Conveyor is a set of tools used to transport loads and materials quickly and efficiently within an area. This tool was created to facilitate work, especially those related to moving large or heavy material from one location to another.
Conveyors generally use belts, wheels, rollers, or chains to transport objects. This tool has been widely used in various places, such as airports, food industry, supermarkets, etc.
Modern conveyor systems and parts generally consist of belts and winches. The belt forms a closed loop around the hoist so the hoist will keep turning. The movement system is controlled by pulleys.
Belts are generally designed to move in the same direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise. Turns on conveyors feature unique conical wheels or rotors that allow the belt to follow the direction of the turn smoothly.
There are several types of conveyors that are commonly used in industry, including:
- Belt conveyor
- Roller conveyor
- Powered roller conveyor
- Overhead conveyor
- Blade conveyor
- Ball transfer conveyor
- Pneumatic Conveyor
- Basket conveyor
- Parachute Conveyor
- Magnetic conveyor
- Wheel conveyor
- Walking beam conveyor
- Conveyor vibrating
- Screw conveyor
- Tube conveyor
- Chain conveyor
Each conveyor has a specific working system and is generally used for different types of industries, such as tube conveyors generally used for the food industry.
In addition, based on the operating system being transported, conveyors can also be divided into several types, such as medium duty conveyors which are widely used in the food industry, landscape conveyors for long distance transportation, and reversible belt conveyors that allow conveyors to move in two directions.
Conveyor Advantage
Here are some of the advantages of using conveyors:
1. Can Transport Large Items
Unlike humans, the conveyor system in its application is able to lift quite large and heavy loads without any obstacles.
In addition, conveyors with inclined belts allow loading and unloading of materials to be carried out easily without the need for additional labor.
This system will continue to run at a speed that can be controlled according to the user’s wishes.
2. Can Reduce the Risk of Damage to Materials
Because the speed can be controlled, the conveyor system can transport materials at a certain speed so that the risk of damage due to errors at the time of placement can be reduced.
3. Cheap, Efficient, and Stable Operation
As previously explained, the conveyor can be speed controlled and the speed will remain stable as long as the tool is operating.
Its simple system makes repairs and maintenance of this system less and easier to do. Its power consumption is also cheaper than other tools, so it is more economical when used.
4. Can be Designed for Long Distances
Conveyor systems can be designed and modified so that they can cover considerable distances. This of course can save energy and time in delivering goods over long distances
5. Can Lift Materials at Various Heights
Conveyors can be designed to lift goods at various heights. This will be very easy compared to using human labor which can increase the risk of work.
6. Can Save Space
Since the conveyor system is continuous, you don’t need additional space to store goods. It can also provide new space if you want to increase production capacity or add new processes to your industry
7. Allows Standardization of Product Management
The use of conveyors can help companies to reduce investment, especially in staff training, because they do not require specialization in their operation.
8. Can Improve Security and Operation Process
Sometimes if the transportation system is carried out by humans, the risk of goods being lost or scattered will be easier. Conveyors will make it easier for companies to monitor the running of the system and can easily re-check the quantity and quality of goods produced.
9. Can be Designed to Avoid Contamination
There are certain conveyors specifically designed for the food industry. Such as tubular drag conveyors which are specially designed to avoid dust, contaminants, and to move food safely and efficiently.
Sterility is an important factor in the food industry. This also makes it easier for the industry to administer certification, which is generally carried out by BPOM.
Conveyor Disadvantages
As for the disadvantages of conveyors including:
1. Has a Capacity Limit
Although conveyors can carry large and heavy loads, conveyors have limitations in terms of the capacity of goods that can be lifted. It depends on the width of the belt on the conveyor.
2. Not Portable
Once the system on the conveyor has been set, it will be difficult to move the conveyor to another position. Even if there is a slight change in the loading and unloading position, the conveyor needs to be disassembled and reassembled which takes a long time and requires a large amount of manpower.
3. Can’t Move Specific Items
Conveyors work automatically in moving goods, but cannot select goods to be moved. So to select these items, additional labor is needed.