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Conveyor systems are like a factory’s circulatory system, transporting material between successive steps in the pursuit of creating a consistent product. The perfect transport setup will fulfill a number of requirements, including adaptability, safety, efficiency and reliability. However, what the ideal setup is will depend on the type of the substance being processed, its size and its mass. In general, though, these devices require little maintenance to run at peak level and can be customized to fit any processing facility.
What are some items to consider when looking for conveyor systems?
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Safety: Most setups come with a number of fail-safes to protect workers and other equipment from device failure, but some will need to be fitted with added safety features to make them safe enough to operate
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Reliability: When a transport device fails, it can bring an entire factory to a standstill, costing the company more time and money the longer it is down. The best way to avert this is with proven transport technology. While it may be easy to pick a setup that is completely new, it is better to rely on technology that is already considered a mainstay.
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Modularity: One of the most important features a setup can have is flexibility, as the facility’s needs are always changing. Some devices can be easily built onto and arranged in a number of ways to compensate for cramped spaces and unusual building layouts. The flexibility can simplify the device installation and lower cost over other systems.
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Scalability: Scalability is also an important consideration because as companies grow, transport devices often present a bottleneck for a facility. For this reason, any setup that can quickly expand to account for increased work load can save a company money and effort.
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Efficiency: Conserving power during operation and when not in operation should be an area of focus for any technology, as it can greatly reduce utility costs for the facility. Greater efficiency can be achieved with something as simple as device controls. Programmable controls that bring devices down during periods of inactivity can improve power conservation, as can devices that come with staggered start-up motors. These can reduce power strain during system start-up, improving overall efficiency.
What are some of the most popular conveyor systems for processing facilities?
The most common transport setups are roller and belt devices, both of which are capable of moving large containers. Both are safe and highly efficient, but are not usually appropriate for dealing with bulk material or particular packaging, like bags. Bulk material is better handled with vibratory devices, as these utilize a trough that keeps the material from spilling over. Vibratory devices also minimize damage to the product and keep it moving in uniform fashion.
Pneumatic devices are ideal for transporting light material like powders or liquids. These use air currents to move material around and can be built into compact spaces. Bucket elevators and vertical transports are popular choices for grain processing facilities, as they help move material from lower levels to higher areas.
No matter what setup a facility chooses, it should choose a manufacturer that has a track record of success and excellent customer service in the industry. A transport device is one of the most important technologies at a processing facility and should provide many years of service.
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