Optimum alignment

360-degree mobility for perfect belt tracking

Belt misalignment is a familiar problem for plant operators as it can rarely be avoided. It is particularly common when drums and rollers are not properly aligned or are worn, asymmetrical material feeds create transverse forces or uneven belt splices are present. In order to remedy misalignment problems in conveyor systems, different variants of belt guide rollers exist that aim to ensure straight belt tracking.

1 The newly developed E-PrimeTracker ensures precise alignment without wear
© ScrapeTec

1 The newly developed E-PrimeTracker ensures precise alignment without wear

Unlike many previous solutions, the PrimeTracker is not conical but cylindrical. This, together with the 360-degree mobility, allows for a quick and automatic correction if the belt is not in the middle but crooked. The way the PrimeTracker works is as simple as it is brilliant: It is mounted centrally on an axle and can therefore move in all directions without restriction. As a result, it reacts sensitively and directly to the slightest misalignment in order to ensure optimal alignment of the conveyor belt through its corrective measures. When everything is running smoothly and the belt is straight, the PrimeTracker simply acts as an idler. Tapered designs cannot fulfil this function. These outstanding features mean that ScrapeTec Trading GmbH is seeing an increase in demand for the “steering roller”.

2 Equipped with sensor measurement technology, the E-PrimeTracker works remotely and sends its data on belt running status to monitoring systems
© ScrapeTec

2 Equipped with sensor measurement technology, the E-PrimeTracker works remotely and sends its data on belt running status to monitoring systems

ScrapeTec’s German-made products, which are developed according to the highest quality and environmental protection criteria, have shown even greater cost advantages in material handling than originally assumed when this product line was launched. The main players DustScrape and AirScrape not only offer cost advantages, but also an efficient solution in the area of health, safety and environmental protection. They reduce worker exposure to environmental contaminants, particularly from dust stirred up during dry material handling. Traditional side seals, while initially able to mitigate dust problems and spillage, wear out quickly due to friction and have the potential to damage the conveyor system belt with prolonged use.

The success of combining the DustScrape and AirScrape systems for a non-contact side sealing system lies in the effective energy-saving dust suppression. Compact and easy to install, this seal can be used on almost any transfer to prevent health and safety issues on site. This advanced system also minimises product loss by effectively preventing material from escaping into the environment. As a result, users benefit from significant savings, eliminating the need for cleaning.

The non-contact AirScrape sealing system provides an effective seal, creating a vacuum towards the centre of the conveyor belt thanks to its special slat arrangement. Since it does not rest directly on the belt, friction and wear are avoided, which increases the service life of the conveyor belt and thus also allows the seal to operate maintenance-free.