Conveyor maintenance tips vary depending on the system and application, but generally involve shutting down the system, using a checklist, and addressing all issues before restarting. Safety is important, including labeling controls and avoiding loose clothing. Inspection should include checking the belt, joints, and components, cleaning when the system is off, and running the system while empty to identify tracking issues. Any problems should be documented and addressed as part of ongoing maintenance, and lubrication is the final step.
There are many different types of conveyor systems and even more applications in which they can be used, so the best maintenance tips can vary from one situation to another. It is generally recommended to shut down a conveyor completely before carrying out any maintenance and to clearly mark the installation so that no one accidentally restarts it. To thoroughly perform any conveyor belt maintenance, you typically need to use some type of checklist. The exact contents of an inspection list can vary from application to application, but often include items such as the condition of the belts and joints, the condition of the pulleys and tensioners, and whether or not the belt is tracking properly. All items noted on a checklist must be addressed before the conveyor belt maintenance procedure is completed.
Some of the best conveyor belt maintenance tips pertain to safety. In most cases it is very dangerous to service a conveyor while it is running, so they should generally be shut down and disconnected from the power source first. It can also be dangerous if the system is reactivated during a maintenance check or repair operation, so it is important to clearly label and mark controls, including circuit breakers. Avoid loose clothing when working around conveyor belts and use a safety line or harness when working on an overhead conveyor.
When performing a maintenance inspection of the conveyor belt, the system should first be shut down and checked. This can allow for inspection of the belt, along with any joints, cleats, and other components. The belt should only be cleaned when the system is turned off, as should scrapers, pulleys and other items that accumulate contaminants. After this portion of the inspection has been performed, it is usually recommended to run the system while still empty. When an unloaded conveyor belt is activated, it is usually possible to identify and resolve any problems with improper tracking.
If problems are identified during any part of the inspection process, it is important to document them along with the necessary corrective actions. Such problems can then be addressed as part of an ongoing conveyor maintenance program or immediately if the situation warrants. Before the system is put back into operation, the final step in a good conveyor belt maintenance procedure is to lubricate all necessary components.
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