Conveyors are key components to most of the goods we receive as consumers! However, to keep them functioning efficiently, regular cleaning is essential. Not only does maintenance ensure longevity and efficiency, it helps prevent contamination and keeps your workspace safe. In this blog, we’ll explore effective methods for cleaning conveyor belts.
Why Do I Even Need to Clean My Conveyors?
Conveyors accumulate dirt, dust, and debris over time, which can lead to:
- Reduced Efficiency: A dirty conveyor belt can slow movement, leading to slower production.
- Increased Wear: Buildup can cause belts to wear out quickly, increasing replacement costs and adding to already costly downtime.
- Contamination Risks: For food industries, like poultry and pork, a clean conveyor is essential to avoiding contamination.
- Safety Hazards: If an overwhelming amount of dirt and debris is falling from your chains it can cause a safety hazard on the floor.
Cleaning Methods
1. Manual Cleaning
Manual cleaning is a straightforward approach that involves using non-powered brushes. These brushes can effectively remove loose debris
and grime from the belt surface. Mighty Lube offers a range of non-powered cleaning brushes that are perfect for this task. For example, the Model 800qcb is our Overspray Eliminator Brush. This brush is a great alternative for someone who needs easy installation and lower maintenance. This brush is specifically sold for belt conveyor
cleaning and allows customers to mount it themselves.
Benefits of Non-Powered Brushes:
- Cost-effective and simple to use
- Ideal for quick spot-cleaning
- Lightweight and portable for easy maneuverability
2. Powered Cleaning
For more demanding cleaning tasks, powered cleaning brushes can save time and effort. Mighty Lube’s powered cleaning brush is called the OP-8. It is equipped with a motorized brush assembly that removes debris and buildup from conveyor chains, trolley wheels, and trolley brackets. We provide various brush set configurations tailored to different conveyor types that are designed to tackle tough residues that manual methods may struggle with, making them ideal for high-traffic or heavily soiled belts.
Advantages of Powered Brushes:
- Consistent and thorough cleaning results
- Reduced labor time and effort
- Enhanced effectiveness against stubborn stains and build-up
Steps for Conveyor Cleaning
- Shut Down the Conveyor: Safety first! Always ensure the conveyor system is powered off before starting a cleaning process.
- Remove Loose Debris: Use a non-powered cleaning brush to sweep away any loose dirt and debris from the surface of the belt.
- Select Your Cleaning Method: Choose a non-powered brush for light cleaning or a powered brush for more intensive scrubbing.
- Scrub the Conveyor: Gently scrub the conveyor belt with your chosen brush, focusing on areas with more build-up. For powered brushes, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best use!
- Rinse (If Applicable): If you are using any cleaning solutions, ensure you rinse the belt thoroughly to prevent residue buildup.
- Inspect for Damage: Cleaning is a good opportunity to inspect the belt for any signs of wear or damage that may need to be addressed.
- Dry the Conveyor: Allow the conveyor belt to dry completely before powering it back on to avoid slips or additional dirt accumulation.