Do you know what conveyor belts are? Are you aware of how to store them properly so that they can be used later?
No?
Then let us learn about it in detail!
In industries where material handling is the major task, conveyor belts are used to transport bulk material such as coal, sand, ore, etc. Conveyor belts consist of drums, also called pulleys and endless loops of carrying medium. The belt rotates around it. To move the belt and material on it in the forward direction, one or both the drums are powered. The powered one is called the drive pulley, and another drum is called the idler pulley. Based on the industry by which they will be used, these belts are produced using either rubber or PVC. The belt usually consists of two layers. The underlayer is called a carcass, and it provides strength, whereas the above layer is called a cover. The carcass is either made of polyester or cotton, and the cover is a compound of plastic and rubber.
Storage of Conveyor Belts
Many companies store extra belts to use in case of emergency. So it becomes mandatory to store them properly. The following are the rules that you should stick to store your extra conveyor belt properly.
1. Avoid Moisture and Other Contaminants –
The belts which are smaller in size should be stored in a sealed plastic bag to keep them away from moisture and contamination. On the other hand, it is recommended to place larger belts on the skids and not on the floor. If kept on the floor directly, they can absorb moisture from the cold floor.
2. Prevent Belts from Developing Camber –
If you don’t want the belt’s material to develop camber, then make sure to store the belt in a dry place. Camber or swing is caused if the fabric’s edges absorb water from the cold surface and shrink. The edge that absorbs the water becomes thinner than the edge on its opposite. Don’t place it on the floor. I prefer to put it on a skid or pallet. Be cautious while storing the belts and keep a check that rolls are not stored on their edges.
3. Ensure Proper Storage Temperature –
Don’t store the conveyor belt in extremely high or low temperatures. The ideal temperature for storing a belt lies between 35 and 48 Celsius. Also, don’t store belts in the areas exposed to a direct source of heat, such as sunlight, radiators, or boilers. Keeping belts at a temperature of 4 C and 58 C for a long time is not suitable. It is suggested to store conveyor belts indoor by covering them with tarpaulin. If in case it is stored outside, make sure that it is not kept on the floor. Moreover, make sure that they do not contact any chemical, oil, or liquid if you want it to stay in good condition.
