What is a conveyor system? Definition and more
21st January 2022
A conveyor system is a fast and efficient mechanical handling apparatus for automatically transporting loads and materials within an area. This system minimizes human error, lowers workplace risks and reduces labor costs — among other benefits. They are useful in helping to move bulky or heavy items from one point to another. A conveyor system may use a belt, wheels, rollers, or a chain to transport objects
How do conveyor systems work
Typically, conveyor systems consist of a belt stretched across two or more pulleys. The belt forms a closed loop around the pulleys so it can continually rotate. One pulley, known as the drive pulley, drives or tows the belt, moving items from one location to another.
The most common conveyor system designs use a rotor to power the drive pulley and belt. The belt remains attached to the rotor through the friction between the two surfaces. For the belt to move effectively, both the drive pulley and idler must run in the same direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
While conventional conveyor systems such as moving walkways and grocery store conveyors are straight, sometimes, the unit needs to turn to deliver the items to the proper location. For the turns, there are unique cone-shaped wheels or rotors which allow the belt to follow a bend or twist without getting tangled.
Benefits of conveyor systems
The main purpose of a conveyor system is to move objects from one location to another. The design allows for movement of objects that are too heavy or too bulky for humans to carry by hand.
Conveyor systems save time when transporting items from one location to another. As they can be inclined to span multiple levels, they make it simpler to move items up and down floors, a task that, when performed manually by humans, causes physical strain. Inclined belts can automatically unload material, eliminating the need for someone to be on the opposite end to receive pieces.
Types and examples of conveyor systems
You can probably imagine a large warehouse filled with conveyors using belts and rollers to move boxes and other heavy equipment, but this is just one of several types of conveyor systems. You’ll also find conveyor systems in airports, where they’re used to transport luggage. Other examples include escalators and ski lifts. These apparatuses still use a belt or chain and pulleys to move heavy items from one point to another.
There are many types of conveyor systems, including:
Belt
Roller
Slat/apron
Ball transfer
Overhead
Pneumatic
Bucket
Chute
Magnetic
Vertical
Wheel
Walking beam
Vibrating
Screw/auger
Chain
Each type of conveyor serves a specific purpose. For example, a slat conveyor, made from slats or plates instead of a belt, is designed for moving heavy materials. The materials conveyed by a slat system are typically too large or heavy for traditional belt movement.
An escalator is an example of a chain-driven conveyor system. Instead of having a pulley system that pulls items along, the chain conveyor uses a towing system that pulls the steps in an upward or downward motion.
Ski lifts are an example of an overhead conveyor. These units use an electric track inclined to pull the chairs up or down the mountainside. Like an escalator, these systems use a chain-driven towing system.
Essential parts of a conveyor system
There are three main parts of a conveyor system: the belt support, the pulley and the drive unit. Each component plays an essential role in the conveyor unit’s operation. While all conveyor systems contain these parts, designs vary in the construction materials and where each component is located.
Belt support is the component that ensures the belt moves smoothly. If the support unit is not firm, the belt sags when workers place a heavy object on top, and the sagging causes the belt not to move smoothly or swiftly as it should. The use of a firm support unit keeps the belt taut and running efficiently.The pulley system is an external component used to control the belt movement. Each unit has at least two pulleys, one that operates under power and an idle one. More complex conveyor systems may have additional rotors throughout the frame.
The drive unit allows the system to move. The unit contains a counter bearing that keeps the parts moving efficiently. This unit also allows for the belt to move in reverse and manage the repeated adjustments in direction for some systems. Some conveyor systems are manually operated. These systems still use a drive unit; however, it is not motorized.
How to choose the right conveyor system
A conveyor more or less acts as a central nervous system for operations that receive, handle, store, distribute, manufacture or ship products. Selecting the right conveyor system can be challenging for warehouse managers and other stakeholders due to the several conveyor types and hundreds of possible configurations to choose from.
Also, certain kinds of conveyors are ideal for certain products. A large plastic chain conveyor is best used for transferring plastic-footed pallets, while a chain-driven roller conveyor is best suited for wooden pallets. Also, the former is best used for moving smaller boxes or totes than the latter.
FROM:River Systems