The Effects of Corrosion on Conveyors
A conveyor moves materials and products to a different location by use of a belt. Distribution companies often find conveyors useful to speed up production and limit the amount of manpower required. The conveyor has a constantly moving surface that allows products to move efficiently. One of the problems with a conveyor is corrosion building up on the components.
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Rollers
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A conveyor system has rollers that allow the belt to travel freely in one direction. If corrosion builds up on the rollers, friction is created. The rollers quit turning, and the belt slides across the top of the rollers. Once this problem occurs, the motor that turns or moves the belt comes under stress. The motor shaft develops more torque then it was designed for, causing the motor to overheat and eventually burn out.
Bearings
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Each rotating component on a conveyor system generally has a bearing so it may turn freely. The rollers, shafts and other rotating components of the conveyor may develop corrosion and jam the bearings. Once the rotating components quit turning, the conveyor stops moving. A proper preventive maintenance schedule prevents some of the downtime caused by the corrosion of moving parts. The maintenance department must ensure that all moving parts have the proper amount of lubrication. Lubricating limits the effects of corrosion on the moving parts.
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Electrical
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The electrical components may also be affected by corrosion. Corrosion prevents the flow of electricity to the contactors, motors and other components requiring electricity to work. Because rust doesn't conduct electricity, the components requiring power can't receive the proper voltage required to operate. An electrical component that's corroded must be replaced.
Controls
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Every part of the conveyor system can be infiltrated by corrosion, including the controls. The "Emergency Stop" button, "On/Off" controls and speed controls don't work properly if rust infests the controls. Like the contactors and motors of the conveyor, the controls have switches to allow the free flow of electricity. Corrosion decreases the electrical flow between the button and the actuator, causing the control to jam. A jammed control prevents employees from being able to turn the conveyor on or off.
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References
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