A malfunctioning conveyor belt is a literal nightmare for any operation. In addition to disrupting production, it can require costly repairs in the long run. However, there are a number of minor problems that can be corrected through simple troubleshooting. In this article, we'll address six of them and how to correct them.
Bringbacks
A carryback occurs when material sticks to the conveyor belt through the transfer point and falls off the conveyor belt's return point. This situation can be resolved by installing additional belt plows and belt cleaners. In addition, make sure the cleaner blades are properly tensioned and cover the material path.
Poor tracking
This occurs when a belt is not properly positioned and drifts to one side and the other, resulting in material spills, system damage and severe belt wear. This can be easily corrected by installing a belt positioner or tracker. This will keep material on the belt and increase the life of the conveyor system.
Belt slippage
Belt slippage occurs when there is a loss of friction between the belt and the main pulley. This usually results in the belt not being able to move because the pulleys are unable to properly clamp the belt. A common solution to belt slippage is to install rubber or ceramic pulley wraps on the pulleys to provide greater grip.
Material overflow
This is another very common problem with conveyor belts and can be very frustrating. Material spillage usually occurs at transfer and loading points when material slips off the conveyor belt. A simple solution is to install plows, skirt clamps or impact beds along the conveyor belt. This will significantly reduce the likelihood of material spilling from the line.
Stuck Rollers
One of the most devastating failures of a conveyor belt is a jammed steel roller. This can cause the rollers to form sharp edges that can eventually shut down the entire conveyor belt altogether. To solve this problem, try switching to nylon rollers. Nylon rollers are less susceptible to corrosion, making them more durable and preventing serious damage to the conveyor belt in the event of a bearing failure.
Chute Clogging
Chute clogging occurs when material does not flow through the conveyor chute system. If it doesn't happen, it can clog the entire line and bring your entire operation to a halt. If your converter belt is equipped with what is commonly referred to as a "rock box," consider investing in a high-performance engineered chute that can redirect the flow of material through the system by capturing and redirecting material from the head pulley and minimizing the impact of the flow as it gradually changes direction.
All of these conveyor belt problems can be easily solved if proper precautions are taken. The life of your conveyor belts can be greatly extended if you take proper care of them and address problems as soon as they arise. By following the tips in this article, you should be able to significantly improve the performance and reliability of your conveyor system.