Conveyor systems are a mechanical device that makes it easy for organizations to transport goods, packages, and supplies. There are multiple different types…
Read on to learn about the types of conveyor systems, their operational mechanics, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What is a Conveyor System?
Conveyor systems are mechanical devices that make it easy for you to transport goods, packages, and supplies. They are commonly used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers for shipping and relocation.
Although the main application of a conveyor system is usually material handling and transportation, they can also be a critical component of production, such as product assembly, and part washing.
How Does It Work?
The functionality of a conveyor system is relatively simple: A durable belt is looped around two or more pulleys. One of the pulleys, driven by a motor, pulls the belt, creating continuous movement that transports products. The friction between the belt and the drive pulley allows for the transmission of motion. To ensure the system’s functionality, both the drive pulley and the idler pulley must rotate in the same direction.
Types of a Conveyor System
There are multiple different types of Conveyor Systems, the most common of which are:
Belt Conveyors
Belt conveyors, as the name suggests, are a type of conveyor system that uses a belt made of either rubber or polymers to handle and move materials. In this system, a belt (known as the conveyor belt) is mounted on a steel frame and stretched across the conveyor length, with pulleys that provide support to the belt and the goods being transported.
Colloquially most people refer to belt conveyors as conveyor belts. For example, at the airport people will refer to the belt conveyor that moves luggage as a ‘conveyor belt.’ However, this is not technically accurate, since the ‘conveyor belt’ is the name of the belt that a belt conveyor uses.
The first belt conveyor was invented in 1905. Today, it is the most common conveyor system used across industries. It is commonly used in factories to transport materials from one place or department to another. For instance, a belt conveyor system may be used to transport a container from a filling machine to the packaging equipment in the packaging department.
There are two main types of Belt Conveyors:
- Slide Belt Conveyors: These conveyors use a flat belt that slides over a smooth surface to transport lightweight products.
- Roller Belt Conveyors: As the name implies, in roller belt conveyors, the belt moves over a series of rollers. They are used for heavier materials as the weight is distributed evenly and there’s less friction.
Gravity Roller Conveyors
Gravity roller conveyors are devices that use the force of gravity to move items quickly around a facility. Products are placed on angled rollers for efficient transportation. The main parts of a gravity roller conveyor are:
- Rollers: Metal frames that securely hold products.
- Frame: Provides structural support and stability to the whole system
- Axles and Bearings: Help the rollers move smoothly so materials can easily be transported
The rollers in a typical gravity roller conveyor are about 1.5 to 1.9 inches in diameter. Because they don’t have a motor, these conveyors are lightweight and less expensive than motorized conveyors.
Chain Conveyors
Chain conveyor systems use a belt pulled by strong chains to move items. The chains, which can be single or multiple, are in direct contact with the bottom of the items being moved.
Chain conveyors are ideal for products that are uneven, fragile, or likely to fall on other conveyor types. However, because they’re designed for these specific products, chain conveyors tend to move at a slower pace.
Slat Conveyors
Slat conveyors use a chain and slats to move items. One or more continuous chains are attached to slats, and an electric motor drives the movement.
As the slats move, they carry the items placed on them, quickly transporting them from one end to the other.
The slats are made of strong materials, such as metal or engineered plastics, allowing them to handle heavy loads and high temperatures. Because of their structural strength, slat conveyors are often used to transport hazardous materials.
Auger Conveyors
Auger conveyors, also known as screw conveyors, are mechanical devices used to move bulk materials efficiently. They consist of a rotating helical screw blade (auger) inside a tube or trough, which pushes materials along as it turns. These conveyors are widely used in agriculture, food processing, mining, and manufacturing.
Auger conveyors, perhaps even more so than other conveyors, have risk associated with their use. In order to mitigate risks, proper design and risk assessments are necessary. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind: use proper guarding to prevent accidental contact with rotating screws, use lock out tag out when performing maintenance, avoid loose clothing, follow the manufacturers instructions for loading, and make sure there is a functional emergency stop.
Benefits of a Conveyor System
The market for conveyor systems is rapidly expanding and is projected to reach a substantial $15.07 billion by 2031. Several factors contribute to their widespread adoption:
- Preservation of Product Integrity: Conveyor systems meticulously handle goods, minimizing the potential for damage. This is especially crucial for fragile components, where even slight damage can result in significant financial losses.
- Enhanced Productivity: By automating the movement of materials, conveyor systems accelerate operations, enabling businesses to manufacture more products in less time, thereby increasing overall productivity.
- Reduction of Labor Costs: Conveyors frequently replace manual labor for repetitive tasks such as transporting goods between workstations. This decreases labor expenses and associated costs.
Additionally, conveyors are generally durable and require minimal maintenance, ensuring consistent operations with few interruptions and virtually no unscheduled downtime.
Conclusion
Conveyor systems undoubtedly enhance efficiency and speed in various processes. However, it’s important to acknowledge that these mechanical devices can also be involved in accidents and injuries. If you have experienced an accident related to conveyors and require expert guidance, please contact Alpine Engineering and Design, Inc.
Our team comprises seasoned mechanical engineers who possess a deep understanding of conveyor mechanisms, expertise in identifying design flaws, and comprehensive knowledge of safety regulations, ensuring that you receive professional conveyor systems expert witness testimony.