If you run a busy industrial plant, constant downtimes can
quickly reduce your firm's productivity. You also lose money if your heavy
machinery cannot keep up with operational demands due to issues like conveyor
belt damage.
To prevent conveyor belt damage in your heavy industrial
plant, you need to familiarize yourself with the main areas of your conveyor
system that require regular maintenance.
Discover a few ways to prevent conveyor belt damage and
ensure consistency across all your operations.
1. Inspect the Conveyor System for Damage Before Use
Before you use your conveyor equipment, you should
thoroughly inspect it for any signs of damage. Take a good look at the conveyor
belt and its components to ensure there are no sharp edges that could cause
damage. You could check for any loose bolts, protruding nails, worn-out
conveyor belt components, or other loose parts that could inadvertently damage
your conveyor belt system.
These potential hazards may not be immediately visible from
a simple visual inspection. A further look into the less-obvious parts can
uncover other issues you might not know about.
Remove the belt covers, and look for any subtle signs of
damage. Such signs can include cuts or tears in the conveyor belts that may
result from loose internal bolts. The sharp bolts can easily rip the conveyor
belt's rubber cover as you run your heavy equipment.
You should also pay attention to conveyor belts that are
either too hot or too cold. If the conveyor belt is too cold, the belt's rubber
may be less elastic and more brittle. Worse still, the conveyor belt may buckle
and tear under a full belt load if you're not careful.
The conveyor belt can sometimes be too hot when you start
your equipment, especially after recent use. An overheated
conveyor belt might break down unexpectedly without warning. Your conveyor
system might also develop deepseated issues that can shorten its overall
lifespan. The heat might be well above the safety limits of your system. In
addition, excessive heat could damage your manufactured products.
If the belts cannot handle all your heavy industrial
equipment, consider using multiple conveyor belts that use separate conveyor
systems. This way, the excessive load won't cause your conveyor belt to
overheat.
These inspection steps might prove too risky to try if
you're not sure how conveyor belts work. So, leave conveyor belt inspections
and repairs to conveyor maintenance experts with years of experience with heavy
industrial machinery.
2. Lubricate the Bearings and Other Moving Parts
Regularly
Conveyor systems have many moving parts intricately designed
to work with the conveyor belt itself. These moving parts often need
lubrication to operate smoothly. Because conveyor belts use a variety of
conveyor system components, you need to pay attention to all moving parts that
provide conveyor support.
Some conveyor belts use bearings and rollers to support
their weight. These components also help maintain proper conveyor belt
alignment. But constant movement generates a lot of friction, which causes the
rollers and bearings to wear out quicker. Be sure to lubricate
bearings and belt rollers for a smooth system operation.
Other conveyor system components may also need lubrication
to work properly. These conveyor belt components include:
- Conveyor
pulleys
- Belt
hooks
- Tensioners
- Roller
chains
- Power
transmission chains
Always use a high-quality conveyor lubricant to ensure
sufficient lubrication and proper heat management within these components. You
can also use special oils that act as conveyor belt conditioners. These special
conveyor belt oils are often a good choice to prevent accidental belt slippage
during operation.
Regular conveyor belt lubrication helps conveyor systems
work better and more efficiently. Proper lubrication can also extend the life
of these moving parts, so you don't have to replace them as often.
If you need help with conveyor system repairs or
maintenance, don't hesitate to contact us at 3-B Welding LLC.
