Conveyor belts are essential in many industries. Their role in transporting materials makes them stand out. In some cases, conveyor belts are not in use and need to be stored for some time. If they aren’t stored correctly, these conveyor belts can develop issues. That’s where the question comes in: How to properly store your conveyor belts?
You might argue that conveyor belts are made from strong, durable materials. So, they can withstand harsh conditions. I agree that these belts are strong. However, when they are not stored correctly, these belts face various issues. These include cuts, corroded hardware, and more. In this article, I will discuss how you can store conveyor belts correctly. So, let’s get started!
What Does Storing a Conveyor Belt Mean?
Storing conveyor belts simply means protecting them from different environmental conditions. Properly stored belts remain in conditions that prevent their material from deteriorating. So, conveyor belts remain durable without losing strength or flexibility. Stored conveyor belts must also be inspected regularly.
Conveyor belts are expensive, and no one wants them to go to waste because of neglect, right? That’s why storing them in the right place is crucial. The place where you store the belt should be sheltered, moisture-free, and safe from oil and other chemicals. As I said above, conveyor belts are made to withstand harsh conditions.
In fact, these belts perform excellently even in the mining and construction sectors. Their strength doesn’t mean they won’t face issues. If they remain exposed to sunlight, moisture, etc., for long periods, they can deteriorate. As you know, conveyor belts are made from various materials. These include rubber, fabric, steel cords, and more.
These conveyor belts differ in strength, durability, and other properties. Rubber conveyor belts can weaken if they remain exposed to sunlight for long. They are also sensitive to oil contamination. In contrast, steel cord conveyor belts may get corroded if they remain exposed to moisture for long.
This means you, as a conveyor belt owner, must keep them in safe conditions. Fabric conveyor belts are sensitive to moisture. If moisture enters the fabric from the corners, the fabric loses strength. Store the conveyor belt in a shelter free of moisture or other contaminants.
How to Properly Store Conveyor Belts: 5 Essential Steps
Proper storage keeps the belt in condition so it retains its shape, size, strength, and overall quality. If the belt is kept without proper storage, it is more likely to develop issues. These can include cuts and abrasion on the belt, corrosion on the frame, and more. Below are some practical steps to help you store conveyor belts long term.
1- Inspect Belts Before Storing
Before storing a conveyor belt, check it for any issues. Sometimes, the conveyor belts already have some rust and other issues. If these issues are not solved in the first place, they can grow larger. A small rust spot on the conveyor frame can grow into a large patch. Also, check for any cuts, rough edges, and other issues. If there is something wrong, you must fix it before storing. Even if you’re storing a new conveyor belt, inspecting it is crucial. This helps you understand the belt’s condition before storage.
2- Suitable Storage Location
Choosing the right storage location is crucial for conveyor belts. The wrong location puts your conveyor belts at risk. Ideally, the storage area should be dry and have a moderate temperature. I don’t recommend keeping conveyor belts in moist conditions. Why? Consistent exposure to moisture can cause corrosion to the conveyor belt frame. If the frame corrodes and weakens, it affects the conveyor belt’s overall durability.Additionally, the storage location does not contain any oil or chemicals. Most conveyor belts are not resistant to oil and chemicals. If belts come into contact with oil or chemicals, they may develop issues.
3- Position and Support Belt Rolls Correctly
Once you find the correct location, the next step is to position the conveyor belt correctly. People often position the conveyor belt incorrectly. As I said, the conveyor belt frame faces stress. Keep the conveyor belt so that none of its parts are under stress. Also, keep the roll on the reel. The reel should be placed on a sturdy frame. However, if no reel is provided, you can use any other support recommended by the manufacturers. One thing to keep in mind: never keep a conveyor belt directly on a flat surface (ground).
4- Avoiding Moisture & Using Proper Storage Temperatures
Conveyor belts are sensitive to two main parameters: moisture and temperature. Consistent exposure to either moisture or temperature can affect the belts’ durability. Moisture harms not only the belt but also the conveyor frame. The frame or body can get corroded, which is a significant drawback.
Corrosion can spread over time and quickly deteriorate the conveyor belt frame. Additionally, temperatures that are too low or too high can also damage the conveyor belt. I recommend storing the conveyor belt at room temperature. Additionally, you can also check the user manual to see the exact temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
5- Periodic Inspection of Conveyor Belts
When stored correctly, conveyor belts remain in good condition. Why? They stay protected from moisture, sunlight, and other factors. But this never means you should ignore them after storing. Instead, I recommend inspecting and checking the conveyor belt periodically. Suppose you have stored it for one year.
I would recommend inspecting the conveyor belt every 3 to 4 months. This way, if something goes wrong, you would act immediately to fix it. Imagine a conveyor belt frame becomes corroded, and you don’t check it. As a result, the conveyor belt frame would deteriorate, and you might not even notice. Inspections help you fix problems immediately, if any.
Factors That Can Damage Conveyor Belts During Storage
Conveyor belts can face issues for different reasons. Some people store the belt carefully but still end up with the belt deteriorating. In the section below, I will discuss some key reasons that can damage conveyor belts due to small mistakes:
- If the conveyor belt is stored near moisture, it can absorb it. If the belt is made of rubber or fabric, it can deteriorate quickly. Moisture can also affect the frame by causing corrosion.
- High temperatures are disastrous for conveyor belts. People often store belts at high temperatures by mistake. As a result, the conveyor belt ages and deteriorates quickly. This issue is more common with rubber conveyor belts.
- Oil and chemicals aren’t so bad for conveyor belts, but that’s only half true. Some conveyor belt designs resist both chemicals and oil. However, some conveyor belts can swell and deteriorate when exposed to oil. Check the belt specifications before exposing it to oil and chemicals.
- Consistent exposure to sunlight and UV rays harms conveyor belts. These factors can cause discoloration and cracking. Therefore, store the conveyor belt in a sheltered area. This keeps the belt protected from direct sunlight and UV rays.
- Dust and debris are everywhere – but they should not reach your stored conveyor belt. Why? Because dust can get into the belt and cause contamination. In fact, this dust can also cause abrasion, which is a significant drawback. You must cover the conveyor belt to keep dust, debris, and other contaminants from reaching it.
Can Conveyor Belts be Stored Outdoors?
Ideally No! I don’t recommend storing conveyor belts outdoors. Instead, you should keep them under shelter.
When stored outdoors, conveyor belts may face moisture, rain, dusty winds, and more. These elements are never good for the conveyor belt’s safety and durability. This applies to all types of conveyor belts. Moisture and rain can affect both the belt and the conveyor system’s frame; dust can also affect the belt and reduce its performance.
How can we ignore the impact of sunlight and UV rays? These elements can fade the belt’s color and may also cause cracks over time. A conveyor belt stored indoors will remain protected from environmental elements. Keep the belt under shelter in a dry environment. This will keep the conveyor belt protected and maintain its strength, flexibility, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a conveyor belt be stored?
You can store the conveyor belt for more than a year with proper periodic inspection. If the conveyor belt is of high quality, it won’t lose its strength even if stored for more than 2 years.
What are the most common conveyor belt storage mistakes?
There are conveyor belt storage mistakes that you must know to avoid:
- Storing belts in an open place
- Exposing conveyor belt to moisture
- Storing conveyor belts at very high temperatures
- Keeping conveyor belts in the wrong position, which exposes parts of the belts to stress.
What is the ideal temperature for conveyor belt storage?
The ideal conveyor belt storage temperature depends primarily on the belt material. A temperature between 10°C and 25°C is considered suitable for these conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, conveyor belts are not bought and sold casually. Instead, they are a one-time investment for most workshops and industries. Additionally, these conveyor belts are very costly. So keeping them in good condition is crucial to ensure they last for years. That’s why storing conveyor belts in the right position, place, and conditions is important.
Unfortunately, many conveyor belt owners keep the conveyor belts unchecked when they are not in use. As a result, conveyor belts deteriorate quickly. Remember, exposing conveyor belts to unfavorable conditions is never a good idea. This can ruin your investment and weaken your conveyor belts. In this article, I discuss practical steps for storing conveyor belts.