Storing a conveyor belt correctly is one of the most important things you can do before splicing the belt onto the conveyor system. Many businesses have ample stock of conveyor belts on hand in case of emergency repairs or replacements, and they therefore have to know how to store them properly to avoid damaging the belts before they are even used.
Why Correctly Storing A Belt Is Necessary
A conveyor belt suffers wear and damage, even when not in use. Sunlight can inflict the most damage, heating up the rubber or metal belts to the point where camber or bowing is experienced. This means that when the belt is installed and spliced, there is significant belt tracking and movement on the conveyor. Rubber compounds also change when exposed to extreme fluctuations of temperature, as well as water exposure. To make matters worse, just as heat has a negative effect on the storage of a conveyor belt, cold temperatures over an extended period of time results in flat spotting, and the thinning of the belt.
How You Should Be Storing A Conveyor Belt
First things first; when storing a conveyor belt, ensure that it is always stored indoors. A warehouse would be a perfect location for storage, as the belt will be protected from sunlight and water. Additionally, make sure that the belt is always stored with a tarpaulin cover. This will also prevent the belt from getting wet, and it will stop dust from settling on the belt (dust can cause a safety hazard during the operation of the conveyor as it is exposed to incredible volumes of friction and pressure).
Secondly, if a conveyor belt roll is supplied on a roll tube, leave it on the tube or install it on a suspension platform. If there is no suspension possible, or the roll is not provided on a tube, then make sure that the roll is placed flat on a dry surface. Please do not place the roll flat on its side, as this will cause bowing to occur. When placing the roll flat on the ground, make sure that the belt is rotated by half its measure every four months. This will prevent the weight of the roll from flattening the roll in contact with the surface.
Take note: if the outside of the roll has been damaged due to storage, then make sure that you cut the outer layer of the roll away. This will mean that only the undamaged inner layers are used when splicing a new conveyor belt.
If you require a supply of brand new conveyor belt rolls, then make sure you contact Unique Conveyor Belting as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!