When it comes down to maintenance, conveyors can be easily overlooked. This is because conveyors are well-respected for their ability to deliver high performance. Simply plug them in, and let them run. Plant operators may feel reassured by this false perception. A properly maintained conveyor system can provide years of reliable service if it is well-constructed.
Conveying & Hoisting Solutions offers the best hoists & conveyors.
Here are five top ways you can ensure your conveyors continue to run smoothly.
1 is Training
Maintenance personnel should be current with the most up-to-date techniques and procedures to repair their conveyors. This will reduce downtime and improve performance.
Suppliers of quality conveyors offer onsite training. This gives maintenance personnel hands-on experience and a reliable, customer-centered approach in conveyor maintenance. The curriculum covers both how to repair common maintenance issues and what problems can result from poor maintenance. Incorrect loading of the belt may cause irregular wear. It could also be due to improper tension starting or too high tension.
Maintenance staff can become competent and then teach equipment operators what to look for when inspecting conveyors. It is important to remember that employees who work alongside conveyors can often be the first line of defense in identifying potential problems.
2: Preventive maintenance
A well-designed preventive care program achieves three key goals
It provides training for maintenance workers and equipment operators.
It extends the service lifespan of conveyors.
It helps to identify areas in need of attention early on before they become problematic.
These goals help companies save money and time, by better managing their resources. They also prevent costly shutdowns of production lines.
Preventive maintenance works around the expected life span of different conveyor parts such as belts and bearings. One of the most important things to consider when creating a preventive program is the frequency with which the conveyors operate. As you can see, the more the conveyors are used each day, the more they must be rotated out for maintenance. A database listing all conveyors should be created. It should contain key information such: the make and model of the conveyors, their dimensions (conveyor height and belt width), the serial numbers for bearings, dates and times of next inspections and maintenance checks, as well as details about the manufacturer.
There is no right or wrong method to create an inventory system. It can be as simple and as detailed as you desire. This is where your conveyor supplier can help.
3 Parts spare
A good preventive maintenance program relies on having spare parts that can be used to replace conveyor parts. Keep in stock parts like motors, belts, or bearings to reduce downtime.
Suppliers may have suggested spare parts kits specifically for each model to help identify the right parts. For heavy-wear items such as belts, it’s safer to keep spare parts. Two belts can be replaced in as little time as possible if they become damaged in a matter of days.
Warning signs
To keep your production running smoothly, it is crucial to find any problems early on so that they don’t happen on the conveyor. Look out for the following:
Belts and chains – Be aware of fraying, damage, accumulation of debris, or excess slack.
Tracking – Conveyor belts may become off-track very quickly. This can lead to damage in other areas.
Bearings – Sometimes it is easy to tell when a bearing has failed or feel the excessive heat coming off a worn bearing. Bearing failure could lead to costly repairs.
Gear motors – The presence of excessive heat or noises from the motor and the gearbox may indicate trouble. These warning signs could indicate a potential failure of the drive or can be used as a guide to other potential issues.
5: Safety
Operators must use safety measures when working with conveyors. Safety should also be considered when selecting replacement parts for conveyors.
Use the correct parts – It is best to use the replacement parts made by the manufacturer for your conveyor. They will integrate the conveyor best and help keep your warranty intact.
Don’t delay – Don’t allow parts to become too worn that they may pose a safety hazard to the product being carried on the conveyor as well as the operators and workers who work with the conveyor.