Maintaining momentum
March 1st 2009

A well-maintained conveyor can boost productivity and reduce breakdown costs.David Lindfield,MD at Sovex, explains some of the key points to look out for when operating a preventive maintenance strategy for conveyo

Preventive maintenance inspections should cover the main components and operating systems of the conveyor.

Only allow qualified engineers to carry out repair work and ensure safety by switching off and isolating conveyors while it takes place. Preventive maintenance tasks vary depending on the type of conveyor system.

Conveyors with belts require special care.

Maintenance starts with alignment (tracking). This is essential to the safe, trouble-free operation of any belt conveyor.

A belt is tracked well when its edges remain within the width of the pulley and roller components. To achieve this, ensure the conveyor is centred and level. Pulleys, snub rollers and idlers must fit square within the frame and be parallel. Check the belt's tension to avoid slippage and keep it clean.

Dirt will affect tracking as it creates additional roll or pulley face.Wear and condition of the belt is also important.

Inspect surfaces and edges for signs of damage, and repair if necessary. Pay particular attention to splice points.When damaged, they can destroy a conveyor belt.

Where conveyors use powered rollers, check rollers that do not rotate or rotate irregularly.When the system is at rest and electrically locked out, examine closely and clean, lubricate or replace as necessary.

Whatever type of conveyor system is used, good housekeeping is important. Service routines are machine specific and tailored to operational demands. However, they often involve some of the following tasks: Test emergency stop controls Lubricate components, eg bearings/pulleys Check guards/warning signs are in place Inspect belt (if fitted) for tracking and wear Keep the conveyor free from dirt and grease Ensure photoeyes (if fitted) are unobstructed Check unit for dents or signs of overload Make sure there are no leaks and that any power levelling system functions correctly Inspect motors, gearboxes and bearings for leaking seals or other indications of failure Check belt (if fitted) and lacing for signs of wear or fraying from incorrect tracking Inspect booms for rubbing Check chain tension is correct on base drive Check cables are equally tensioned Inspect cable pulleys for wear Check hydraulic system and hoses for leaks; tighten if necessary Check electrical components and cables Look for dust and debris build up – clean and vacuum as required Check belt pulleys and adjusters are tight and there are no signs of unusual wear Corrective maintenance: If a conveyor fails during operation, fix at the earliest opportunity. Do not continue to run a malfunctioning conveyor; this could cause further damage and prove costly.

Conveyor maintenance can be hassle-free if managed effectively. Poor maintenance can result in break downs, lost productivity, employee injury through accidents, and lawsuits - all of which come at a high cost!

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