May. 05, 2025
The brush cleaning head is a common method used to clean conveyor belts. It consists of rotating brushes that scrub the belt surface to remove dirt and debris. The brushes can be made of various materials such as nylon or polypropylene.
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One of the advantages of using a brush cleaning head is its effectiveness in removing loose particles from the belt surface. The rotating brushes agitate the belt, dislodging any dirt or debris that may be stuck. Additionally, brush cleaning heads are relatively easy to install and maintain.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using brush cleaning heads. Firstly, they may not be suitable for all types of conveyor belts. For example, belts with delicate surfaces or those made of certain materials may be damaged by the abrasive action of the brushes. Secondly, brush cleaning heads may not be as effective in removing stubborn stains or sticky substances from the belt surface.
The scraper cleaning head is another popular method used to clean conveyor belts. It consists of a metal blade or scraper that is mounted at an angle to the belt surface. As the belt moves, the scraper removes any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the belt.
One of the main advantages of using a scraper cleaning head is its ability to remove stubborn stains and sticky substances from the belt surface. The metal blade or scraper provides a more aggressive cleaning action compared to brushes. Additionally, scraper cleaning heads are relatively low-cost and easy to install.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using scraper cleaning heads. Firstly, they may not be suitable for all types of conveyor belts. Belts with delicate surfaces or those made of certain materials may be scratched or damaged by the metal blade. Secondly, scraper cleaning heads require regular maintenance to ensure that the blade remains sharp and effective.
The comb cleaning head is a less common method used to clean conveyor belts. It consists of a series of plastic or metal combs that are mounted at an angle to the belt surface. As the belt moves, the combs scrape off any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the belt.
One of the advantages of using a comb cleaning head is its ability to remove both loose particles and stubborn stains from the belt surface. The combs provide a more gentle cleaning action compared to brushes or scrapers, making them suitable for delicate surfaces or belts made of sensitive materials. Additionally, comb cleaning heads are relatively low-cost and easy to install.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using comb cleaning heads. Firstly, they may not be as effective in removing sticky substances from the belt surface compared to scraper cleaning heads. Secondly, comb cleaning heads require regular maintenance to ensure that the combs remain in good condition and do not become clogged with debris.
The air knife cleaning head is a unique method used to clean conveyor belts. It consists of a high-velocity air stream that blows away any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the belt surface.
One of the main advantages of using an air knife cleaning head is its ability to remove both loose particles and sticky substances from the belt surface. The high-velocity air stream provides a powerful cleaning action without the need for brushes or scrapers. Additionally, air knife cleaning heads are relatively low-maintenance and do not require any physical contact with the belt surface.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using air knife cleaning heads. Firstly, they may not be suitable for all types of conveyor belts. Belts with delicate surfaces or those made of certain materials may be damaged by the forceful air stream. Secondly, air knife cleaning heads may not be as effective in removing stubborn stains compared to scraper cleaning heads.
The steam vapour cleaning machine is a versatile method used to clean conveyor belts. It uses high-temperature steam to dissolve and remove dirt, debris, and contaminants from the belt surface.
The steam vapour cleaning machine consists of a boiler that heats water to produce steam, which is then delivered through a hose and nozzle onto the belt surface. The high-temperature steam breaks down dirt and grease, while the pressure helps to dislodge any stubborn stains or particles. The steam vapour is then vacuumed up along with the dissolved dirt and debris, leaving the belt clean and dry.
There are several advantages to using a steam vapour cleaning machine for conveyor belt cleaning. Firstly, it provides a deep and thorough clean by dissolving and removing dirt, grease, and contaminants from the belt surface. This helps to prevent product contamination and maintain hygiene standards in industries such as food processing.
Secondly, the steam vapour cleaning machine is environmentally friendly as it does not require the use of harsh chemicals or detergents. The high-temperature steam is effective in killing bacteria and sanitizing the belt surface without leaving any residue behind.
Thirdly, the steam vapour cleaning machine is versatile and can be used on various types of conveyor belts, including those with delicate surfaces or made of sensitive materials. The adjustable steam pressure allows for customized cleaning based on the specific requirements of the belt.
The automatic conveyor belt steam vacuum is a specialized machine used for conveyor belt cleaning. It combines the power of steam vapour cleaning with a vacuum system to provide a comprehensive cleaning solution.
The automatic conveyor belt steam vacuum works by delivering high-temperature steam onto the belt surface to dissolve and remove dirt, grease, and contaminants. The steam is then immediately vacuumed up along with the dissolved dirt and debris, leaving the belt clean and dry.
One of the main advantages of using an automatic conveyor belt steam vacuum is its efficiency and productivity. The combination of steam cleaning and vacuuming allows for a faster and more thorough cleaning process compared to manual methods. Additionally, the automatic operation reduces the need for manual labour, saving time and resources.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using an automatic conveyor belt steam vacuum. Firstly, it may require a higher initial investment compared to other cleaning methods. Secondly, the machine may require regular maintenance to ensure that it remains in good working condition.
When choosing the right cleaning head for your conveyor belt, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you need to assess the type of belt surface and its sensitivity to different cleaning methods. For delicate surfaces or belts made of sensitive materials, a comb or air knife cleaning head may be more suitable. For belts with stubborn stains or sticky substances, a scraper or steam vapour cleaning head may be more effective.
Secondly, you need to consider the specific cleaning requirements of your industry. For example, in the food processing industry, maintaining hygiene and preventing product contamination are top priorities. In this case, a steam vapour cleaning machine or an automatic conveyor belt steam vacuum may be the best choice.
Lastly, you need to evaluate the cost and maintenance requirements of each cleaning head. Some cleaning heads may require regular replacement of brushes or blades, while others may require periodic servicing or calibration. It is important to choose a cleaning head that fits within your budget and can be easily maintained.
In conclusion, choosing the right cleaning head for your conveyor belt is crucial for maintaining efficiency and productivity in your business. Each cleaning head has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider factors such as belt surface sensitivity, cleaning requirements, and cost when making a decision.
The brush cleaning head is effective in removing loose particles but may not be suitable for all types of belts. The scraper cleaning head is effective in removing stubborn stains but may cause damage to delicate surfaces. The comb cleaning head provides a gentle cleaning action but may not be as effective in removing sticky substances. The air knife cleaning head provides a powerful cleaning action but may not be suitable for delicate surfaces. The steam vapour cleaning machine provides a deep and thorough clean without the use of chemicals but may require a higher initial investment. The automatic conveyor belt steam vacuum combines steam cleaning with vacuuming for efficient and productive cleaning but may require regular maintenance.
By carefully considering these factors and choosing the right cleaning head for your conveyor belt, you can ensure that your business operates smoothly and maintains high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Conveyor belt cleaning heads are devices that are used to clean conveyor belts in industrial settings. They are designed to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants from the surface of the belt to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently.
There are several different types of conveyor belt cleaning heads, including brush heads, scraper heads, and air knife heads. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific application and the type of material being transported.
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Brush conveyor belt cleaning heads are effective at removing loose debris and particles from the surface of the belt. They are also relatively gentle on the belt itself, which can help to extend its lifespan. However, they may not be as effective at removing stubborn or sticky materials, and they can be more difficult to clean and maintain than other types of cleaning heads.
Scraper conveyor belt cleaning heads are very effective at removing stubborn or sticky materials from the surface of the belt. They are also relatively easy to clean and maintain. However, they can be more abrasive on the belt itself, which can lead to increased wear and tear over time.
Air knife conveyor belt cleaning heads use compressed air to blow debris and particles off the surface of the belt. They are very effective at removing fine particles and can be used in applications where water or other cleaning solutions are not appropriate. However, they can be more expensive to install and maintain than other types of cleaning heads, and they may not be as effective at removing larger or more stubborn materials.
While it is clear there is no single or ideal solution for conveyor belt cleaning and tensioner selection, Todd Swinderman* of Martin Engineering thinks companies need to put the due diligence hours in to make the optimal choice.
Conveyor belt cleaners have evolved over the last 50 years from mostly home-made designs to a wide variety of engineered solutions to suit virtually every application. The expectations have changed over time as the relationship between health, safety and productivity and clean belts have become more widely accepted. As development continues, a single solution to the problem of belt cleaning and tensioner design is unlikely to be found due to the numerous variables and conditions that affect belt cleaner effectiveness.
A discussion about belt cleaner tensioners must include the basic approaches to belt cleaning, as the most effective approach is achieved through a combination of cleaner and tensioner designs. Industry has gravitated toward mechanical cleaners and tensioners because they are simple and economical. The most common mechanical belt cleaner designs present a blade or brush at various angles to the belt. Depending on the cleaner type and materials of construction, they can approach the belt at either a positive, negative or zero rake (Figure 1).
Regardless of the basic cleaning approach, maintaining the optimum range of contact pressure will result in the best balance between cleaning performance, cleaning element wear, belt wear and power requirements. CEMA Standard 576, ‘Classification of Applications for Bulk Material Conveyors Belt Cleaning’, provides a performance-based classification system for use in specifying belt cleaners.
There are two basic approaches to applying tension to the belt cleaner: linear and rotary (Figure 2). The blade’s angle of approach to the belt often dictates whether a linear or rotary tensioner is applied. The stored energy that creates the tensioning force most often comes from gravity, springs or actuators. CEMA defines the cleaning positions as Primary, Secondary and Tertiary (Figure 3). Most belt cleaners mounted in the primary position utilise a rotary style tensioner, while most belt cleaners mounted in the secondary or tertiary positions use linear style tensioners.
Linear tensioners are most often applied where the compensation for wear is required in small increments, such as with hard metal-tipped cleaners located in the secondary cleaning position or with brush cleaners. The basic tensioner design approach is typically a carriage that constrains the support frame but allows linear movement along a guide or guides roughly perpendicular to the belt surface, with the support frame and blade design providing the cleaning angle. Some designs incorporate a relief ability for impact by splices or belt defects.
The advantages of linear tensioners include: 1) simple in design; 2) can be engineered to one setting for full blade wear; 3) access windows are easily incorporated within the mounting footprint; 4) can accommodate actuator deflection scales for accurate adjustment of cleaning pressure and; 5) delivers the ability to adjust for uneven mounting positions or asymmetrical blade wear.
The disadvantages of linear tensioners include: 1) the tensioner footprint can be large, restricting options for ideal belt cleaner installation; 2) there must be access to the far side for adjustment; 3) the guide mechanisms are subject to fouling from dust and corrosion; and 4) changing from bottom adjustment to top adjustment or providing for adjustment from one side complicates the tensioner design.
Rotary tensioners utilising an actuator are principally designed using a lever arm or an elastomeric element that is concentric with the belt cleaner support shaft. They apply a blade-to-belt contact surface determined by the actuating force and linkage geometry. The energy source delivers a force to the lever arm which rotates the shaft and forces the belt cleaner blade(s) against the belt surface. Rotary designs tend to be compact and, in most cases, the actuator(s) can be mounted at any orientation, which provides options for installing the belt cleaner in the optimum position.
Counterweight tensioner
At one time the most common rotary tensioner was a counterweighted lever arm, with its position adjusted to apply the design cleaning force to a blade or blades that contact the belt. A counterweight can be mounted on one end of the shaft or both. Usually, the initial installation would have the arm angle set so that at the midpoint of the blade wear the arm would be horizontal, thus roughly averaging the design cleaning force over the life of the blade (Figure 4).
The primary advantage of the counterweight design is that it is self-adjusting by gravity. The disadvantages of the counterweight design are: 1) the lack of damping which allows the blade and therefore the weight to bounce when struck by a splice, strongly adhered material, like ice or a defect in the belt. The unexpected movement of the counterweight can represent a safety hazard and uncontrolled bouncing can result in belt top cover damage; 2) the counterweight tensioner takes a significant amount of space; and 3) if the counterweight arm cannot be mounted horizontally there is a reduction in the force applied to the blade, because the effective lever arm is shortened.
Rotary lever arm and actuator tensioners
Rotary adjustment of the belt cleaning blade can be accomplished in several ways. The support frame is almost always in a fixed location but free to rotate. The required tensioning forces can be applied by many types of actuators, such as: springs, fluid cylinders, electric actuators or from torque stored in an elastomeric element. Rotary tensioners are often used with elastomeric blades, where the change in blade height and thickness as it wears is significant (Figure 5).
The advantages of rotary tensioners are: 1) a compact design; 2) a single tensioner mounted on one side of the conveyor can often be used for a range of blade styles and belt widths; 3) they can be designed to minimise the number of times the tensioner has to be adjusted during the life of the blade; and 4) many types of actuators can be used.
The disadvantages of rotary tensioners are: 1) there can be a safety hazard if the support frame is mounted too far from the pulley and the cleaner pulls through; 2) the mounting location of the axis of rotation is critical for proper blade cleaning angle; 3) the constant force output by some actuators can result in a wide variance in cleaning pressure and blade life over time; and 4) when a tensioner is required on both ends of the support frame, it is often difficult to access the drive side of the conveyor for mounting and adjustment.
Other factors
The importance of proper installation should not be overlooked for the proper performance of the belt cleaner. Slight variations in the location of the support frame relative to the belt can cause significant issues with the effectiveness of the blades and can result in support frame bending. Most manufacturers provide detailed instructions for the location of the support frames and tensioners, which must be followed for optimal function.
To be effective, belt cleaners should be frequently inspected and maintained. In practice, the design of the conveyor structure and location of the drive and other equipment makes service difficult. Consideration in the design stage for easy access and ergonomic location of the cleaners for inspection and service will pay dividends in reducing carryback, maintenance time and potential exposure to injuries.
To maximise blade effectiveness and minimise rapid wear, the recommended adjustment protocols should be followed. Studies have shown that there is a critical cleaning pressure range for various types of cleaners and blade types. These studies demonstrate that over-tensioning the belt cleaner does not necessarily improve the cleaning effect, but often results in increased belt and blade wear as well as higher power consumption.
As technology continues to advance, suppliers are beginning to integrate an increasing level of functionality in belt cleaner designs. One such innovation is a belt cleaner position indicator that can monitor the blade and estimate remaining service life based on the current hourly wear rate. Able to retrofit directly to existing mainframes, the device is capable of sending a notification to maintenance personnel or service contractors when a cleaner requires re-tensioning or replacement.
This capability brings a number of benefits. Inspection and service time is reduced, as maintenance personnel no longer need to physically view the cleaner to determine the tension or wear status. It also reduces the time workers need to spend near the moving conveyor, helping to minimise the potential for accidents. By relying on data – not human judgement – to maintain the appropriate tension for optimal cleaning performance and monitor blade wear, the indicator maximises service life and reports with certainty when a blade is nearing the end of its useful life, delivering a greater return on cleaner investment. Replacement orders can be scheduled for just-in-time delivery, reducing the need to stock parts inventory, and installation can be scheduled for planned downtime instead of on an emergency basis.
Taking the technology a step further is another patent-pending device that combines the position indicator with an automated tensioner. This novel powered assembly incorporates sensors that constantly monitor blade pressure and adjust its position to maintain optimal cleaning tension. Maintenance personnel no longer need to visit each cleaner and manually re-tension. Instead, the tasks are performed automatically, reducing maintenance time while maximising the usable area of every cleaner. Analytics provide an unprecedented view and understanding of belt cleaner performance, with real-time data available remotely via a specially designed app.
While manufacturers continue to improve belt cleaner effectiveness, it has become clear that there is no single or ideal solution for belt cleaning and tensioner selection. Safety of personnel and the belt itself is an important consideration when selecting a tensioner. Ease of inspection and maintenance is critical for belt cleaner effectiveness, so the tensioner must allow for quick and safe service.
The selection of a belt cleaner should be based on the duty rating of the cleaner as provided in CEMA Standard 576 and then the appropriate cleaning system selected. The system should be selected based on life cycle cost and not just the initial price. The investment for effective belt cleaning is justifiable on direct cost reduction (clean-up costs), extended component life (often 25-40%) and reduced exposure to injuries, which is directly related to reduced clean-up frequency.
*R Todd Swinderman is CEO Emeritus of Martin Engineering
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