BISSC was purchased by The BEAG Group, making the BISSC standard no longer applicable. 

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