Conveyor belts are some of the most common varieties used in an industrial setting. Offering excellent traction and speed, belt conveyors serve a wide range of applications. However, conveyor belts themselves run into some common issues, which, if overlooked, can lead to major downtime in the long run. To prevent this, here are 3 of the most common issues pertaining to conveyor belts and their respective solutions.
Problems Plaguing Conveyor Belts
Carryback
Carryback is a form of residue that stays on the conveyor machine as it continues its operation. This is most common with loose materials, especially food products. This residue can slowly build up over time, reduce the effectiveness of the operation, and even lead to equipment breakdown.
Solution: A proper cleaning schedule is the best way to tackle carryback. A hygienic belt is a worthwhile investment in this case. Ultimately, one needs to check if the conveyor belt is suitable for the material being transported.
Belt Mistracking
Belt mistracking occurs when the belt is not properly aligned to its frame and veers or deviates off its path. Misalignment of conveyor rollers and extensive wear and tear of the conveyor components are the most likely culprits in this case. If left unattended, it can lead to complete fraying of the belt and end halting production.
Solution: Constantly checking if the belt is aligned properly is the way to go to prevent mistracking. Similarly, it is important to keep an eye on conveyor rollers and other components for wear. Lastly, a well-planned maintenance schedule for your conveyor machine will go a long way in preventing mistracking.
Conveyor Jam
A worst-case scenario for any warehouse or manufacturing operation is a jam occurs when the object being transported on the conveyor gets jammed and can’t move forward. If the traction provided by the conveyor belt is not appropriate, or if the objects being transported are not secured properly, then it can lead to a jam.
Solution: Preparing for these situations in advance is the only way to prevent a conveyor jam. Analyze your operation and find out areas where jams are likely to occur. Then focus on belt grip, product flow, speed, and other parameters to make sure it never occurs. It is also key to keep a contingency plan in place in case a jam occurs, as you can at least reduce downtime.
Norpak Handling is a leading system integrator and distributor of conveyor products in Port Hope, Ontario. Our conveyor range includes gravity conveyors, roller conveyors, incline conveyors, chain conveyors, belt conveyors, plastic conveyors, accumulation conveyors, and much more. Our experts are also adept at designing custom solutions that match unique design and engineering specifications. Contact us today to learn more.
