Page 3 - ConveyorBeltMaintenanceManual2010

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INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
i n s t a l l a t i o n
STORAGE
The methods of storing and handling conveyor belting and the procedures for tensioning it before making the final splice are
just as important as actually making the splice. Protect your conveyor belt investment with proper storage. Belts should always
be stored upright in the factory package until used in a cool, dry building and in an area free from sunlight. Store the belt roll
suspended on a tube, bar or support stand. Under no conditions should rolls of belt, especially raw edge or used, be laid flat
on its side. Storing the belt flat on the ground, where moisture can penetrate exposed fabric, or storing the belt roll with weight
on one edge, may stretch the belt. This can cause belt camber or a bowing in the belt, resulting in serious belt mistracking.
During extended storage, the belt roll should be covered with a tarp or dark plastic. Exposure to sunlight, rain and ozone can
have detrimental effects on the rubber covers. The cover should remain in place for the entire storage time. Ideally, the belt
should be rotated 90 degrees approximately every 90 days. Rotation should be performed in the same direction used to wind
up the belt. Rotating in the opposite direction could cause the roll to loosen or telescope.
It is important to make sure the belt is not exposed to extreme temperatures during storage. Ideal temperature for storing a
belt is between 50° F and 70° F. Temperatures outside of this range for an extended period of time can have detrimental
effects on the rubber compounds.
As the length of time stored increases, and as the size of the roll of belting increases, so does the importance of the following
correct storage procedures. Following these procedures will increase the life of the belt once it is installed on the system.
HANDLING THE ROLL
Conveyor belting is customarily packaged in
cylindrical reels, or rolls on a core with the
carrying cover side facing out. If rolling is
necessary, it should occur in a direction such
that the end of the roll on the outside wrap
travels in the direction from which it is wound
up. Rolling in the opposite direction tends to
loosen and telescope the belt.
Reels or rolls should never be dropped from a
freight car, truck, or other means of conveyance,
since their weight will break the packaging and
may damage the belt. Reels or rolls should
always be rolled, or provision should be made for
hoisting them. For hoisting, a square lifting bar of
the correct size should be placed through the
hole in the center of the core. A spreader bar
should be utilized to prevent the chains or slings
from damaging the edges of the conveyor belt.
Slings or chains of the correct size for the weight
of the roll should be used (Fig. 1). Fig. 1
Center Bar
Keeper Channels
Spreader Bar