In this text, we will look at common reasons why conveyor belts can be damaged and how we reduce risk of wear and tear on the conveyor belt.
1. Friction
A conveyor belt on a conveyor can be worn in many different ways. A common cause of wear is friction, which occurs when the conveyor belt moves against a hard or sharp surface. This can cause the material on the belt to be scraped away, which can lead to the system being damaged over time. For example, the conveyor belt can be damaged if it is pinched between two hard objects, or if it is cut by a sharp object.
Avoid the belt rubbing against machinery or the environment. This is often a challenge that is typically encountered if the conveyor belt is running with too much weight and that it thus scrapes against parts of the machinery or the environment. This often becomes a problem that gets bigger when it is combined with load, which we mention in the next point.
2. Overload
Another cause of wear is continuous overload or stress. The conveyor belt can be subjected to heavy loads when moving with a heavy load, and this can cause stretching and wear.
It is therefore important that masses are loaded onto the conveyor in a gentle manner. It should flow evenly onto the belt. If there is a large fall onto a conveyor, the weight of the mass will wear on the conveyor, and the carrier rollers directly below can quickly break. In the worst case, you risk bending the mounting brackets for the carrier rollers over time. Then the rollers can jump out and you risk total damage.
3. Competence
Train employees in the proper use of the conveyor belt so they know how to handle it safely. Wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, when handling the conveyor belt. If the employees know how to operate and maintain the conveyor belt and ensure correct assembly and adjustment, you will achieve optimal operation.
4. Safety
Safety is also an important point to avoid injuries and accidents. Sufficient lighting and good visibility around the conveyor belt can reduce human error. Take steps to increase safety before accidents occur, examples of this could be keeping fire-extinguishing equipment near the conveyor belt and using the correct protective equipment when handling the conveyor belt.
5. How can you reduce wear and tear
There are a number of ways to avoid wear and tear on the conveyor belt and extend its lifetime. One of the most effective methods for making your conveyor system last longer is to use a high-quality belt, which is made of materials that are resistant to wear and has the right characteristics for your operation. This can reduce the risk of the belt being damaged or worn.
It is also important to ensure that the belt is well maintained and inspected regularly. This can help to detect any problems in time so that they can be repaired before they get worse. In addition, the system should be used correctly, and overloading the system with heavy loads should be avoided. This can reduce the risk of damage and wear and tear.
In a quarry, it can be particularly important to ensure that the conveyor and belt is in good condition, as it is often exposed to harsh conditions. By following these tips, you can help increase the life of the conveyor belt and reduce wear and tear.
Do you want help choosing the right system for your plant? Feel free to contact us.
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