Conveyors safety
It is very important to choose the right conveyors for the powder coating line, based on the characteristics of the production. However, this is not enough for the correct operation of the device. It is necessary to operate it correctly, as well as to carry out its maintenance. Malfunction or fails may be occured without this. Operation and technical features of the transport system details are in this article.
Powder coating conveyors: technical features
All conveyors are equipped with a drive unit. The electric motor moves the transport chain. It is better when the drive unit is equipped with a movable frame that allows transportation of all necessary elements.
The drive unit is positioned so that the tractive effort might be done to the section of the transport system with the greatest load. It is installed where lifting occurs, before washing or between loading and unloading points.
The node size is designed for maximum pulling force of the chain. It characterizes needed efforts to move the entire system. This effort must be greater than that required to move the chain. If the production is large and a significant amount of parts should be painted, several drive units may be needed. In this case a control system is distributing the force.
Curved sections of tracks or hoists are used to change the height.
All transport systems have a support structure. Belt or chain devices attach directly to the floor or equipment. Overhead conveyors are supported by overhead steel structures, columns, or both.
Each closed transport line is equipped with a device that maintains the tension of the chain: counterweight, spring, screw, pneumatic or hydraulic device. It is mounted near the drive unit. The chain can loosen or sag due to a change in the height of parts,because of uneven loading or prolonged use. The chain must be tightened if necessary.
You also need to monitor all parts of the conveyor and lubricate them regularly.
Powder coating conveyors: operation
To keep personnel safe while working, it is best to put a safety fence around the overhead transport system.
All conveyor systems need regular lubrication. Insufficient lubrication will shorten the work time of the device and increase the possibility of the conveyor stopping due to faulty parts.
In manual conveyors, carts and track switches should be lubricated.
In belt conveyors, bearings must be lubricated.
In continuously moving and free-wheeling conveyors, the chains and all moving parts must be lubricated.
Particular attention should be paid to the chain that carries the products through the washing and oven areas.
Each transport system needs to lubricate not only the mechanisms carrying loads, but also the speed reducer or gearbox.
For conveyors that pass through the oven, a high temperature grease must be selected.
Suspended transport systems must have an oiler or automatic lubrication device. For their chains, it is better to choose liquid lubricants that do not dry out or form a solid film.
All other parts can be lubricated with dry grease. It does not attract dust and powder, it perfectly removes dirt.
No way for silicone-based lubricants to be used. They have a bad effect on the quality of the coating.
Excessive lubrication is just as harmful as insufficient lubrication. It can break grounding.
Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the lubrication of the device carefully.
Also conveyors need periodic cleaning. There are special brushes for this. They can remove dirt from all elements of the transport system. They are non-mechanized or mechanized.
The first ones can be stationary, attached to a moving transport system or chains. The second ones are mounted on the transport system and can be microprocessor-controlled. That means they can be programmed to clean.
It is obligatory to ground the parts that are transported by the conveyor. This is done by installing either copper brushes nor devices in the form of movable rods on the rail. Also, grounding occurs at the point of contact between the product and the suspension. The next ground is where the hanger and load arm, conveyor, or trolley make contact.
It is necessary to regularly clean the suspensions and hooks from powder residues. The hooks are cleaned by burning the powder in a high temperature oven.
There are special control systems that facilitate the process of monitoring the transport system condition. They report faults and all factors that may affect the operation of the device. As a rule, conveyors are made individually based on production needs. In order to make the right choice, we advise you to contact a specialist.
