Conveyor Systems Types, Specifications and Selection

Conveyor Types

Conveyor Systems are mechanical devices or assemblies that transport materials, components, products or food with minimal effort. Whilst there are a numerous different kinds of conveyor systems, they usually follow a standard configuration.

• A frame that supports either rollers, wheels, or a belt, upon which materials are transported from one place to another.
• Movement is achieved by gravity, manually or powered by a motor.
• These systems for material handling should be designed to suit the different products or materials to be transported.

The most commonly used conveyors are Belt, Roller, Powered Roller, Slat / Apron, Activated Roller Belt, Ball Transfer, Magnetic, Wire Belt, Bucket, Chute, Drag / Chain / Tow, Overhead, Shuttle, Pneumatic / Vacuum, Screw / Auger, Vertical, Vibrating, Spiral, Inclined Belt, Multi Lane & Merge and Cooling Belt conveyors

In this report we are going to look at these conveyor systems in detail, conveyor system specifications and selection considerations.

Belt Conveyors

Belt Conveyors are material handling systems that use continuous belts to convey products or material. The continuous belt is extended in an endless loop between two end-pulleys.  Typically, either one or both ends have a roller below. To support the conveyor belting for light loads a metal slider pan is used  where no friction would be applied to the belt to cause drag or on rollers.  Motors that use either variable or constant speed reduction gears are used to power the rollers.

The conditions under which the belt will be operating, will impact on the belt material to be selected. Typical conveyor belting materials include metal, rubber, plastic, fabric, and Thermodrive. Where you are transporting  heavier loads requires thicker and stronger conveyor belting material. Powered Belt conveyors can operate at various speeds depending on the production throughput required. Belt conveyors can be operated horizontally or can be inclined as well. there are important design consideration when transporting heavier / bulky items on steep inclines.