How to Avoid Common Belt Issues
At Hytrol, we don’t make conveyor belts, but we do know a thing or two about how to keep them working properly. Below are three of the main issues to watch out for when maintaining a belted conveyor.
- Carryback
A carryback is a more common issue when you transport loose items on your system such as unpackaged food. After the item leaves the belt, residue can remain on the belt and cause hygiene issues, damage to the equipment, or cause the operation to be less effective.
Best practices to prevent carryback include implementing a regular cleaning schedule or possibly investing in a self-cleaning system. Also, when choosing your belt, make sure it is well suited to the product it’ll be transporting so as not to wear down or damage the efficiency of the belt.
- Mistrack
Much like it sounds, a mistrack is where the track of the belt veers off or misses its intended track or path. Several things can lead to a mistrack such as rollers that have become misaligned, worn-out components in the tracking system, or if the rollers or other parts of the system were improperly installed. Mistracking can lead to uneven wear and tear on the belt and ultimately cause production to stop.
The first step in preventing mistracks is to make sure all your belts and tracking components are installed correctly and aligned flush. Regular checks of the systems can also help you identify and rectify any misaligned rollers or components that need to be replaced. A routine maintenance schedule can help you make sure all the system components are in good working order and can reduce your risk of problems with mistracking.
- Jam
And not the raspberry kind. A jam is another issue you never want to plague your conveyor system. A jam happens when items that are being transported get stuck on the belt and cannot move forward. Several factors can contribute to a jammed flow such as insufficient grip in the belt or objects not being secured properly. When products aren’t fastened securely or weighted properly for the speed of the belt, they can shift, collide with other product, or potentially fall off the belt and create a jam.
Forethought and being proactive are the best ways to minimize jamming risks. Make sure the conveyor system and belt you’re utilizing is the best fit for your needs. Consider the amount of grip you need in the belt, especially in areas where inclines or declines are being used. The speed at which your system runs and any curves should also be considered carefully. Regular maintenance can remove obstacles and help identify any potential hazards.
As long as your system is running properly and product keeps moving, you might not even take the time to notice or think of your conveyor belts. But regular maintenance and diligent observance of your belt status and its environment will pay dividends and prevent many hardships in the long run.
If you’re looking for further expertise when it comes to belt installation and maintenance, find a Hytrol Integration Partner near you and see how they can help keep your systems running smoothly.
