• Amanda
• February 18, 2020

How to Select the Right Conveyor

Selecting the right conveyor system starts with understanding the various types of conveyor belt available. From material handling to accommodating space limitations, every detail plays a role. This guide will help you explore your options and choose a solution tailored to your needs, enhancing efficiency and minimising downtime.

Know Your Product Specifications

Understanding your product specifications is essential when selecting the right types of conveyor belt for your operation. Factors like product size, weight, shape and material type directly impact the design, material and functionality required. Overlooking these details can result in inefficiencies, damage or downtime. By focusing on your products’ unique characteristics, you can match them with suitable conveyor types to ensure smooth handling, reduced wear and improved productivity. Whether transporting fragile goods or heavy materials, aligning your conveyor choice with product requirements lays the groundwork for efficient and cost-effective operations.

Product Weight and Dimensions

When selecting the ideal conveyor for your operation, ensuring it is the ideal fit for your product dimensions and weight is critical. Larger or irregularly shaped products require wider belts or specialised conveyor designs to prevent damage and ensure stability during transit, whilst smaller items may benefit from narrower or precision types of conveyor belt to avoid product loss. Weight directly impacts the belt material, motor capacity and frame design. Heavier loads may require reinforced belts or rollers, while lighter products might prioritise speed and efficiency. Understanding these factors ensures the conveyor handles your products reliably, minimising wear and optimising performance to meet operational demands effectively.

Production Rate

Production rate is a key consideration when comparing types of conveyor belts, as accommodating your required throughput ensures smooth and efficient operations. For high production rates, conveyors with higher speeds or advanced designs, such as accumulation conveyors, may be necessary to handle increased volumes without bottlenecks. On the flip side, slower production rates might prioritise precision and control over speed. It is also important the conveyor’s reliability and durability match your operation’s demands to minimise downtime and maintain efficiency.

Product Type

The type of product you handle is a critical factor when sourcing the ideal conveyor for your operation, as different conveyor belt types are designed to accommodate specific product characteristics, such as size, shape, fragility and material composition. Fragile items may require smooth, cushioned belts to prevent damage, while heavy or abrasive materials may need durable, reinforced belts. Products with unique shapes might benefit from specialised belts like modular or cleated designs for stability and control. Choosing the conveyor that suits your product’s specific needs ensures efficient handling, minimises product loss or damage and optimises overall operational performance.

Guide Rails

Guide rails ensure products remain securely on the belt during transit, providing stability, especially for lightweight, irregularly shaped or fragile items that might shift or fall off the conveyor. Commonly used in applications requiring precise product alignment, such as packaging, labelling or assembly lines, guide rails maintain crucial product orientation. You can also choose adjustable guide rails, offering flexibility to handle products of varying sizes, making them ideal for operations with diverse product ranges.

Washdown Requirements

Washdown requirements refer to the ability of conveyor systems to withstand frequent, thorough cleaning using water, detergents or sanitising agents. These systems are essential in industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, where hygiene and contamination control are critical. Washdown conveyors are typically constructed from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and designed with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces to prevent residue buildup and feature sealed components to protect motors and bearings from moisture.

Washdown Considerations

• Water pressure: The conveyor system must endure high-pressure cleaning without damaging components or affecting performance. Proper sealing and durable construction are essential to withstand rigorous washdowns.
• Cleaning chemicals: Materials should resist corrosion and damage caused by harsh cleaning agents. Stainless steel and other chemical-resistant materials ensure longevity and maintain hygiene in demanding cleaning environments.

Conveyor Washdown in Construction

In construction, conveyor washdowns are essential for maintaining equipment efficiency and safety by removing dirt, dust and debris, preventing build-up that can hinder performance or cause malfunctions. Washdowns are particularly vital for certain types of conveyor belts, such as those handling wet concrete, aggregates or other messy materials. By keeping conveyors clean, washdowns reduce wear, extend belt life and ensure smooth operation. This practice is crucial in harsh environments where equipment durability and reliability are paramount.

Incline and Decline Requirements

Incline and decline requirements refer to the angle at which a conveyor system must move products up or down within a facility. These requirements depend on factors such as product weight, size, material and the available space. Understanding these needs is crucial before selecting a conveyor, as the wrong incline can cause products to slide, tumble or become damaged. Specialised designs, such as cleated or high-friction types of conveyor belts, may be necessary to maintain product stability on steeper inclines. Proper assessment ensures smooth, efficient transport, minimising downtime and reducing the risk of operational inefficiencies or product loss.

Product Transfer

Considering the transfer of a product to and from a conveyor system is crucial for maintaining efficiency, safety and product integrity as poorly designed transfers can cause misalignment, product damage or bottlenecks, disrupting workflow. Key factors include product size, shape and fragility, as well as the speed and angle of transfer. Transfer points may require specialised features such as transfer plates, rollers or guides to ensure smooth movement between conveyors or machinery.

Maintenance and Servicing

Understanding the maintenance and servicing requirements for your conveyor is essential to ensure consistent productivity and minimise downtime, as regular maintenance prevents wear-related failures, extends the system’s lifespan and keeps operations running smoothly. The demands for maintenance vary across diverse types of conveyor belts. Modular belts may require routine inspections for loose links, rubber belts may need frequent tension adjustments and cleaning to remove debris, and cleated belts might need more detailed upkeep to maintain their structure and alignment. Knowing these needs upfront allows you to schedule maintenance effectively, reducing disruptions and ensuring long-term efficiency in your operations.

Budget Considerations

How much you can afford is always a major factor in selecting the right conveyor system, influencing the type, features and materials. While upfront costs are important, it’s essential to weigh these against long-term expenses, such as maintenance, energy consumption, and potential downtime. Different types of conveyor belts and systems vary significantly in cost; for instance, basic roller conveyors are more affordable than advanced systems like modular or cleated belts. However, investing in a higher-quality system may reduce repair costs and improve efficiency over time. Carefully balancing initial investment with operational needs ensures a cost-effective, reliable solution tailored to your requirements.

Looking to Invest in a New Conveyor System? Contact Our Friendly Team Today

Whether you are looking to purchase or hire a conveyor system, choosing the right one is essential for optimising efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness in your operation. At Coveya, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find a solution that perfectly matches your needs and budget. With our extensive range of high-quality conveyors and industry-leading expertise, we ensure you get the best system for your business.

Get in touch with a member of our expert team today by calling on 0800 915 9195 or emailing support@coveya.co.uk to discover how we can transform your material handling processes.