Conveyors

A conveyor system is a material handling equipment that moves material from one location to another and are used in a wide variety of business. They are efficient in transporting materials of all sizes, shapes and weights thus reducing the need for labor.


A short video on conveyors


Conveyor Systems are used for

• Moving materials between specified point




• Holding material




• Sortation




• Process purpose

Conveyors can be classified in many different ways

• Type of product being handled (Bulk or Unit)





• Location of the conveyor (Overhead, on-floor or in-floor)





• Whether or not the load can be accumulated
  

But they are most commonly classified into 3 types which are roller conveyors, belt conveyors and chain conveyors. They can either be powered by a machine or uses the force of gravity. They can be located overhead, on-floor or in-floor depending on the type of material to be transported and the amount of space available.

Here are the common types of conveyor systems used in industries:

Gravity Conveyor System




Gravity systems do not require power supplies, motors and switchgears and are simple in concept. It uses the force of gravity to move the goods. They are used for simple transporting such as conveying cardboard boxes between 2 points.

Advantages: Reliable, Durable and Inexpensive.

Chute Conveyors

The chute conveyor is often used to link two handling devices and to provide accumulation in shipping. A spiral chute can be used to transport items between floors and it takes up little space.

Advantages: Inexpensive

Disadvantages: Difficult to control the position of goods; packages may shift and cause jams and blockages.

Gravity Roller Conveyors

Able to transport a wide variety of goods thus making it the most commonly used type of conveyor.

• Can move loads of up to 5,000 pounds





• Wide range of straight and curved section available





• Curves are available in straight and tapered roller styles

Advantages: Low unit cost, easy to maintain and simple.



Skate Wheel Conveyors

Skate wheel conveyors consist of discs fitted on to spindles, which are mounted between side channels and the conveyed loads travel along the discs. They are suitable to glide lightweight cartons from one point to another. It is ideal if you must set up up a temporary conveyor line. For use in shipping, warehousing and other assembly areas.

Advantages: Track better then roller conveyors and are faster.

Chain Conveyor

Chain conveyors consist of one or more endless chains on which loads are carried directly and are for heavy loads. They are used as transfer conveyors between roller conveyor systems. They are usually used to transport tote boxes and pallets.

Advantages: Can transport heavy loads

Slat Conveyor

Slat conveyor consists of discretely spaced slats connected to a chain. They are engineered to withstand high temperatures and high impact loading of heavy materials.

Advantages: Able to withstand high temperatures and heavy loads

Flat Belt Conveyor

It consist of continous belting carried on rollers, and are mainly used for light and medium weight load between operations, department, levels and buildings. The friction between the belt and the load, the belt conveyor provides considerable control over the orientation and placement of the load however friction prevents smooth accumulation, merging and sorting of the belt.

Advantages: Good control over position of goods

Magnetic Belt Conveyors

It consist of a steel belt and either a magnetic slider bed or a magnetic pulley. It is able to transport ferrous materials, horizontally, on inclines or vertically. It is ideal for seperating ferrous from non-ferrous material or parts.

Advantages: Able to transport ferrous materials