A modular belt conveyor is a flat belt conveyor and is made up of individual plastic or steel modules usually linked together using joint rods. Modular belt conveyors are suitable for conveying components or packed materials throughout production areas inside factories. An advantage of a modular belt conveyor is that curved sections of belts are available.
The modular belt is robust and can tolerate high and low-temperature products. Large belt widths are possible without high pre-tensioning.
Specialist applications for modular belt conveyors include:
- Packaging lines
- Cooling and drying applications (air can permeate through belt)
- Dewatering applications
- Assembly lines
- Singulation systems
- Tray merging or routing
- Warehousing distribution
Safety, compliance and standards
All modular belt conveyors are designed and manufactured to comply with national and international standards of best practice and safety. The overall conveyor is designed to conform to BS EN 620. Guarding complies with BS EN ISO 14120, and all electrical components conform to IEC 60204-1.
With conveyor belts causing 30% of all injuries in the food production industry, there are also risk factors to consider in your belt system to protect your workers from unnecessary harm or danger.
As with all products sold in the European Union each modular belt conveyor will need to fully comply with EU Directives and carry the CE mark to confirm it complies.
What are the design parameters required in a modular belt conveyor?
What are the design parameters required in a modular belt conveyor?
A detailed understanding of the product to be handled, the operating and environmental conditions is essential before designing the modular belt conveyor. The designer will want to know the following:
- The type of belt system required: straight, radius or spiral
- The overall dimensions of the installed belt, length, width, elevation change
- Speed of belt or throughput required
- Product characteristics: density, unit size and shape, hardness, brittleness, texture. Corrosiveness, moisture content, temperature, abrasiveness.
- Process requirements: heating, cooling, washing, draining, drying
- Hygiene requirements: conformity to standards, cleaning requirements
- Methods of loading and unloading the belt
- Environmental: Temperature, humidity, chemicals, abrasive or hazards.
- Type of drive system