Food conveyor belts are used in every food manufacturing facility in the United States, as well as a number of fast food establishments and restaurants. As with other conveyor belts, food grade conveyor belts require periodic replacement because they do not last forever. An experienced conveyor belt manufacturer will be able to assist any food facility in need of replacement belts determine the proper one for the equipment in the facility.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must approve food conveyor belts, which is a distinguishing characteristic between these belts and other conveyor belts. In addition, normally these belts are provided with some sort of specialized coating to prevent staining, as well as to reduce the accumulation of sticky substances, on the belt. Two of the most popular and effective coatings for food conveyor belts are Teflon and silicone.
Despite the coatings available, all food conveyor belts are not the same in the materials used. Another important consideration when ordering a replacement food conveyor belt is the temperature of the food being moved. If the food being moved is hot, then a belt capable of resisting melting or burning should be used. If the food being moved is cold then a material that is resistant to cracking, due to the cold, should be used.
A highly experienced food conveyor belt manufacturer will be able to assist in providing specific recommendations to which belt to use, the best coating to use, depending upon the application, and the best material, depending upon the food being moved!
Posted on behalf of The King Group
Let’s face it. No one wants down time due to a conveyor belt breaking or malfunctioning. Such delays cost valuable production time, resources and, yes, money.
As with any equipment, however, it is possible to avoid major complications by routinely checking and maintaining your conveyor belts.
Following are some common problems with conveyor belts and possible solutions:
1. Excessive Wear Across Entire Belt – If wear is even and widespread, then the likelihood is the belt is unsuitable for the application. You may need a stronger belt, or one made of textured material.
2. Edge Wear – Edge wear indicates uneven tension along the belt system. The belt may need to be realigned or retracked.
3. Belt Falls Off At Head or Tail Pulley – If the belt is loosening at either of the pulleys, the problem may be build up on the pulleys or belt system. This could also indicate improper loading of the belt. Clean, and reevaluate loading procedures.
4. Belt Slips At Start-Up or When Conveyor is Running – If the belt is shifting in any way, this may indicate insufficient traction between the belt and pulley or build up of some sort. Readjust tension. Examine pulleys to see if there is any build-up, and clean, if necessary.
5. Belt is Cracking, Hardening or Swelling in Certain Areas – If you’re seeing physical changes in the conveyor belt, chances are you have heat or chemical damage. Reexamine the belt application and consider using a different, more appropriate belt, or impose stricter clean-up standards.
Though common, the above, of course, are just a few of the problems one can encounter with a conveyor belt. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to consult the original manufacturer of the conveyor belt if any trouble arises.
Posted on behalf of the King Group
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