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What One Should Know About Conveyors

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By Janet Schmidt


Conveyor machines refer to the systems used by companies to transport heavy and bulky materials around. In most cases they are mechanical and are operated through hydraulic, fully automation or semi automation modes. Conveyors make movement better, safer, and more efficient. These systems find use in many industries, but the major ones are packaging and material handling industries.

Conveyor systems are very important in ensuring that products in a company are moved efficiently in a timely manner. Thus, these pieces of equipment are very important to the achievement of organizational goals. Companies spend heavily to ensure that their systems are working at peak efficiencies at all times. In fact, some companies have mechanics onsite to handle any problems that may result so as to ensure that operations are not disrupted for too long.

Regular inspection and auditing of the system is necessary for peak performance. Additionally, key components should always be in stock and reducers and motors should be closely monitored. The personnel should also receive good training. Choosing the right type and design of conveyor plus regular maintenance ensure that it lasts longer. Without proper maintenance, no device can last long.

Take-up adjustment is usually but it serves a very important role. Without the adjustment being done properly, the machine may not perform well. Chain take-up devices make sure that when the chain leaves the drive unit, it is very tight. As wearing happen, the chain increases in length, and as a result of force exerted by the springs, the take-up extends. Thus, there is a reduction in the effect of the take-up. Compressing take-up springs easily overcomes this problem.

When the take-up spring is not compressed to solve the problem, the chain will surge or jam. The track and chain are also likely to experience extreme wear. In cases of belt-driven models, the belt is likely to cause damage by twisting in the drive unit. If the machine is a belt conveyor, poor take-up causes damage in the drive unit or may cause the belt to slip off to the sides of the chassis.

Regular maintenance also includes lubrication. Lubrication of chain bearings is important to lower friction. Lack of lubrication causes doubling of chain pull. This causes electrical or mechanical overload. Lubrication can be set to happen automatically within the system. This way, lubricators remain on or are switched on after every few cycles. Automation is more suited for conveyor systems used in areas with high temperatures.

Chains and tracks are also vulnerable to deterioration. The system can deteriorate because of contaminants such as abrasives, steel shot, powders, glass beads, paints, or alkaline or acid fluids. Track and chain surfaces start to pit due to the contaminants. Also, the substances accelerate the rate of wear.

There are conveyor systems that are designed to convey a specific kind of product. Others can be used to convey a wide range of materials and products. However, before the material is placed on the conveyor to be moved, it is important to check its suitability. Very small, big, light, heavy, or awkwardly shaped objects may cause problems.




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