Conveyors are the backbone of material handling across different industries. Be it conveyor rollers, belts, or chains, the machines perform their task adeptly. However, with an increasing emphasis on making systems energy-efficient, manufacturers are looking for conveyors with similar attributes. 6 such tips to improve a conveyor’s energy efficiency are addressed in this blog.
How To Optimize A Conveyor’s Energy Efficiency?
Use Lightweight Materials
This pertains mainly to conveyor rollers. Opt for materials that are lightweight yet have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Doing this will ensure less energy is consumed to move the rollers, thereby improving the system’s overall energy efficiency.
Go For Low Friction Options
Unless more friction is required for specific applications, most conveyors will perform better with low friction. Conveyor rollers once again emerge as an excellent option, offering great load-bearing capacity with low friction.
Avoid Overloading The Conveyor
Overloading or overtaxing the conveyor is the biggest factor in reducing a system’s energy efficiency. Not only will it require more energy to operate, it will also increase the wear and tear on bearings and other moving parts of the conveyor.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance protocols go a long way in making the conveyor more energy efficient. Not only will it reduce wear and tear, but it will also reduce friction in conveyor chains, belts, and pneumatic systems.
Incorporate Sensors And Frequency Drives
Adding technology such as sensors and programmable frequency drives also makes the system more energy efficient as it reduces power in areas of the conveyor that are not very busy.
Be Clear With Your Flow Rate
Before using the conveyor, have a plan of the ideal flow rate of products. This will determine the speed and overall energy consumption of the conveyor.
Norpak Handling is a leading system integrator and distributor of conveyor machines in Port Hope, Ontario. Our conveyor system 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.
