Considerations for Selecting a Conveyor System

When choosing the best conveyor system to suit your needs, the main thing to be considered is the type of substance or material that requires transportation. Some important characteristics that need to be considered are size, flowability, adhesion, corrosive properties, moisture content, and the temperature at which it must be maintained. The consistency and make-up of the substance, if it’s a powder, granules, fibres, or flakes that is being delivered, must also be taken into account, as well as the size and density of the particle and its weight.

The function of the conveyor system itself can vary. The two main categories of materials move through the process of delivering and feeding. Submission is the transfer of material from one or more points to one or more falling points. The desired window of time for this movement must be considered, as well as the number of pick-up and drop points, the amount of material moved, and whether cross-contamination between several materials is a concern.

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Feeding is more time sensitive and requires a system that is more appropriate for unification. Materials are usually moved from one point of extraction to a point of fall. The transferred product may have to be shipped in large quantities, or at a continuous and controlled level.

An important factor that needs to be considered before selecting a conveyor system is the environment in which it will be used. Environments of high humidity, hot temperatures, levels of vibration, pressure, fragile or dangerous materials, and flammable substances in all facilities must be talked over with the conveyor manufacturer to determine the potential risks and mitigation and required completion steps. The size of the system compared to how much space is available in the work place should also be considered, along with how it will fit together with the existing equipment. Find out more about Flexible Conveyors from https://fmhconveyors.com/products/flexible-powered-conveyors/

Conveyor systems are often complex in their construction and design because of their large scale service and how they need to integrate into a wide variety of varying factory processes. However, the modular nature of many conveyor components makes long and complex systems easily accessible. The manufacturer of the system can offer design assistance so that the conveyor matches the workspace.

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Additional Conveyor System Selection Factors

Cleats, high friction belts, buckets, etc. are general components found to prevent product slippage. A largely loaded belt conveyor is able to slip backward if the drive is off. The conveyor uses backstopping brakes that work automatically by de-energizing their motors. Often, the brakes can be removed to allow the conveyor to reverse to lower the load before servicing. In some conveyors, a certain amount of slippage is desired; those who hold glass bottles in the packing line will often use a kind of back pressure aid to prevent damage to the bottle as they accumulate in the staging area such as a filler.

Belt conveyors are prone to static because the belt is being constantly pulled against the final pulley. When combined with electrical components are delivered, this static electricity can become hazardous. Therefore, anti-static measures should be installed, such as brushes to control levels of static electricity to protect the product.