Everything You Need to Know About Conveyor Systems

A conveyor system is a mechanical device or assembly that transports materials with minimal efforts. There are several types of conveyor systems in the market and they generally consist of a frame that supports belts, rollers, wheels, etc. to move materials from one place to another. They may be powered by gravity, motors, or manually. These conveyor or material handling systems come in a wide range to cater to different industrial needs.

Different Types of Conveyor Systems
Conveyor suppliers offer an extensive range of conveyor systems. And these different types include the following:

• Belt
• Powered Roller
• Roller
• Apron/Slat
• Bucket
• Magnetic
• Ball Transfer
• Overhead
• Chain or Tow or Drag
• Chute
• Vertical
• Screw or Auger
• Vacuum or Pneumatic
• Wheel
• Walking Beam
• Vibrating

Specifications of Conveyor Systems
The following are the specifications of a conveyor system:

• Load Capacity per Length of the Unit
A professional conveyor manufacturer offers this attribute in cases where the handling system will be developed to a custom length to allow the users to determine the margins for loading.

• Maximum Load Capacity
It is related to the capacity of load per unit length, the value for the maximum load can be avowed for fixed length and purpose-built conveyors. It is also called ‘flow rate’.

• Rated Speed of Conveyor Belt System Speed
A belt conveyor system is generally rated in terms of belt speed in ft./min. while a powered roller conveyor system described the linear velocity in similar units to cartons, packages, etc. moving over the rollers. This rated speed is also applicable to slat/apron conveyors and tow/drag/chain conveyors.

• Frame Configuration
The frame configuration of a conveyor system refers to the conveyor frame’s shape. This can be curved, straight, z-shaped, or other types as well.

• Throughput
This component is for measuring the conveyors’ capacity that holds powdered materials and other similar products. Throughput is often provided as the volume per unit time – cubic feet per minute. This specification applies to screw, vacuum/pneumatic, walking beam and vibrating conveyors.

• Drive Location
See, drives can be situated in different places on a conveyor system. Head or/and end drive is always found on the discharge side and it is the most common type as well. Center drives, on the other hand, are not always present at the actual center of the system but are mounted underneath the conveyor. They are particularly used for reversing the conveyor’s direction.

Selection Considerations for a Conveyor System
While deciding on which conveyor best suits your precise needs, you must consider the material that is being transported. Some essential characteristics to keep in mind are size, temperature, abusiveness, moisture content, corrosives, flow, etc. In addition to this, the composition of the materials i.e. pellets, granules, powders, flakes, or fibers should also be considered along with the weight, size, and density of the particle.

The functions of conveyor systems may vary. However, the two main categories of materials moving are – conveying and feeding. Conveying is the process of moving materials from one or more pickup spots to other drop spots. For this, the desired time window should be considered along with the number of pickups and drop points, etc.

Feeding, on the other hand, is a more time-sensitive process and needs a more precise conveyor system than the conveying process. In this process, the materials are typically transported from one point to another. The products being transported may require to be delivered in batches or at a continuous and controlled rate.

Another essential factor to consider while selecting a conveyor system for the facility is the environment in which it will be used. Temperature, humidity, pressure, vibration, hazardous or fragile materials, and flammable products, everything should be discussed well in advance to avoid potential risks. You can also seek the help of a professional to make an informed buying decision.

Final Words
So, now you know what are conveyor systems, types, and selection considerations. Keep all these points in mind and find the most suitable system for your facility to improve overall performance and ultimately the profits. In case of any sort of assistance, you can get in touch with an expert to understand everything well.