Conveying systems

OF MATERIALS handlin g equipment, conveying systems are generally the safest if these are well maintained and operated properly. One of the latest product handling conveyors from Nercon Engineering & Manufacturing Inc. emphasises safety in design and construction. The company’s aim is to eliminate pinch-point accidents which lead to worker injuries especially during maintenance activities and in danger zones. In contact with conveyors, fingers can inadvertently get caught between the chain and the frame at the drive and idle end as the chain travels around the sprocket. This can also happen on exposed flights as the chain goes through the turn. Nercon designed a 12” tabletop conveyor that is without pinch point areas on the machine’s frame and wear strip. At the same time, the idler wheels and idle shafts have also been designed without pinch points. The machine is compliant with ISO standard ANSI-B11.0.

Hardly any pinch-point areas, Nercon’s 12” conveying system raises the norm on safety

Picking up the pace

The specialty conveying systems from Shuttleworth can run at up to 500 feet-per-minute. This is more than 60% faster than conventional conveyors for end-of-line operations. According to Klaus Daenzer, senior Plastics R&D Engineer, older models from the company can move at only 300fpm.

“We can now achieve the higher speeds, in part, because of improvements we have made in wear and friction engineering, particularly with its effect on plastic components which are critical components to longevity in conveyor operation. Faster speeds produce higher force vectors, which can increase wear on conveyor components. We have worked out how to greatly minimise these factors.”

The use of new controls technology of PLCs, motion control devices, servo-motors and variable-speed zoning, offer gentle product handling and precise product placement, particularly for use in the food, pharmaceutical, electronics, printing and solar industries.

Another type of conveyor, the WRC from Wexxar/BEL transports and settles boxes at the same time by placing non-circular, rotating shafts under the conveyor belt for a bouncing or rocking motion as the product continues to move down the line. This results in a faster, more effective case settling across a shorter distance.

The motion and phase of the settling shafts can be adjusted to attain the bounce or rocking motion needed for the most effective case settling. The solution is ideal for settling and transport of any product packed in an overfill condition for cases or trays. It is particularly effective for hard to settle products, such as potatoes or other similar, irregularly shaped products.

The WRC is easy to adjust with simple controls, and is sold in three- and six-foot lengths. It accommodates a wide range of RSC overfill case sizes and trays. The WRC fits easily into any packaging application. A bag handling attachment option will be available in the near future.

Easy clean up

A general concern amongst food manufacturers using conveying systems with tubular supports is that over time, these supports begin to harbour bacteria. Recently, Dynamic Conveyor solved this issue on its food conveyor, the DynaClean. The tubular leg support has been restructured with a one-dimensional 304 stainless steel frame.

The upgraded conveying system simplifies clean-up and cuts that number of welds. Stand-offs and flange head bolts are used for easy cleaning access. The drum style motor is hermetically sealed and enclosed with no externally mounted bearings to clean or maintain. Therefore, it can be cleaned in much less time than a typical motor. The patent pending removable retaining walls allow for easy access toShop Women's Boots