Conveyor belts are essential to many industrial and bulk handling operations, transporting goods and materials across large distances with minimal effort. However, these systems can quickly become inefficient and dangerous if improperly cleaned and maintained. This is where conveyor belt cleaners and scrapers come in - an effective way to prevent material build-up and extend the lifespan of your conveyor belt.

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Hoverdale motorised brush conveyor belt cleaner

What are Conveyor Belt Cleaners and Scrapers?

Conveyor belt cleaners are devices used to remove material build-up on conveyor belts. These can be scrapers or blades made from various materials such as rubber, urethane, or tungsten carbide. The cleaners work by scraping the conveyor belt surface and eliminating any excess material or debris that could cause issues.

Types of Conveyor Belt Cleaners and Scrapers

There are several types of conveyor belt cleaners and scrapers, each designed to suit specific applications and types of material. Here are some of the most common types of cleaners and scrapers:

Primary belt cleaners

Primary belt cleaners - also known as conveyor belt pre-cleaners are the first line of defence against material build-up. These are typically made from brush, rubber, or polyurethane blades.

Secondary belt cleaners

Secondary belt cleaners - these cleaners are located underneath the conveyor belt, acting as a secondary line of defence. These can be used to remove any remaining material build-up the primary cleaners may have missed.

Belt plows

Belt plows - these belt scrapers deflect any material or debris off the conveyor belt and onto a spillover chute. Belt plows are often used in bulk material handling plants to prevent material build-up and blockages.

Tungsten carbide cleaners

Tungsten carbide cleaners - these belt cleaners use tungsten carbide blades to remove even the most resilient materials from conveyor belts. These are typically used in heavy-duty applications where other cleaners and scrapers may not be effective enough.

Benefits of Using Conveyor Belt Cleaners and Scrapers

By installing conveyor belt cleaners and scrapers at your plant, you can experience several benefits, including:

• Reduced maintenance costs - eliminating material build-up and debris can reduce the likelihood of belt damage, increasing your conveyor belt's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
• Improved safety - removing debris from conveyor belts can prevent accidents, reducing workplace injury risk.
• Increased efficiency - by removing material build-up, your conveyor belt can operate more efficiently and reliably, leading to increased throughput and improved production rates.

Conveyor belt cleaners and scrapers are crucial for any bulk material handling facility. By removing material build-up and debris, these devices can improve safety, increase efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs. When selecting a conveyor belt cleaner or scraper, it's essential to consider your application's specific needs and the type of material being transported. With the right equipment, you can ensure the smooth operation of your conveyor belt and a safe, productive workplace.

Belt scraper FAQs

What is a belt scraper used for?

Belt scrapers are essential components of conveyor systems used in industries ranging from mining and construction to food processing and agriculture. A belt scraper, also known as a conveyor scraper or cleaning blade, is a device attached to the head pulley or tail pulley of a conveyor belt to remove any residual material left on the belt after it has unloaded its cargo. The belt scraper consists of a horizontal metal or polyurethane blade positioned at a specific angle to make contact with the belt surface. As the belt moves, the blade scrapes along the surface, removing any residual material before it can build up and cause problems such as belt slip, tracking issues, or even belt breakage.

How does a belt scraper work?

A belt scraper, also known as a conveyor scraper or cleaning blade, removes any residual material left on the conveyor belt after it has unloaded its cargo. The belt scraper is positioned at a specific angle to make contact with the belt surface, and as the belt moves, the scraper blade scrapes along the surface.

The scraper blade is typically made of metal or polyurethane and is mounted onto a spring-loaded arm. The arm applies pressure to the blade, ensuring it always remains in contact with the belt surface. The blade is angled in a way that is perpendicular to the direction of the belt, allowing it to maximise contact with the belt surface and effectively remove any residual material.

Belt scrapers are essential components of conveyor systems used in industries ranging from mining and construction to food processing and agriculture, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the conveyors. As the scraper blade moves along the belt surface, it collects residual material, which falls into a discharge chute or onto a collection conveyor. This process prevents the material from building up, causing problems such as belt slip, tracking issues, or even belt breakage.

How does a belt cleaner work?

A belt cleaner, also known as a conveyor belt cleaner, removes any residual material left on the conveyor belt after it has unloaded its cargo. This residual material can come in fine particles, dust, or larger debris like rocks or metal pieces.

Belt cleaners can come in various designs and styles, but most work using a scraper blade or a brush. The scraper blade is typically made with metal or polyurethane and is mounted onto a spring-loaded arm. The brush is usually made from stiff bristles, which help to sweep away any residual material.

As the conveyor belt moves, the scraper blade or brush comes into contact with the belt's surface, working to clean and remove any residual material. The scraper blade is positioned at a specific angle to ensure that it is effective in removing the material from the belt. The brush is usually mounted beneath the belt, and as the belt passes over it, the bristles sweep across the surface of the belt, pushing away any residual material.

Most belt cleaner systems include a mechanism for disposing of the collected material, typically into a receptacle or chute. This process ensures that the remaining material doesn't contaminate any other areas or parts of the conveyor system.

In summary, the conveyor belt cleaner removes residual material from the belt's surface using either a scraper blade or a brush. This process prevents the material from building up, leading to potential tracking and performance issues. Belt cleaners are essential components of conveyor systems used in industries such as mining, quarrying, manufacturing, and food processing.

What industries use conveyor systems with belt cleaners?

Conveyor systems with belt cleaners are used in many industries where materials and goods must be transported efficiently and safely. Here are some of the primary industries that rely on conveyor systems with belt cleaners:

Materials recycling facilities (MRFs) are designed to separate materials for recycling. The conveyor belt plays a significant role in the MRF's operations, moving large quantities of materials between the equipment and throughout the facility. Over time, the conveyor belts can become soiled with debris with materials gathered in the belly pans, which can affect the accuracy of the sorting process and cause damage to the machinery. Conveyor belt cleaners help ensure the conveyor belts remain clean and free from debris, enabling the conveyor systems to continue operating efficiently. A range of conveyor belt cleaners is available, from simple belt scrapers to sophisticated systems that use motorised brushes, sprays, or air to clean the belts. Using conveyor belt cleaners effectively keeps the MRF running smoothly and reduces downtime, ultimately saving money and boosting productivity.

Incinerator bottom ash (IBA) processing plants are critical to running operations smoothly. IBA processing plants are designed to extract metals from ash residue generated during the incineration of municipal waste. During the process, conveyor belts move large quantities of ash through the plant. Over time, ash can build up on the belts and belly pans, which can cause them to slow down, slip, or even damage the machinery.

Mining: Mining companies use conveyor systems to transport raw materials from excavation sites to processing plants. Belt cleaners are essential in this industry, as the materials transported can be abrasive and cause significant damage to the belts if not properly cleaned.

Power Generation: Power plants use conveyor systems to transport coal and other raw materials needed for energy production. Belt cleaners are critical to this industry, as materials can accumulate on the belt and potentially cause equipment failure or even fires.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing plants transport raw materials and finished products around their facilities using conveyor systems. Belt cleaners help ensure the belts run smoothly and efficiently, preventing jams and blockages and reducing downtime.

Food Processing: Food processing plants use conveyor systems to transport fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and other ingredients through their operations. Belt cleaners are vital in this industry to ensure that the conveyor belts are free from any residual materials that could contaminate the food sources.

 

In summary, many industries use conveyor systems with belt cleaners, including mining, recycling, power generation, manufacturing, food processing, warehousing and distribution. These industries rely on conveyor systems to transport materials and goods efficiently and safely, and belt cleaners help keep those systems running smoothly.

Do you have any of the following issues in your facility?

• Material stuck to the return belt
• Material build-up on return rollers
• Drive drum motors are overloaded
• Material under conveyors needs to be dug out regularly
• Material build-up at the tail drum
• Excessive or premature belt wear
• Material spillage causing hazards
• Material becoming airborne causes health safety risks
• Belly pans full of material create a fire hazard
• Dirty belts causing optical sorting machine issues
• Belt stoppages and downtime.

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Conveyor Belt Cleaners: A Guide

The food processing industry depends on conveyor belts. This critical machinery moves raw materials from trucks to storage, transports stored raw materials to production lines, and moves finished goods to packaging.

Originally, conveyor belts carried coal and other heavy-duty products, but in the early s these handy devices made their way to food processing to transfer food products from one area to another.

Conveyor belt systems for food processing evolved to become more efficient and effective. Wooden and metal conveyor belt systems served their purpose but challenged the food industry, which needed belt conveyors that used a food safe material.

In the s, Intralox designed and patented a plastic conveyor belt to solve food safety concerns. The invention revolutionized the food processing industry. Today modular plastic belt and stainless-steel versions minimize sanitation risks.

Material and design innovations do not eliminate the need for conveyor belt cleaning. The potential to collect disease-causing germs during food processing creates a need for regular conveyor belt cleaning to keep food safe.

There are different methods of belt cleaning. The article shares methods of conveyor belt cleaning and sterilizing to keep conveyor systems free of contaminants.

A little Dirt Can Hurt

First, determine how often to clean a food processing conveyor belt.

• Belt Soil. The faster soil builds up on conveyor belts, the more often cleaning is necessary. The longer the soil remains on the belt, the harder it is to clean. And contamination will spread to other items if companies leave soil untouched.
• Material Volume. How much volume the conveyor belt carries also impacts cleaning needs. The higher the material volume, the more contaminated the belt becomes. Cleaning should be more frequent in situations where belts get used a lot.
• Food Types. The type of food carried on conveyor belts also impacts cleaning needs. Sticky foods are more prone to carrybacks than dry goods.

Hygiene and food safety are the best reasons to clean food processing conveyor belts. However, cleaning also provides mechanical advantages. Regular conveyor belt cleaning also can prevent mistracking, material spillage, carrybacks, and slippage to reduce material loss, unplanned downtime, and increase production time.

Types of Conveyor Belts

Common food-grade conveyor belt types include:

• Flat Belt Conveyors. Food processing facilities most commonly use food-grade conveyor belts. Their smooth, continuous conveyor belt surfaces are easy to clean, making them ideal for food handling.
• Wire/Plastic Mesh Conveyors. These conveyor systems use food-grade stainless steel or plastic which can withstand high and low temperatures. Products do not stick as easily to mesh. Depending on the application, mesh belt conveyors come in any length, width, or speed.
• Trough Belt Conveyors. When moving bulk materials long distances, trough designs keep materials in the center.
• Roller Conveyors. Food package handling applications use stainless steel or powder-coated carbon steel roller conveyors built for specific applications.

Regardless of the type of conveyor, they still must be kept clean.

Conveyor Belt Cleaning Methods

Manufacturers design food-grade belt conveyors for heavy wash downs to achieve optimum sanitation safely and efficiently. There are three different ways to clean conveyor belts. The type of food conveyor and contamination levels determine which one to use.

SPECIAL NOTE: Removal of conveyor belts is a labor-intensive and lengthy process, which reduces efficiency and raises costs

Manual Cleaning

Manual cleaning is labor and time intensive. But it is one way to keep a conveyor belt clean. The tools needed to clean are a water brush, brush cleaner, roller and wash box.

Facility managers can use manual cleaning to:

• Sweep and brush out debris and carrybacks
• Scrape off sticky foods and food fragments with a belt scraper
• Scrub off stains
• Rinse off debris
• Wipe and vacuum to remove residue

This method offers both pros and cons.

Pros

• Scrubbing by hand with the right tools and equipment can accomplish deep cleaning.

Cons

• Requires training and experience for best results
• Can be very time consuming increasing cleaning time and labor costs
• Loss of production efficiency

Semi-Automatic Cleaning

Food processing plants can automate part of the cleaning process to make the cleaning solution more efficient and safer. Tasks that can be automated include:

• Dry vacuuming
• Spraying
• Rinsing

The main tools needed for semi-automatic cleaning include cleaning brushes and a wash box.This method offers a few benefits and disadvantages.

Pros

• Faster than manual cleaning
• Produces reliable, consistent results

Cons

• Requires training and experience for best results
• Can be very time consuming increasing time to clean and labor costs
• Loss of production efficiency

 

Fully Automatic Cleaning

Fully automatic conveyor belt cleaning reduces downtime by using a clean-in-place system to keep things clean.

This method works better than semi-automatic and manual cleaning.

Pros

• Frees staff to perform other work
• Produces reliable, consistent results
• Most cost effective as it reduces time to clean and labor costs
• Increases production efficiency

Guide to Conveyor Belt Cleaners

For most applications, automated cleaning is the best option. Here, Goodway offers three types of PureBelt&#; conveyor belt cleaners to meet the needs of various conveyor belt systems used in food processing. These food-grade conveyor belt cleaners use low moisture, dry steam to deliver high-quality cleaning and sanitation.

PureBelt&#; Portable System 

A fully automated system that cleans mesh-style, plastic modular, or metal conveyor belts using dry steam to remove soils and obliterate fats, oils, mold, and bacteria.

The portable design works well on most mesh conveyor belt systems. Programmable dry steam patterns deliver complete control over cleaning and sanitation.

Dry steam technology uses little water, and dries immediately, reducing the need for water pickup. The ultra-low moisture solution works well in dry clean environments such as bakeries, confectionery plants, and snack plants.

PureBelt&#; Fixed Brushless Belt Cleaning System

Cleans flat conveyor belts in place in dry clean environments such as bakeries, snack plants, confectionery plants, and industrial settings. The system removes fats, sugars, oils and more from conveyor belt systems.

The secondary conveyor belt cleaner system attaches to the conveyor belt frame and leverages the power of dry steam to clean conveyor belts continuously. Fixed cleaning systems speed production times, decrease downtime, and increase output.

The system works well for contract manufacturers with multiple products and limited production lines. It improves production line flexibility, reduces changeover times, reduces labor times and water usage. When cleaning is complete, belts are dry and ready for sanitation.

Goodway can customize this system to meet exact conveyor belt configurations and applications. Vacuum extraction options are available for better results.

PureBelt&#; Portable Brushless Belt Cleaning System

Cleans flat conveyor belts in dry clean environments such as bakeries, snack plants, confectionery plants, fulfillment centers, pharmaceutical plants, and medical device manufacturing facilities.

This cleaning system combines dry steam with vacuum extraction for quick cleaning and sanitation to remove soils, allergens, mold, glaze, oil over spray, bacteria, fats, grimes and soils. The low-moisture dry solution leaves belts dry and ready for sanitation. Its portable design works well for single or multiple line systems.

Next Steps

Keeping food-grade conveyor belt systems free of debris and contamination keeps food safe and reduces downtime. Goodway PureBelt Conveyor Belt Cleaner Systems come in three different types to accommodate a food processing operation&#;s unique needs. Call a Goodway Industrial expert to discover the best option for your conveyor belt system and food processing operation.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Conveyor Cleaner. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.