One of our main products is the belt conveyor, and here we look at some of the common causes of conveyor belt problems and ways to prevent them.
Conveyor Belt Tracking
Conveyor belt tracking problems which can also be called conveyor belt mistracking is one of the most common conveyor problems. Belt mistracking can happen when the belt is no longer aligned with the proper path and pulls to one side or the other.
The possible causes of conveyor belt mistracking include belt damage and a crooked splice or off-centre loading. Some other areas of concern are a crooked or angled conveyor frame, misaligned snub rollers, and dirt and residue build up on the belt or pulleys which can force the belt off track.
If left undetected, mistracking can cause further belt damage and the shutdown of the entire system.
Prevention – to help with these common problems of belt tracking you should regularly inspect these areas and check for signs of mistracking, like frayed edges on the belt. Keeping the belt clean, repairing damage as it arises and making sure loads are properly centred will avoid major issues and long shut-down periods.
Belt Slippage
Another type of common conveyor belt problems is belt slippage. Conveyor belts need an exact balance of tension to perform correctly, having too little or too much tension can cause belt slippage. As well as slippage, inaccurate tension and insufficient traction can create strains or stretches on the belts. If the belt slips entirely off the pulleys this can cause serious damage like motor failure.
The most common causes of belt slippage include a cold temperature which lowers the grip between the pulleys and the belt, too heavy loads putting strain on the belt, and too smooth or worn pulleys.
Prevention – ensure the range of the belt’s weight matches the weight of the products that are moving, and make sure to regularly inspect the belt and pulleys and repair any issues quickly.
Carryback
Material carryback is a more common problem for conveyor belts carrying loose material. Carryback happens when any extra material sticks to the transporting belt, pulleys, and rollers. This can be further aggravated by humidity and condensation. Material carryback requires extra clean-up and can lead to overly worn components.
Prevention – install belt cleaners or brushes that dislodge stuck material before it becomes an issue.
Seized Rollers
Seized rollers leading to sharp edges on the rollers can cause the belt to mistrack, create a safety hazard, damage the objects being moved and even close down the entire system.
Prevention – regular inspections can help you to identify any rollers that are likely to seize which then allows you to replace them before issues arise.
Conveyor belt problems cause a range of issues from lost production to employee injuries and costly shut-down time. Preventive maintenance is the best solution to catch conveyor problems when they’re easier to address and before they become major issues. For any advice on conveyor belts or help with repairs and spare parts please contact our expert team on: 01623 424442 or sales@asmechsystems.co.uk
