Conveyor Performance Improvement

How to get more from your conveyors

Speed settings:

In most situations, 65 FPM (feet per minute) is the best speed to move objects from one place to another. A person can walk about 4 miles per hour. If they were carrying a box they would walk much slower, but conveyors aren't encumbered by this. Conveyors move boxes at about the same speed as a person carrying them. - about 3/4 of a mile per hour.

Crowned and lagged drive pulley

  • The drive pulley is larger in the center than the ends. This helps keep the belt in the center.
  • This is called a "Crown".
  • The drive pulley is completely covered with vulcanized rubber.
  • It is called "lagging". This keeps the pulley from slipping under the belt.

Conveyor Drive Location

The conveyor drive is usually located at the end to which the belt moves so that the drive "pulls" the belt.

If the belt movement were reversed, the pulley would be pushing the belt. When the conveyor was fully loaded or when the belt stretched, the pulley could turn and not move the belt.

The Snub Idler

  • The Snub Idler is closer to the drive pulley.
  • It makes the belt hug more of the drive pulley surface.
  • The Snub Idler is adjustable on both sides of the conveyor. (Each side of snub idler can be adjusted independently).
  • This allows the snub idler to steer the belt.

How to Steer the Conveyor Belt

  • When belt runs forward and if it moves toward side "A" - move return idler nearest tail pulley on side "Y" toward "B". If belt moves toward side "B" - move return idler on side "X" toward "A".
  • When belt runs in reverse and if it moves toward side "A" - move snub idler on side "X" toward "A". If belt moves toward side "B" - move snub idler on side "Y" toward "B".
  • IMPORTANT: Move snub idler or return idler only 1/16 in. at a time. Then wait a few minutes to see if belt moves back to center. Only small adjustments are usually necessary.

Using a Power Feeder

(For incline belt conveyors). When boxes move from gravity conveyor to inclined belt conveyor, the box usually stops or "hangs up". The box will not transfer.

power feeder for incline conveyors

Below: With a Power Feeder, transfer of the box is positive. The Power Feeder is driven from main conveyor by a short chain connection.

When to use a center drive

  • Utilize a center drive when belt movement is reversible (on conveyors 40 ft. long or more), employ a center drive. 
  • Also, when overall length of conveyor cannot change (belt take up by tail pulley increases conveyor length)

Other applications:

  • Drive pulley now "pulls" belt in either direction
  • Take-up pulley can now be used to take-up belt.

When to Use Roller Bed Conveyors

When heavy total loads must be moved, it is best to use a conveyor bed with rollers (instead of regular conveyor bed). These are known as roller bed conveyors, and include a variety of conveyor types.

Heavy total loads can be moved without using large motors when roller bed belt conveyor is used. Belt conveyors are often used with Gravity conveyors.

Model RB Roller Bed: for heavier packages, bags, and unit loads. 16' to 54" overall widths.