Conveyor systems are the backbone of any processing operation, transporting products from one workstation to the next. Not following the necessary conveyor maintenance practices can lead to a huge expense. When operating properly, your conveyor system keeps your line moving. When a conveyor slows or breaks down, the entire line comes to a halt, costing you time, resources, and, ultimately, money. The goal of any food processing facility is to keep your conveyors running as efficiently as possible for as long as possible and this is why we have come up with the best conveyor maintenance practices that would help your conveyor system more efficient and also last longer:
Preventive maintenance plan (PMP):
The best thing you can do to maintain your equipment’s efficiency is to schedule preventative maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Having a PMP is one of the best conveyor maintenance practices. Your equipment will last longer if you inspect every component, repair those that are worn, and replace lower-quality components like wires and cables with better ones. This will also help you avoid expensive breakdowns. Maintaining a log for every piece of equipment will help you ensure that preventative maintenance procedures are being followed.
Installing a condition monitoring tool on your conveyor systems will help you keep track of your preventative maintenance procedures and can also assist in keeping your systems from breaking down unexpectedly. This prevents unexpected facility downtime that could result in higher costs.
Run Regular Checks On Your Conveyor System:
Another conveyor maintenance practice you want to implement is to run checks on your machines regularly. To prevent unexpected malfunctions, perform routine inspections on your conveyor system. Examine every aspect of your system, from top to bottom to the sides and in all possible directions. Look for buildups of dirt, debris, or residue of any kind. Wherever you find these types of buildup, remove them as thoroughly as possible. Keep an eye out for any accumulations of residue, dirt, or debris. These kinds of deposits should be removed as completely as you can wherever you spot them.
Clean your system regularly to avoid the build-up of dirt. If you clean regularly, you reduce the possibility of allowing buildups to happen. Make a regular habit of cleaning your conveyor system. You’ll be more likely to catch issues early on and prevent any problems that would arise as a result of dirt or excess material buildup.
Lubricate Bearings:
Proper bearing lubrication will keep your conveyor running smoothly. Over and under lubrication is bad for the bearing and can lead to a breakdown. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper bearing lubrication.
Stock your spare parts:
There is always the possibility of an equipment breakdown, no matter how much preventative maintenance you perform. Stocking the recommended spare parts for your equipment will reduce downtime and allow you quickly get the equipment back up and running. Wires, cables, and shear pins should always be kept on hand.
Avoid Misusing Your Conveyor Systems
Your Conveyor System: Most conveyors are built to handle a specific product weight range. Placing heavier and larger objects on a conveyor designed for lighter or smaller products will put a strain on the system, wear down the belt, motors, and reducers, and lead to a breakdown. Follow the weight and size limit guidelines specified by the manufacturer for your conveyor.
Following these maintenance practices not only helps your equipment last longer but also prevents your equipment from breaking down unexpectedly, saving you a lot of downtime in your facility. Downtime is extremely expensive and can cost you twice as much as implementing a good preventive maintenance plan.
Don’t let your conveyor system become a source of frustration and downtime. By following the best conveyor maintenance practices, you can ensure maximum efficiency and longevity of your equipment. From simple inspections to proper cleaning and lubrication, taking care of your conveyor system is easier than you think. So, start implementing these practices today and enjoy a smoother, more productive operation. Trust us, your bottom line will thank you!
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