Dictionary Definition

A conveyor system that is designed properly can be made to last a good long time with proper maintenance. I have tried to list, in order of frequency, the biggest problems that customers encounter which shorten the life of their conveyors:

Lack of take-up adjustment. This is such a simple adjustment on most systems that it is hard to accept how often it is overlooked. The chain take-up device ensures that the chain is pulled tight as it leaves the drive unit. As wear occurs and the chain lengthens, the take-up extends under the force of its springs. As they extend, the spring force becomes less and the take-up has less effect. Simply compress the take-up springs and your problem goes away. Failure to do this can result in chain surging, jamming, and extreme wear on the track and chain.

Lack of lubrication. Chain bearings require lubrication in order to reduce friction. The chain pull that the drive experiences can double if the bearings are not lubricated. This can cause the system to overload by either its mechanical overload protection or its electrical overload protection. On conveyors that go through hot ovens, lubricators can be left on constantly or set to turn on every few cycles of the chain.

Tip: A modern lubricator with a small "brain" that turns itself on and off according to your needs will make the process easier to manage.

Contamination of track and chain. Paint, powder, acid or alkaline fluids, abrasives, glass bead, steel shot and so on can all lead to rapid deterioration of the track and chain. Ask any bearing company about the leading cause of bearing failure and they will point to contamination. Once a foreign substance lands on the raceway of a bearing or on the track, pitting of the surface will occur, and once the surface is compromised, wear will accelerate.

Tip: Build shrouds around your conveyors to prevent the ingress of contaminants. Better yet, shroud and then pressurize the contained area using a simple fan and duct arrangement.