Bulk material handling designers need to consider space and weight concerns that can affect the effective reliability and safety of the whole plant.
Conveyor belt drives can be determining factors which can limit the adaptability of conveyor layouts as well as contribute to increase operational costs.
Recognising that traditional exposed drives were becoming troublesome in this sense, Rulmeca engineered motorised pulleys with a compact, light enclosed design to overcome these obstacles.
Conveyor belt drives challenges
There are two main reasons why bulky and heavy conveyor belt drives can be problematic. They can further complicate and restrict personnel access, making it difficult for operators to perform routine inspections, maintenance interventions or emergency repairs. The result is longer downtimes and increased safety risks.
The need for lightweight conveyor structure is particularly paramount when conveyor systems are elevated or installed in tunnels. An excessive weight of conveyor belt drives could compromise structural integrity and increase installation costs.
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Traditional exposed conveyor belt drives are an overhung and unbalanced load for conveyor structure. Their body extends through the chute and most dead weight sits on one truss. In comparison, Rulmeca motorised pulleys offer a more compact and well-balanced design.
They are internally powered drives where motor, gearbox and bearings are enclosed and hermetically sealed in a steel tube.
No extra cast iron enclosures or large through-shaft are required. Moreover, the terminal box is the only part extending through the chute wall. Therefore, the centre of mass of the drive train is overall at the conveyor center line, meaning that dynamic load and racking action are prevented.
Using Rulmeca motorised pulleys rather than exposed drives allows bulk handling sites to streamline conveyor structure and improve personnel access making maintenance easier and safer.