How to Increase a Conveyor Belt Longevity

Belt conveyors are some of the most frequently-used pieces of machinery in transportation and processing industries. They are essential for transporting large amounts of material and numerous products across small distances within facilities. Increasing the longevity of conveyors reduces downtimes and increases the efficiency of the facility.

Regularly provide maintenance

Just like any other mechanical system, conveyors need to be maintained in order to function for long periods of time. Maintenance should be done on a regular schedule and kept consistent, just like it would be for motorized vehicles. With a solid maintenance schedule, there’s less of a risk of malfunctions occurring and disrupting work.

A well-defined maintenance program will include repairs in particular points of stress. For a conveyor belt, these would be parts like the start and endpoints, the belting and connections, bearings, and electrical connections to the system. Paying attention to these and sending repair personnel to examine them will help prevent issues with the machinery.

 

Keep it clean

Conveyors often accumulate dirt and grime on individual components. As this is a moving system, these particles of dirt only inhibit the conveyor belt's function and increase the likelihood that things will slip off and get damaged.

 

This effectively reduces the carrying capacity of the conveyor, while also making it less functional. Specific parts can’t function for very long with dirt build-up, which is why cleaning is imperative for the longevity of the system.

Steam cleaning systems provide two-fold cleaning for conveyor belts. They help remove the dirt and grime, while also sanitizing the surface. This makes them particularly useful for conveyors that must stay hygienic and clean of bacteria and mould.

Evaluate the needs of your facility

Before you choose a conveyor type, you must carefully consider what you’ll be using it for. Not every conveyor can handle products of the same size, shape, and weight. If you don’t match the type of the conveyor belt to the materials and products being transported, it will inevitably run into problems.

The belt you choose for your facility has to be well-suited for the task you need it for. Look for conveyor products and parts that handle the specific weight and shape of the objects you have to transport. Don't think that the quality of the belt will make up for a lack of specifications, because this will eventually damage the belt and the entire system.

 

Check bearings

The bearings on the conveyor must be stable in order for it to keep functioning properly. The strength of your conveyor can be measured by the stability of its weakest bearing, which is why they have to be inspected regularly. This is especially important for heavy-duty machinery, as the weight of products can prove to be dangerous during a malfunction.

 

During normal maintenance procedures, lubrication is also a necessity. Loose and dry bearings can cause conveyor breakdowns and further damage to the system. Keeping them lubricated prevents this and allows for smooth and frictionless movement. At the same time, lubrication must be cleaned off of the belt, as this will only cause items to slip off and fall from the conveyor.

Clean the motor

While the conveyor belt might frequently come into contact with materials that are being transported, they will not affect its function. The motor, on the other hand, can’t handle debris and dirt as well as the belt can.

Cleaning the motor prevents the build-up of substances that would impede its function and cause a breakdown. The motor might overheat and burn out if it is not cleaned regularly. Sanitation teams should be dispatched to clean it from time to time to keep it functional.

 

Conclusion

Keeping the conveyor system functional is very important for many industries. Any slow days or downtime will only decrease the efficiency of work and cause stalling in transportation. Consider the above points for maintaining the health of your conveyor systems and you'll be more than satisfied with their function and longevity.