I am sure my friends and colleagues in an unnamed agricultural chemical manufacturing, formulation, and packaging company will indulge me in an observation of best practices for belt conveyors - just like the ones we use to package bottles, 4X2.5 packages etc for our products. If you agree or disagree, please add your comments to this posting - but we do not accept anonymous comments, please give us your direct feedback...
Belt conveyors are very reliable. When performing preventive maintenance on belt conveyors we highly suggest condition monitoring and maintenance versus interval maintenance. Best practice includes:
- Lock out / tag out before maintenance begins.
- Check overall condition of the belt.
- Check that rollers are rotating freely, if not repair or replace.
- Check belt cleaning device for proper operation, adjust if necessary.
- Check belt tension, tighten or adjust to repair for sagging, jerky, or slipping movements.
- Check frame solidity, check for cracks, physical damage, and loose bolts.
- Belt Guide, check belt guides for loose fasteners, and proper function.
- Hatches and Doors, check for leakage, condition of sealing rings, and inspect locking devices.
During plant shutdowns there are a number of other activities that are required to properly maintain belt conveyors. Lubricate bearings, inspect and adjust alignment, check for vibration induced changes - loose nuts and bolts, bearing play, fittings, zero speed switches, etc.
Synchronous LLC is committed to maintaining a continuing dialogue on operational excellence and best practices for the process manufacturing industry. To pose a question, contribute a best practice, or otherwise add to the dialogue, send a note to RobBaldwin@SynchronousLLC.com . To subscribe to our weekly newsletter send your preferred email contact address to Webmaster@SynchronousLLC.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
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