belt conveyor

Belt Conveyors

The principle of a belt conveyor is very simple – product is conveyed by sitting on a belt that is moving around one driven roller and other idle/return rollers. This type of conveyor can either be friction or positively driven.

Features

  • Large straight long runs to transfer product across factories or from one process to the next.
  • Gaining height from one destination to another. Incline will vary on differing products, but a plain or chevroned belt can be used to achieve varying incline or decline angles.
  • Belts can be reversing, so travel in opposite directions depending on product call or process.
  • Limited factory floor space as belt conveyors can be suspended from above as they are much lighter than vibratory conveyors.
  • The belt conveyor can be used for storage or conditioning of a product by running the drive at a slower speed.

Suspending Belt conveyors

Where space is at a premium, belt conveyors can be suspended from the ceiling and used to transfer product across the factory from one process to another. For this application we would give special consideration to an ultra-lightweight design. We would also want to discuss access for maintenance and cleaning – we would design appropriate access steelwork and may well recommend that you use a cleaning in place (CIP) system.

Belt Conveyors for storage or conditioning

There are many ways to store work in progress either inline or offline and a KMG belt conveyor is one of those options. If you are interested in storage solutions, have a read of David’s blog which outlines some of the advantages of the different options. Belt conveyors can also be used for conditioning. Conditioning is often needed for slurry coated product in order to give sufficient time for the oil and seasoning to fully absorb in to the base product.

FAQs about Belt Conveyors

What is a belt conveyor, and how does it function?
A belt conveyor is a material handling system that transports products by placing them on a continuously moving belt. The belt travels around a series of rollers—one driven and others idle or return rollers. This mechanism allows for the efficient movement of products across various stages of processing or packaging.
What are the primary applications of belt conveyors in the food industry?
Belt conveyors are versatile and can be used for: • Transferring products across long distances within a facility. • Elevating products from one level to another, with the incline angle adjusted based on product type. • Reversing product flow direction as needed in the process. • Serving as storage or conditioning conveyors by adjusting belt speed.
How do belt conveyors compare to vibratory conveyors in terms of installation?
Belt conveyors are generally lighter than vibratory conveyors, allowing them to be suspended from the ceiling. This feature is particularly beneficial in facilities with limited floor space, enabling efficient use of vertical space.
Can belt conveyors handle inclined or declined product movement?
Belt conveyors can be designed with inclines or declines to move products between different elevations. The angle of incline or decline can be adjusted based on the product’s characteristics, and belts can be equipped with features like chevrons to assist in product movement on slopes.
Are KMG’s belt conveyors customisable to specific processing needs?
Absolutely. KMG Systems designs belt conveyors with hygiene and versatility in mind, tailoring each system to meet the unique requirements of different products and facility layouts. This customisation ensures optimal performance and integration within existing processes.
What materials are used to construct KMG’s belt conveyors?
KMG’s belt conveyors have stainless steel frames and polyurethane blue belts. This design choice ensures durability, hygiene, and compliance with food safety standards.
How do belt conveyors contribute to product quality during processing?
By providing gentle and consistent transportation, belt conveyors minimise product damage and maintain the integrity of items such as baked snacks, biscuits, and confectionery. This careful handling is crucial for preserving product quality throughout the processing stages.

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