Common Issues with Conveyor Pulleys and How to Fix Them in Queensland

Conveyor systems are integral to various industries, ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of materials. H.E.M.E. has been a trusted provider of engineering solutions in Queensland for many years. However, even the best conveyor systems can encounter issues, particularly with pulleys. Here, we discuss common conveyor pulley problems and how to address them.

Misalignment

Issue: Misalignment of conveyor pulleys occurs when they are not positioned correctly, causing the belt to run off track. This can lead to uneven wear and damage.
Fix: Regularly check pulley alignment using a laser alignment tool. Adjust the pulleys to ensure they are parallel and correctly positioned relative to each other.

Slippage

Issue: Slippage happens when the belt slips over the pulley instead of gripping it, often due to insufficient tension or worn-out surfaces.
Fix: Ensure proper tension in the belt. Use a tension gauge to adjust the tension according to manufacturer specifications. If the pulley surface is worn, consider resurfacing or replacing it.

Bearing Failure

Issue: Bearings in the conveyor pulley can wear out or fail due to excessive load, inadequate lubrication or contamination.
Fix: Regularly inspect and lubricate bearings. Use high-quality, suitable lubricants. Replace bearings at the first sign of wear or damage.

Material Build-Up

Issue: Over time, material can build up on the pulley, causing imbalance and excessive wear.
Fix: Schedule regular cleaning of the pulleys to remove any build-up. Consider installing scrapers or brushes to keep the pulley clean during operation.

Shaft Wear

Issue: Shaft wear can occur from friction and heavy loads, leading to instability and failure of the conveyor pulley.
Fix: Inspect shafts regularly for signs of wear. Use appropriate lubrication and consider using harder materials or coatings to extend shaft life.

Lagging Damage

Issue: The lagging (cover) on pulleys can become damaged due to abrasion or poor installation, affecting the grip and performance.
Fix: Replace damaged lagging promptly. Use high-quality materials for lagging and ensure proper installation to prevent premature wear.

Noise

Issue: Unusual noises often indicate underlying issues such as misalignment, bearing failure, or material build-up.
Fix: Investigate and address the cause of the noise. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent noise-related issues.

Overloading

Issue: Overloading the conveyor can put undue stress on the pulleys, leading to premature failure.
Fix: Adhere to the conveyor’s load capacity specifications. Implement load monitoring systems to prevent overloading.

Make your conveyor pulleys work for you with H.E.M.E. We’re your professional mining machinists in the Central Highlands. Contact us online or call 07 49 823 001 for answers to all your questions.