What Are the Different Parts of Conveyor Belt Cleaning?

If your business uses conveyor belts, you’re probably well aware of how dirty they can get. When dirt, sediment, and residue cling to the belt past the drop site, you get carryback. The more carryback on your conveyor belt, the more problems you have with the belting system. Discover the different parts of conveyor belt cleaning so you can avoid unnecessary maintenance downtime.

The Problems With Carryback

Carryback is a problem because it tends to become a vicious circle. If products leave a residue on your belts, that residue will collect more dirt and dust, which collects more residue, and so on. Before you know it, your products will become contaminated and dirty.

Carryback is also a fire hazard. If a roller stops working correctly, it will overheat. The extra heat, in combination with any dirt sitting around, provides the necessary elements for a fire. Therefore, cleaning your belts is an important step to prevent belt rollers from overheating.

Primary and Secondary Scrapers

The first line of defense against carryback is scrapers. Most people put one scraper on the head pulley as the primary cleaner, and at least one more just after the first, known as the secondary cleaner. In truth, you can have as many scrapers as you think you need to help keep your belt clean.

Spray Bars

Another part of conveyor belt cleaning is the spray bar. These devices release jets of pressurized water at your belt to remove residue and sediment; the water jets loosen the dirt and the runoff carries it away. Just make sure you have a good water treatment system in place to deal with the water after you use it to clean your belts.

Wash Boxes

A wash box is a good idea for belts that are routinely exposed to sticky residues and other substances that are hard to remove. A wash box is an enclosed space that the belt moves through. Inside that box are scrapers, spray bars, and sometimes even brushes—think of it as a car wash for your conveyor belt.

Understanding the way carryback affects your productivity is important for proper warehouse management. Try out these belt cleaning tools to determine which type is most helpful for your conveyor belts.