Here are a few solutions to many of the common problems that arise when using conveyor belts.
1- Wear and tear of the cover over the entire surface or at the loading point.
Check to ensure that the grade of the belt's rubber is abrasion resistant.
Check to ensure that the return rollers are free from any kind of build up. If there is one or several scrapers, they have to be adjusted properly. One must also check the skirting, use the appropriate types of rubber, and check the height and angle of the chute. Ask for the advice of a specialist to perhaps upgrade your equipment.
2- Excessive wear and tear of the pulley lining
Check to ensure that the underside of the belt is clean. It is important to properly tension the belt so that it does not slip on the pulley and is driven properly. A V-plough should be placed before the tail pulley. It’s worthwhile to have a specialist check your entire set up.
3- Excessive
Check the alignment of the belt. Check to ensure that the skirting is of good quality. Check to ensure that the belt doesn’t touch the structure. Check that the load of material is in the centre of the belt. Install alignment rollers.
If there is a build up of material on the face of the pulley or on the conveyor structure, properly clean the system, improve the content of the material, put in scrapers, check the skirting and install a V-plough in front of the pulley. It’s important to not use the conveyor belt as a skirt. Ask for the advice of a specialist.
4- The belt is not aligned on one side of the head pulley.
Ensure that all the conveyor components are clean (idler rollers, scrapers, skirting, tail rollers, head rollers and counterweights, as the case may be). See if there are self-aligning rollers and if needed, check to ensure that the idler rollers are upright and straight. Check the roller lining and, if it’s too worn out, it’s important to replace it. Ask for the advice of a specialist.
5- The belt is not aligned on one side of the tail pulley
Check the adjustment if it’s a screw adjustment. Check if there is a self-aligning roller on the return before the tail roller. Check the alignment of the belt over the entire conveyor. Check to ensure that the skirting is not too tight. Check to ensure that the belt and splicing are straight, adjust them if needed with the return rollers. Ask for the help of a specialist.
6- The belt is off more to one side rather than being properly centred.
Check that the components are clean. Check the self-aligning rollers. Check the screw adjustment and the idler rollers. Check to ensure that the material is falling right in the centre of the belt at the loading point. Ask for the help of a specialist.
7- The belt slips when the conveyor is running.
It’s important to have a rubber pulley lining so as to maximize adherence. Increase the tension with the screw adjustment or put more weight on the counterweight. If necessary, put a roller on the bottom of the head pulley in order to increase the friction radius. Ask for the help of a specialist.
8- The rubber covering of the belt becomes hard or cracks.
Check to ensure that the belt is suitable for what it’s being used for (resistant to chemical products, heat-resistant, etc.).
9- The rubber covering of the belt swells and/or becomes smooth in certain spots.
Check to ensure that the grade of rubber is appropriate for what is needed (oil resistant, resistant to chemical products, grease or other kinds of contaminants).
10- The belt rolls on only one side over a certain section or portion of the conveyor.
Check the adjustment of the idler rollers, check to ensure that the conveyor is upright and adjust and straighten up the conveyor structure if needed. Ask for the help of a specialist.
11- You notice that the belt has become overly stretched.
If the belt is not suitable for the required tension, calculate the appropriate tension and check if the carcass fabric is adequate. For example: nylon-nylon stretches more than polyester-nylon.
Should you need any further advice or help, please contact us, we will be more than happy to lend you a hand.