REDWIRE Expert advice from Norpak Handling on keeping conveyor belts tight

May 17, 2019 REDWIRE is news you can use from leading suppliers. Powered by FRASERS.

Posted by Norpak Handling Limited


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conveyor belts

Belt conveyors require a certain amount of tension to function optimally.

Norpak Handling is one of Canada’s major providers of conveyor products and accessories, including belt conveyors. These material-handling systems use belts that perform a lot of functions – and tend to suffer eventual wear and tear as a result. This is why businesses should conduct regular maintenance of conveyor belts, such as maintaining tension.

A recent blog entry by Norpak offers tips on how to prevent damage to conveyor belts and increase their lifespans through proper tension.

The perfect amount of tension

According to Norpak, belt conveyors require a certain amount of tension to function optimally. Factors that determine this amount include the weight of the products and the required speed. If possible, users should adjust belts to the lowest tension at which they can run smoothly without slippage. Excessive tension can wear out bearings, shafts, and pulleys, and insufficient tension may result in slipping and improper tracking.

Workers should look for signs of incorrect belt tension. If the belt lacing is pulling apart, or the belt edges are curling upwards, or the belt has become discoloured, or slipping is causing noise, then action should be taken. The Norpak team recommends the following steps:

  1. Remove all items from the conveyor;
  2. Adjust belt tension to minimize slippage;
  3. Add items from small to large, adjusting the tension until the conveyor can move the heaviest item smoothly;
  4. Run the system with a full product load and check for slipping; and
  5. Go over the process again if slipping happens.

Routine checks and maintenance can help increase the longevity of belt conveyors. This includes inspecting the belt’s integrity and performance with no loads, cleaning all debris or spills off the belt, and making sure never to exceed the weight limit. If the belt gets damaged, so will other conveyor parts and even products. But spending a little time on belt maintenance will significantly reduce the amount of time and money wasted on repairing and replacing damaged conveyors.

For top material-handling expertise to help get the most out of conveyor systems, trust the experts at Norpak.

To learn more, contact Norpak Handling.


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Posted by Norpak Handling Limited


Norpak Handling provides conveying products and complete turn-key systems to suit your requirements and solve your probl... Read more

Contact supplier