How to Pick Conveyors

Conveyors simplify organization and distribution.

Conveyors are mechanical devices designed to move objects or materials from one point to another at controlled speeds. There are hundreds of conveyor types to choose from for outdoor or indoor organization and distribution. Establishing proper selection criteria is the first step in applying conveyors to a given work system.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Product movement data

Instructions

1. 

   Sorting fruit on a belt conveyor.

   Define your conveyor application. List the products you wish to handle with a conveyor system. Select between bulk handling and unit handling. Granular or powdered materials are best handled with bulk conveyors that use chute, belt, vibrating or bucket conveyor systems. Unitized products in cartons, tote boxes or on pallets are conveyed best on roller, wheel, belt or tow conveyors. Conveyor systems may operate on gravity alone, or be powered by belts, pulleys or chains. Some conveyor systems are fully automatic, others require human operators.

2. 

   Belt-driven conveyors move cartons efficiently.

   Calculate the volume of product to be moved from point to point to determine whether a conveyor system is justified. Set maximum and minimum handling limits to justify the cost and use of a conveyor system. Extremely large package handlers like UPS and FedEx rely on extensive use of conveyor systems to handle millions of packages per day on a 24/7 basis. Anticipated handling volume will help you determine the kind, size and operating speed of your conveyor system. High-speed, high-volume operations may require specialized power systems, automatic sensors and branch conveyors.

3. Consult with experts. The business of selecting and applying conveyors to a work problem involves advanced engineering concepts and skills. Meet with representatives of several conveyor manufacturers or suppliers to find the best fit for your conveyor needs. Visit operations with similar product handling requirements. A good conveyor engineer will have many case studies and examples to illustrate proper application of conveyor systems. She will be able to show you the best ways to solve your product or material handling problems.

References

• Farmingdale University: Conveyors
• Geoargia Tech: Illustrated Conveyor Systems
• Brigham Young University: Conveyors
• Dorner Conveyors: Conveyor Types and Conveyor Systems

Resources

• Innovative Conveyor Concepts: ICC Quick Shipping, Quick Quote Conveyors