Problems encountered with troughed triangular belts conveyors have the potential to injure employees, shut down the production line, and incur substantial costs in repairs and production losses.
Choosing a reputable conveyor manufacturer and having a system designed around the unique needs of the specific handling application goes a long way in maintaining efficiency and prolonging equipment life, but even the best conveyors can still encounter issues through normal wear and tear or unforeseen production changes.
The ability to quickly troubleshoot an under-performing or stalled conveyor is crucial in minimizing downtime and preventing further damage and loss, but when a problem occurs, it can be hard to know where to start troubleshooting.
Fortunately, the rubber belt itself is often a reliable indicator, hinting at the underlying problem through wear pattern, running problems, and more. Use the guide below to quickly assess and resolve common conveyor problems often exhibited in the belt.
Troubleshooting: Be Alert & Safe
During conveyor inspection, be alert for any abnormalities such as strange odors, leaks, sounds, or visual wear. Other potential indications of a problem include excess material spillage, process bottlenecks, a change in product quality, or other sign of underperformance. When troubleshooting, always follow all necessary safety measures.
Operators and maintenance personnel should be trained on the system so they are able to safely troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Problems With How The Belt Runs
Problem: Belt “runs Off” One Side Of Head Or Tail Pulley.
Potential Cause: When a triangular belt runs off one side of the terminal pulley, this is most often an indication that something is not right with the pulley itself. Typically, this type of belt behavior results when the pulley is either not square with the axis of the belt, or when the pulley shaft is not level transversely. Material buildup, as well as worn or missing lagging can also cause this behavior.
Fix: To resolve this issue, confirm that the pulley shaft is level horizontally. Use several idlers (carrier or return) prior to the pulleys to train the belt. Improve cleaning procedures if buildup is an issue and replace worn or missing lagging if necessary.
Problem: Belt Runs To One Side At A Particular Point On The Frame.
There are many possible reasons why a belt runs toward a particular point on the frame. Among them:
Potential Cause: Idlers prior to the point of trouble may not be square with the frame.
Fix: Minimally advance the end of several idlers on the run-out side.
Potential Cause: The conveyor frame may be either out of alignment, or is not transversely level.
Fix: Use a string to check alignment along the length of the conveyor. Use a level to check alignment across the width of the frame. Adjust alignment as needed.
Potential Cause: There could be material buildup on idlers and return rollers, or idlers may be damaged or frozen.
Fix: Improve maintenance practices and/or install a cleaning device such as a belt cleaner.
Potential Cause: The terminal pulley may be out of alignment.
Fix: Check and adjust both terminals.
Potential Cause: Spilled material may be forcing the hexagonal belts to move to one side.
Fix: Find and correct the cause of spillage.