Technology

3 Common Mistake that Damage the Bucket Conveyor System Belt.

Bucket Conveyor Systems are an integral component in many industries, including the rice mill industry. Unfortunately, a lack of operational know-how or inattention to the faults and issues in the machinery can damage it extensively. This may lead to lengthy downtimes and a significant hit on grain production. Sometimes, permanent damage to the bucket elevator could also lead to huge replacement costs. If you run a rice mill, it is important to understand some common mistakes that could damage the belt in the bucket conveyor system. Read on to learn the identification signs of these mistakes and how you can avoid them for the rice mill operations to run smoothly.

1. Improper Alignment

Improper alignment (also called mistracking) of the bucket conveyor system belt happens when the belt falls off its designated path. There are several reasons why this can happen.

  • When the rollers or bearings get damaged
  • Pulleys or sprockets are incorrect
  • The buildup of dirt and debris on the track surface
  • Uneven weight on the conveyor belt

Mistracking not only leads to inefficiency during the rice mill operations due to higher downtime and lesser production but can also damage the bucket conveyor system belt and other machinery along its path. It can be easy to spot improper alignment. Check for any visible gaps between the different segments of the bucket belt when it passes through idlers and rollers. If you spot excessive dust accumulated near these points, it could signify some level of slipping motion. It is best to not leave this unchecked since mistracking can cause further damage between the moving parts due to high amounts of friction. Unfortunately, that will require expensive repair work.

2.  Belt Slipping

Conveyor system belts require just the right amount of tension to work accurately. If the tension is too high or too low, it can cause the belt to slip. If the head pulley wears out or breaks down, there will be a loss of required tension that would ideally keep the bucket conveyor system belt from slipping. There are a few causes why the belt slips, such as:

  • The conveyor belt can only handle a certain amount of load depending on its pulleys and size. If you transport something excessively heavy, the belt will slip off the pulleys.
  • Cold temperatures can sometimes reduce the grip between the bucket conveyor system belt and the pulley causing the belt slippage.

Ensure that the conveyor belt is built to handle the weight range of the rice grains you want the grain elevator to carry. Buy a rice mill elevator with a belt that can operate smoothly in lower temperatures.

3. Material Carryback

Sometimes blockages occur on the conveyor belt due to transported material getting caught on the edges. This blocks the entire flow and causes the rice grains to build up on the bucket conveyor system belt. During the transportation from lower to higher levels, the rice grains may leave minor amounts of residue behind, which can accumulate on the belt over time, causing issues with pulleys and rollers. You can reduce the material carryback by installing a cleaning system to scrape the belt, ensuring no material is left behind.

Conclusion

If you operate a rice mill with heavy equipment, you must understand the importance of timely maintenance and repairs. Due to a lack of proper maintenance and inattention to minor problems, you could face significant issues with the bucket elevators, sometimes to the extent of complete damage. You can train your operators to conduct regular inspections of the conveyor belt while it transports grains to higher levels. Also, avail of timely servicing for the bucket conveyor system from technicians who have the proper tools and expertise to maintain this equipment. This will help you avoid high downtime, decreased outputs, workplace accidents, and high equipment replacement costs.

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