Power Conveyor

Power conveyor systems power up your facility’s efficiency and productivity. Unlike gravity conveyors, power conveyors use electric motors to effortlessly transport materials of all shapes and sizes.

This motorized operation, which can work on its own or as part of a larger conveyor system, gives you better control. It allows you to regulate speed and direction for seamless integration into your existing workflows.

Power Conveyor Basics 01

Power Conveyor Types 02

Power Conveyor Operation 03

Power Conveyor Maintenance 04

Power Conveyor Safety 05

Power Conveyor Basics

Power conveyors offer greater control over speed and direction than gravity conveyors. That makes them ideal for complex operations and varied product types.

These conveyors work well in many settings, including retail, warehouses, airport baggage operations, bulk material settings, and mining operations, among others.

Versatile Applications

Power conveyors can handle a wide range of materials, from lightweight items to heavy-duty loads — and even those with uneven or unstable shapes. That’s thanks to their various configurations, including belt-driven and roller-driven.

Increased Control

Power conveyor systems are ideal for complex operations and varied product types. That’s because, unlike gravity conveyors, they use electric motors to regulate speed and direction. This allows for precise movement of materials.

Enhanced Efficiency

Because they automate the transportation process, power conveyors lead to faster processing times, improved throughput, and better overall operational efficiency. This reduces your team’s reliance on manual labor and, as a result, streamlines your workflows.

Power Conveyor Types

The most common types of power conveyors are belt conveyors and roller conveyors.

Power Belt Conveyors

Power belt conveyors are a cost-effective solution for transporting materials over extended distances. They move materials with a continuous belt supported by rollers or a smooth metal surface. An electric motor and pulley system propels the belt, which allows it to move a wide range of products.

Power belt conveyors can integrate into large conveyor systems or function as standalone units. While belt conveyors perform well in various environments, be aware of these maintenance factors:

Regular belt maintenance. Belts experience wear and tear. You will need to replace them over time.
Sticky materials. Adhesive materials on the belt can disrupt operation and require cleaning.
Debris buildup. Accumulation of debris under the belt can slow down or stop the belt. Regularly clean the belt and surrounding surfaces.

Power Roller Conveyors

Power roller conveyors are great for accumulating products before they enter sorting systems or other material handling equipment.

While there are various roller types, the core difference in power roller conveyors is the drive mechanism that propels them.

Here’s a look at the three driving forces that can power your roller conveyors:

Belt-driven. Rollers rest on a continuous belt, causing them to spin and transport products. This method offers good friction for level applications but may work as well on inclines. Ideal for lightweight and irregularly shaped items, belt-driven conveyors can function as standalone units or integrate into larger systems.
Lineshaft. A quieter and more cost-effective option, lineshaft roller conveyors use a single driveshaft running the entire length. O-rings connect the shaft to rollers; that enables forward and backward movement. While they come with a low initial cost and quiet operation, lineshaft conveyors require replacement parts somewhat frequently.
Chain-driven. The industry workhorse for heavy loads, chain-driven conveyors use a chain and sprockets on the rollers to propel materials. They work great in challenging environments like extreme temperatures. And they’rend resistant to grease or debris. The primary drawback of this type of power roller conveyor is high maintenance needs, including chain lubrication and tension adjustments.

Power Conveyor Maintenance

Power conveyor systems make your workflows (and life) easier, but like any machinery, they require regular maintenance.

Here’s a breakdown of key maintenance practices to ensure your power conveyor runs smoothly:

Inspection and cleaning:

Conduct routine visual inspections to identify potential issues, like belt or chain wear, damaged rollers, and misaligned components.
Regularly clean the conveyor system to remove debris buildup that can hinder performance and damage components. Pay close attention to areas around belts, rollers, and driveshafts.

Lubrication:

Properly lubricate bearings and other designated points according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and lubrication schedule. Make sure you use the right lubricant and apply it properly.
Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dust and debris. This causes a whole other set of problems.

Belt Maintenance (for Belt-Driven Conveyors):

Regularly inspect belts for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, tears, or excessive wear on the edges. Replace belts quickly when necessary to avoid product damage or system downtime.
Ensure proper belt tension. A loose belt can cause slippage and reduce efficiency, while an overly tight belt can strain the motor and damage the belt.

Chain maintenance (for Chain-Driven Conveyors):

Maintain proper chain tension to ensure smooth operation and prevent excessive wear on sprockets and rollers.
Regularly inspect chains for signs of wear and damage, such as stretched links or broken rollers. Replace worn chains to prevent breakdowns and safety hazards.
Keep the chain lubricated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Power Conveyor Safety

Power conveyors can pose safety hazards if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Here are some key safety measures to prioritize:

Make sure all moving parts of the conveyor, such as belts, chains, sprockets, and rollers, are properly guarded to prevent accidental contact by your workers.
Keep access to conveyor control panels with emergency stop buttons readily available in case of malfunctions.
Post clear signage and warnings to alert personnel of potential hazards and safety protocols.
Establish and enforce safe work procedures for operating and maintaining power conveyors.
Train employees on proper lockout/tagout procedures to isolate the power source before performing maintenance or repairs.
Prohibit wearing loose clothing, jewelry, or long hair near conveyors to prevent entanglement injuries.

Power Conveyors: Maximum Efficiency from East Coast Storage Equipment

Ready to optimize your material handling system with a power conveyor system?

Contact East Coast Storage Equipment today. Our expert team will help you design and implement a power conveyor system that takes your storage facility to the next level.

Power Conveyor

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