In industrial settings, ensuring the proper tracking of a conveyor belt is crucial for its efficient operation. A common issue is when the belt deviates from the center, moving from left to right. This misalignment or leveling problem can be easily resolved through the following steps.
1. Assess Belt Tension
First, determine whether your belt is too tight or too slack. A well – tensioned belt should not slip between the belt and the pulley. Additionally, it should conform to the crown of the sprocket. Excessive tension must be avoided as it can rupture the belt seam.
2. Adjust Belt Tension: Tightening
To tighten the belt, remove the right bearing to the exterior. This will cause the head roller to advance to a position that tightens the belt.
3. Adjust Belt Tension: Loosening
Conversely, to slacken the belt, insert the left bearing. This moves the head roller to a position that reduces the belt’s tension.
4. Incremental Adjustments and Belt Inspection
Make an adjustment, then closely observe the belt. Small, incremental adaptations are key. Continuously check the belt to ensure you don’t over – loosen or over – tighten it, as either can lead to problems. Repeat this process until the belt appears centered.
5. Clean the Belt
Any foreign objects on the belt can disrupt its tracking. Regularly clean the belt to maintain its smooth operation.
6. Check Roller Parallelism
Verify that the snub rollers, carry idlers, return idlers, and pulleys are all parallel to each other. Non – parallel rollers can significantly affect the belt’s tracking.
7. Ensure Perpendicularity and Squareness
Ensure these components are perpendicular to the belt center line and square with the frame. Passing these tests generally indicates proper belt centering, but a final test can confirm it.
8. Reverse Run Test (Empty Belt)
Start the conveyor belt in reverse, running it towards the tail pulley with an empty belt. Observe the belt during three full revolutions.
9. Forward Run Test (Empty Belt)
Restart the conveyor in the forward direction and wait for another three revolutions. Adjust the tension to center the belt. Remember, tightening on the left side will cause the belt to move to the right.
10. Reverse Run Test (Loaded Belt)
Restart the conveyor in the forward direction and wait for another three revolutions. Adjust the tension to center the belt. Remember, tightening on the left side will cause the belt to move to the right.
11. Forward Run Test (Loaded Belt)
Finally, check the conveyor’s movement in the forward direction with the same load for three additional revolutions.
12. Idler Removal (If Over – Adjusted)
If the belt is over – adjusted, you can remove an idler. This can be done while the belt is in motion.