Conveyor belts are used for countless purposes, but maintaining them properly is critical for optimized use and lifespan. It may seem like maintaining your conveyor belt is a tedious and time-consuming process, but it just takes a bit of thoughtful planning to keep your conveyor belt in top working order. Here are just a few top tips for getting the best use from your conveyor belt.
Use The Correct Tension
Using the correct tension for your conveyor belt application is absolutely essential to using it properly and efficiently. Surprisingly, many conveyor belts fail because there is too much tension. This causes the laps to come apart, or worse — it can ruin shafts, bearings, and other critical conveyor belt components.
Keep The Belt On Track
It’s not uncommon for conveyor belts to become misaligned with their tracks over time. This also happens when replacing an old belt with a brand new one that may not be ‘broken in’ yet. If you’re experiencing this situation, make small adjustments to the conveyor and revert it to its initial settings prior to installing the new belt.
Keep Conveyor Belt Clean
Many conveyor belts, especially those in the food industry, are contaminated quickly when layers of grime form from the various products put on the belts. That’s why it’s essential to invest in industrial conveyor belt cleaners and make sure all belts are cleaned on a routine basis, even daily. Keep in mind that steam is often the most efficient way to sterilize a conveyor belt: steam cleaning systems eliminate chemical residues while sanitizing the surface being treated. Because so little water is consumed, approximately 1.5 quarts per hour, it’s virtually “mess free.” Surprisingly, pollution is the number one cause of conveyor belt failure and malfunction.
Store Belts Properly
Finally, it’s critical to store any and all extra conveyor belts properly when not in use. For smaller belts, this means keeping them sealed in plastic bags and kept away from light and moisture. For larger belts, keep them on skids and never place them directly onto the floor to avoid moisture absorption and wear and tear.
Ultimately, understanding how to care for your conveyor belts properly is the key to using them as efficiently as possible. For more information about industrial conveyor belt cleaners, contact Falcon Prosolutions Inc.