By Larry Tarson
Automation Engineer
Thomas Conveyor & Equipment Co
Maintenance Comes in Two Forms: "Before a Breakdown" and "After a Breakdown"
Often the cost of repairs after a breakdown is much higher than before a breakdown. If a pulley shifts and rubs a conveyor frame, an early adjustment or bearing replacement can prevent a hole being cut into the conveyor frame. This takes the conveyor out of service. Production is impacted. More staff is needed to manually handle the product. In addition, you are at risk of staff injuries, such as back sprains, etc.
Thomas Conveyor & Equipment can provide maintenance on either a “Regular Basis” or “On Call Basis”.
If your employees are alert and notify you of differences or changes in your conveyor system, then maintenance on an “On Call Basis” may be cost effective for you.
Signs that your conveyor needs maintenance “Before a Breakdown”:
- If you see that a belt is rubbing a conveyor frame, have it tracked. If the conveyor belt runs without touching the frame, then it is OK. While the conveyor can operate with slight rubbing for a short length of time, long term rubbing will cause severe damage.
- If you hear squealing or grinding noises: Schedule a technician to check it out. When ball bearings fail, they develop flat spots. Instead of rolling, they begin to slide. Eventually the balls wear a hole thru the race (the part which holds the balls in place). Normally, squealing is not a cause for alarm if responded to early. When squealing is ignored, first, you suffer the annoying high pitched noise during use; secondly, it heralds complete conveyor failure. Once a bearing squeals, replace it. It will not improve with continued use.
- If an incline belt will not carry a full load, then one of the following conditions may be the cause: - The belt requires tensioning; - A key has fallen out of a sprocket; - The lagging on the drive pulley has been polished smooth
- When the belt is loose, there is slippage between the drive pulley and belt. Often you will hear a squeal. When a key falls out of a sprocket, there is slippage between the sprocket and the shaft. You may hear a squeal or have little or no belt movement. If the lagging on the drive pulley is worn, then slippage between the belt and pulley can occur under light loads, even with correct belt tension. All require diagnosis and corrective action.
If your employees do not pay attention to your conveyors and/or your in house maintenance staff has other responsibilities, then Thomas Conveyor can provide periodic conveyor maintenance and inspection. We will work with you to schedule a convenient time for conveyor maintenance services. Contact Thomas Conveyor to be your expert partner in providing material handling equipment and maintenance. Call us at 708-449-2100.