The Boom Of Conveyors

Conveyors are mechanical systems used for moving materials and people from one point to another. They were introduced in the late nineteenth century. Conveyors are used to transport people or material to both short and long distances. The conveyors are so important in the present times that it would be difficult to imagine a world without them. The conveyors have contributed heavily in the growth of the industries. It wouldn't have been possible to apply the assembly line production method without conveyors. In fact Henry Ford introduced the assembly-line method of production because of the conveyors. Some other industries where conveyors are extensively used are mining, beverage and food processing, heavy and light industries, construction projects, agriculture and so on. Apart from the industries, they are also very useful in the normal day-to-day activities. They are used at airports and various other places in form of escalators, baggage loading, delivery systems and speed walks. Conveyors are basically of two types- gravitational and power-driven conveyors. A pallet moving down a ramp of stationary rollers is an example of gravitational conveyors. The power-driven conveyors are basically of four types- overhead conveyors, horizontal conveyors, vertical conveyors or inclined conveyors.

The horizontal conveyors are of different types, like powered rollers, chain driven and belt on roller. The vertical conveyors are usually in the form of bucket escalators, and then there are some spiraling vertical conveyors also. The conveyors are further classified as bulk handing or unit conveyors. Horizontal conveyors are also further classified as curved or line conveyors.

Different conveyors are used to perform different functions. So, the conveyors have to be built according to the requirement and the material used to build them has to be according to the needs of the project. For example; the conveyors used in a chocolate factory have to be different from the conveyors in a quarry. There are experts who specialize in manufacturing customized conveyors.

Conveyors are usually safe but every year millions of dollars are lost in accidents that are completely avoidable. The aspects related to the process of planning, designing and installation are covered in the Safety Manual issued by American Society of Safety Engineers. Some other regulations have also been laid up by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The conveyors are so important these days in almost every industry that they have almost become indispensable. The conveyors have to be chosen carefully and have to be used in a way that ensures minimum wear and tear. This will ensure proper efficiency and enhanced productivity without any losses.