4 Tips to Choose Conveyors For Your Industrial Needs
Have you ever come across an advertisement or a video showing objects being transported from one place to another on a single platform inside a factory?
That's a conveyor.
It's a large belt wrapped around two spinning wheels. One wheel moves the belt while the other spins freely to keep it on course. That said, conveyors are utilized in various settings, including factories, supermarkets, and restaurants because they can move a wide range of objects while saving time and manual effort.
However, choosing a conveyor is difficult as there are numerous things to consider.
To help you choose the right conveyor, this article lists various tips when selecting conveyors for your business processes.
1. Understand Your Material Handling Requirements
When selecting the appropriate conveyor, the first thing to do is determine what sort of material needs to be transported and in what manner. This includes considering factors like:
Material Type
What type of goods do you plan to transport? Are they solid, liquid, or granular materials? Each type may need different conveyors. For example, belt conveyors for items with small grains and screw conveyors for materials that are viscous.
Material Characteristics
Are the materials delicate, massive, rough, or reactive with other elements? This knowledge will assist you in determining the ideal conveyor. For instance, fragile parts may require delicate handling, while rough products need robust systems.
Material Size and Weight
Of course, the size, shape, and weight of the material you need to transfer also influence your decision to select a conveyor. For example, large or bulky products require broad and robust belt conveyors, and small items may require roller or chain conveyors.
2. Evaluate the Type of Conveyor Systems Available
There are four main types of conveyor systems, each with its particular use and efficiency.
Below are some of the most common types of conveyors used in industrial settings:
Belt Conveyors
Belt conveyors are the simplest and most generally used conveying systems in industries. These are suitable for conveying materials over long distances and bulky and massive loads. Typically, they are made of rubber, PVC, or other material to withstand heavy usage and are fixed in loop fashion over rollers.
Roller Conveyors
A roller conveyor features several cylindrical rollers arranged in a framework. The items are conveyed using gravity or by pushing or motorized. Roller conveyors are applied where the substance to be transported has a flat bottom, such as pallets.
Screw Conveyors
Screw conveyors comprise a helical screw that is placed in a tube and interchanges its position with the materials placed on it as it rotates. Such systems are suitable for processing semi-fluid, granular, or viscous materials such as grains, powders, or cement.
Chain Conveyors
The chain conveyors utilize chains for the transportation of the materials through an interconnecting linking system. These systems are appropriate for moving heavy or hot loads around, for instance, in factories like foundries.
3. Consider the Environment of Use
The nature of the environment within which the conveyor is to operate is a major determinant in its selection.
Here are some key factors to consider regarding the environment:
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
Some conveyors are made in a way that they can stand the rigors of the outdoor environment, such as rain, wind, and changing weather. On the other hand, some are fit for a controlled indoor environment.
Temperature Extremes
A hot environment, like the foundry or conditions in the kiln, needs a conveyor made of heat-resistant material. However, in freezing climates, one will require conveyors that do not freeze or become rigid.
Corrosive or Hazardous Materials
If the conveyor is placed in industries that involve the use of chemicals, salt, or corrosive materials, ensure you use conveyors that favor non-corrosive material. For example, stainless steel conveyors are suitable for such settings.
4. Safety Considerations
Another factor to consider as far as conveyors are concerned is safety. Thus, conveyors should be designed and installed in such a way that they would pose no threat to the workers or cause any accidents to happen.
Some safety factors to consider include:
Guarding and Barriers
Ensure that belts, rollers, and chains are well-guarded so that workers do not get in touch with dangerous parts while working.
Emergency Stop Mechanisms
Place emergency buttons and other safety features that will enable the halting of the conveyor in case of an emergency.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct conveyor system for your industrial requirements plays a crucial role in improving the output, ensuring safety, and maintaining the condition of the conveyed material.
Considering all these factors – your unique material handling needs, the environment in which your business operates, your operational requirements, and safety provisions – you can choose the right conveyor system to complement your industrial application.
