5 Things to Know Before Buying Conveyor Belt Cleaner

Conveyor belts play a crucial role in numerous industries by efficiently moving materials from one location to another. To ensure they operate effectively and have a longer lifespan, it’s essential to select the right conveyor belt cleaner. With countless options to choose from, this task can be overwhelming. Here are five key considerations to help you find the ideal conveyor belt cleaner.

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Published: July 18th

In bulk materials handling, meticulously selecting the right equipment for each application is vital. Modern machinery has progressed significantly beyond basic tools; unfortunately, some managers still approach the selection of belt cleaning systems as if they were using primitive tools. Today’s cleaning systems are sophisticated machines designed for specific tasks.

Types of Cleaners

The primary or pre-cleaner is installed at the head pulley, using a urethane blade to eliminate excess material from the belt. Secondary cleaners are positioned to scoop up fines and sticky residues as the belt exits the head pulley, employing shock absorption measures to protect metal splices during operation.

Final or tertiary cleaners address any remaining grooves, cracks, and abrasions in the belt cover, ensuring a thorough clean.

When selecting a belt cleaning system, the criteria should be as systematic as choosing core mining or underground machinery.

Understanding Cleaning Needs

The foremost consideration is your operation’s cleaning objectives. Are you content with a belt that minimally drops material, or do you require an impeccably clean surface? Are you attempting to satisfy regulations from agencies like the EPA, OSHA, or MSHA? Or, do you aim to reduce cleaning efforts while extending idler life? Given your maintenance budget and staff, what cleaning level is practical for your operation?

Determining and clearly outlining your performance goals for the cleaning system in advance is crucial.

Conveyor Specifications

Next, evaluate the specific characteristics of the conveyor itself. Take note of essential measurements, such as:

• Belt Speed
• Belt Width
• Material Width on the Belt
• Head Pulley Diameter
• Splice Type and Condition
• Belt Specifications, including manufacturer and cover thickness
• Belt Cover Condition (such as cuts and grooves)
• Take-up Unit Types and Locations
• Drift Back
• Clearances for Cleaning System Installation

These measurements define the cleaning system’s operational duty as medium, heavy, or extra heavy-duty.

Material Characteristics

Additionally, consider the material's properties, which include:

• Abrasiveness
• Stickiness (such as clays)
• Moisture Content
• Corrosiveness
• Lump Size (both maximum and typical)
• Tons per Hour

When specifying a belt cleaner, it’s best to account for the material’s most challenging state to ensure the cleaning system is equipped for potential problems.

Balancing Cost and Value

Finally, it’s important to weigh the cost factor. Often, price becomes the primary focus at the outset of purchasing decisions. It’s more prudent to regard cost at the final stage of your selection process.

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