Introduction To Conveyor System

A conveyor moves material. A conveyor moves cardboard boxes, wood boxes, metal boxes and plastic boxes. Conveyors can move materials by gravity or power. A conveyor can do more. It can move boxes UP against gravity . . . DOWN . . . or HORIZONTAL on a moving belt. The belt is moved by electric power. Conveyors available in a wide array of formats, shapes, sizes and types, including stainless steel, incline, decline, metering, gravity, roller and belt.

Conveyors- All types

Conveyors types are:
1- Gravity Rollers Conveyors
2- Powered Belt Conveyors
3- Skatewheel Conveyors
4- Powered Roller Conveyors
5- Extendable Conveyors
6- Special Purpose Conveyors

Calculating Conveyor Speeds

What speed should your conveyor be?
The standard speed for most unit handling conveyors is 65 FPM (Feet Per Minute). This is the average speed a person walks when carrying a 50 lb. box. Other speeds, both faster and slower than 65 FPM, are also available.

However, some facts should be pointed out when changing speeds:

Horsepower ratings in the catalog and website are calculated according to the standard speed listed for that conveyor. When increasing the speed, more horsepower may be needed. As a rule of thumb, it will take twice as much horsepower to move a given package at 130 FPM than at 65 FPM.
The formula below may help to determine the approximate power requirements :
Horsepower in chart (based on 65 FPM) x DESIRED SPEED(In feet per minute)/65
Example:
- Let Model XY, 11 ft long requires 1/2 Hp motor at 65 Feet per minute for a total load of 320 pounds.

- You desire your conveyor to operate at 90 Feet Per Minute.

- Calculate as follows: (1/2 X 90) / 65 = .69

- You should select the next highest horsepower or 3/4 Hp.

This formula may be used to give you a good estimate.


Service life of Conveyor

The service life of a conveyor running at a higher speed may be shortened considerably. Most conveyors are not designed to run over 200 FPM. When they do, some parts may need to be balanced to prevent excessive vibration, and special bearings may be required. The type of belting used on a conveyor may also need to be considered.