Engineering Utilities - Mechanical

BASIC PRINCIPLES
IN BUILDING
CONVEYING SYSTEMS
SALES, I.R., SIBUG, J.B., TABIOS, L.A.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Learn and understand what conveying system is.
Identify various elements of a conveying system.
Differentiate types of conveying system and how do they work.
Discuss the basic principles in building conveying systems.
WHAT IS A
CONVEYOR SYSTEM?
A conveyor system is a common piece of
mechanical handling equipment that
moves materials from one location to
another. It is a fast and efficient
mechanical handling apparatus for
automatically transporting loads and
materials within an area. They are handy
for transferring large or heavy objects. A
conveyor system can move objects using
a chain, wheels, rollers, or belt.
HOW DO CONVEYOR SYSTEM WORK?
The most common conveyor system designs use a rotor to
power the drive pulley and belt. Because of the friction between
the two surfaces, the belt stays attached to the rotor. The
driving pulley and idler must rotate in the same direction, either
clockwise or counterclockwise, for the belt to travel efficiently.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CONVEYOR SYSTEM?

The main purpose of a conveyor system is to move objects from
one location to another. The design allows for the movement of
objects that are too heavy or too bulky for humans to carry by
hand.
 CONSIDERATIONS IN DESIGNING
A CONVEYOR SYSTEM
There are several factors to consider when trying to identify and purchase
the ideal conveyor system for your warehousing or distribution facility.
First off, an ideal conveyor system must be:
Operationally safe
Energy efficient
Reliable (parts and components engineered to last)
Adaptable to changing needs
Cost-effective (in terms of TCO, or total cost of ownership)
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN EVALUATING AND
SELECTING THE RIGHT CONVEYOR SYSTEM
PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS
A conveyor system is primarily used to transport items between different
functional areas within a distribution facility. Therefore, the design, dimensions, and
type of conveyor system to be installed depend on specific items being moved.

PROCESS REQUIREMENTS
Process requirements encompass the factors that dictate how the conveyor
should operate and the specific conditions of the operating environment.

TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS
The point at which items are transferred onto and off of the conveyor is crucial.
Most conveyors utilize side-to-side transfers, powered transfers, dead plates,
gravity rollers, and similar mechanisms to facilitate this process.

CONVEYOR SYSTEM COST

In modern warehouses, manual transfer operations cannot maintain the
throughput levels needed for fast and cost-efficient order fulfillment. A conveyor
system enhances productivity, improves ergonomics, reduces product damage,
provides better access to materials, and decreases workplace hazards.
 MAIN ELEMENTS OF A CONVEYOR
1. CONVEYOR DRIVE
A conveyor drive unit enables the system to operate. This drive
component is what powers the conveyor, and it can refer to either
the motor or the assembly that secures the motor to the conveyor,
known as the drive assembly.
A. FIXED-SPEED DRIVES
Fixed-speed drives are utilized when the conveyor speed selected at
the outset does not need adjustment during normal operation. If
minor speed changes are necessary, simple adjustments to the
sheave or sprocket are sufficient.
B. ADJUSTABLE-SPEED DRIVES
Adjustable-speed drives are designed to modify the conveyor speed
either manually or automatically during operation, accommodating
changes in processing needs.
MAIN TYPES OF DRIVE ASSEMBLIES
A. END DRIVE CONVEYORS
The motor drives one of the end rollers on the conveyor. Ideally, the
drive is positioned at the discharge end of the conveyor to pull the
belt or chain over the pulley.

B. CENTER DRIVE CONVEYORS

Center drives, like end drives, are positioned along the center of the
conveyor frame. However, this type of drive can be mounted
anywhere along the frame, not necessarily at the geometric center.
For it to qualify as a center drive, the motor must not engage either
of the conveyor's end pulleys or rollers.

C. INTERNAL DRIVE CONVEYORS

In both of the preceding drive setups, the motor is installed externally
to the conveyor and connects with the drive pulley. However, in the
third drive assembly option, the internal drive drum motor, the motor
is situated within or internal to the drive pulley.
 2. CONVEYOR MOTOR
It is an electric motor specifically designed to provide power to
drive a conveyor system. It is responsible for generating the
mechanical energy needed to move the conveyor belt or other
types of conveying elements, facilitating the movement of
materials along the conveyor line.

3. AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT
Auxiliary equipment refers to peripheral devices that can
enhance or streamline the efficiency and operation of the
extrusion process. These are supplementary support tools
integrated into the extrusion process to improve its
effectiveness and ease of operation.

4. CONTROL OF CONVEYORS
The introduction of process control computers and programmable
controllers has significantly improved control capabilities. These
systems enable the maintenance of rated capacities with high
precision, ensuring close adherence to specified tolerances.
MAJOR TYPES OF A CONVEYOR
1. CHUTE CONVEYOR
It is a type of material handling equipment used to move
goods, parts, or materials from one location to another. It
consist of a sloped surface or channel through which
materials slide down due to gravitational force. It is energy
efficient, low maintenance, and versatile

2. WHEEL CONVEYOR
It is a non-powered conveyor system that uses series of
skate wheels mounted on a series of axles or a frame to
transport items. It is not suitable for very heavy items and
long-distance transport. It is cost-effective, easy
installation, low maintenance, flexible, and portable.
3. ROLLER CONVEYOR
A roller conveyor consists of a series of cylindrical rollers that are
mounted on a frame. The rollers are spaced evenly along the length
of the conveyor and can be powered or non-powered. Products are
placed on the rollers, and the movement of the rollers allows the
products to be conveyed from one point to another.

A. GRAVITY ROLLER CONVEYOR

It operates on a slight decline, allowing products to move freely
without external power over long distances. It operate using the force
of gravity and is ideal for lightweight and medium-weight items.

B. LIVE (POWERED) ROLLER CONVEYOR

It uses motors and drive belts to drive roller to convey materials. It is
suitable for handling heavier loads and for applications requiring
controlled movement. It can be integrated with automated systems.
 4. CHAIN CONVEYOR
It consists of a series of metal or plastic chains that form a
continuous loop, driven by a motor. The chains can carry loads
directly on the chain or on pallets, which rest on the chains. It is
commonly used in automotive industry, manufacturing,
warehousing, mining and food and beverage. It is durable, flexible,
low maintenance, smooth operation, and versatile.

5. SLAT CONVEYOR
It consists of endless chains, driven by electric motors operating
through reduction gears and sprockets, with attached spaced
slats to carry objects that would damage a belt because of
sharp edges or heavy weights. It uses discretely spaced slats
connected to a chain unit being transported.
6. BELT CONVEYOR
A belt conveyor is a mechanical device that transports materials effortlessly
over various distances using a continuous belt. The belt is looped around
two or more pulleys, one or more of which are powered to move the belt
and its contents forward. They are widely used in various industries for their
efficiency, versatility, and ability to handle a broad range of materials.

A. FLAT BELT CONVEYOR

It is used when an incline or decline is required. For transporting light-weight
and medium-weight loads between operations, and buildings.

B. MAGNETIC BELT CONVEYOR

It utilizes a belt with magnetic properties to transport magnetic materials or
ferrous components. The belt is typically made of a material that has
magnetic properties, or has magnets embedded within the belt structure.

C. THROUGHED BELT CONVEYOR

A troughed belt conveyor is a continuous belt that is supported along its
length by a series of idler rollers. These idler rollers are typically arranged in a
troughed shape (troughed profile) along the conveyor length to support the
belt and carry the load.
 7. VIBRATING CONVEYOR
It is designed to move bulk materials through the application of
vibratory motion. The vibrations cause the material to move
forward in a series of small hops or jumps, often in a smooth,
continuous motion along the conveyor trough or tube. It vibrates at
a relatively high frequency and small amplitude in order to convey
individual units. This are highly efficient for handling fine, granular, or
irregularly shaped materials.

8. SCREW CONVEYOR
A screw conveyor, also known as an auger conveyor, is a
mechanical device that consists of a rotating helical screw
blade, also known as a flighting, housed inside a tube or trough.
The rotation of the screw causes the material to move along
the length of the conveyor. The screw conveyor can be oriented
horizontally, vertically, or at an incline, depending on the
application.
9. PNEUMATIC CONVEYOR
It uses air pressure or vacuum to transport bulk materials through a
system of vertical and horizontal pipelines. It is capable of continuous
operation but requires high power output. This system is often used
for moving fine, dry powders, granules, and pellets, but can also
handle materials like grains, sugar, and chemicals.

A. DILUTE-PHASE PNEUMATIC CONVEYOR

Dilute phase conveyor system transports materials using a high-
velocity air stream, keeping the materials suspended in the air as
they move through the conveying line. It suitable for light and non-
abrasive materials like flour, grains, and plastic pellets. Push systems,
pull systems, push-pull systems are used.

B. DENSE-PHASE PNEUMATIC CONVEYOR

Dense phase conveyor utilizes low-velocity air to move materials in a
more concentrated form. It conveys materials through a pipeline in a
more compact form, which minimizes material degradation and
wear on the system. It is suitable for heavy, abrasive, and fragile
materials like sand, sugar, and chemicals.
10. VERTICAL CONVEYOR
Vertical conveyors are mechanical systems designed to move
materials vertically or between different levels within a facility. They
are often used in situations where space is limited or where there is
a need to transfer materials from one elevation to another, such as
in multi-level warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution
centers.
A. VERTICAL LIFT CONVEYOR
Similar to an elevator, VRCs consist of a platform or carriage that
moves goods vertically. Ideal for transporting heavy or bulky items
between floors in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers.
It has high load capacity, customizable platform sizes, and can
handle a variety of load types.
B. RECIPROCATING VERTICAL CONVEYOR
These are similar to elevators and use a platform to move goods
vertically. It utilizes gravity-actuated carrier to lowering loads, where
the load overcomes the magnitude of a counterweight. It can only
be used to lower a load.
ELEVATOR AND LIFTS
The lift is a type of vertical transportation device designed to efficiently
move people or goods between different floors (levels, decks) of a
building, vessel, or other structure. It is typically powered by electric
motors that either drive cables and hoist systems or pump hydraulic
fluid to elevate a cylindrical mechanism similar to a jack.

ELEVATOR CAR
The part of an elevator that includes the platform, enclosure, car frame,
and door.
MACHINE BEAM
A steel beam, positioned directly over the elevator in the machine room
is used to support elevator equipment.
PIT
the part of an elevator shaft that extends from the threshold level of the
lowest landing door down to the floor at the very bottom of the shaft.
SHAFT
A hoistway through which one or more elevator cars may travel.
COUNTERWEIGHT OR BALANCE WEIGHT
A unit, consisting of steel weights, which counter balance the weight of the
car and a portion of the load, and to which the suspension ropes are attached.
TACTION DRIVE
Lift whose lifting ropes are driven by friction in the grooves of the driving
sheave of the machine.
TRAILING CABLE
Flexible cable providing electrical connection between the lift car and a
fixed point or points.
BOTTOM CLEARANCE
The distance, including buffer compression, the platforms could travel
below the bottom landing until the full weight of the car, when loaded,
rests on the buffer.
TOP CLEARANCE
The vertical distance between the top car attachment and the bottom
of the diverting pulley or any steel work supporting equipment.
GUIDE RAILS
These, fixed truly vertical in the shaft, are of steel and serve to guide the
movement of both car and counterweight.
TYPES OF ELEVATORS AND LIFTS
A. PASSENGER LIFTS
Passenger elevator is designed to move people between floors of a
building. Their capacity is related to available floor space. Up to 8-10
floors these operate at 1m/s and above 10 floors the speed starts at
2.5 m/s to 10 m/s.

B. GOODS/FREIGHT LIFTS
Used to transport heavy goods but depends on types of good
transported. Usually used in shopping complex, airports, hotels,
warehouse.

C. VEHICLE LIFTS
Used specifically to lift a car in multi storey car park or showroom.
•had to be in the form of traction and hydraulics. Form of traction is
more commonly used for high velocity
D. DUMBWAITER LIFT
Dumbwaiters are small freight elevators that are intended to carry
food rather than passengers. They often link kitchens with other
rooms. When installed in restaurants, schools, kindergartens,
hospitals, retirement homes or in private homes, the lifts generally
terminate in a kitchen. Average height of the car ranges from 0.8m to
1.2m.

E. SCISSOR LIFTS
They are excellent for indoor and outdoor construction, maintenance
and installation applications. Features: High load bearing capacity
Long life Smooth operations
ESCALATORS
A set of stairs that moves by electric power and on which people
can stand to be taken up and down from one level to another,
usually within a building. It consists of a motor-driven chain of
individually linked steps on a track which cycle on a pair of tracks
which keep the step tread horizontal. Inclinations of 30° and 35° are
the common international standard for escalators. This inclination
provides the highest traveling comfort and maximum safety for
the user. The 35° escalator is the most space-efficient solution.

MOVING WALKWAYS
Moving walkways are used to move people. They are also known
as moving sidewalks and are called “travelators” in the United
Kingdom. Much like escalators, moving walkways use a conveyor
belt to transport people. However, moving walkways move people
and goods horizontally, or on a lower angle of incline to the
horizontal than an escalator.
TYPES OF ESCALATORS
A. PARALLEL ESCALATORS
These are the most common type, where two escalators are
positioned side by side. One escalator moves people up while the
other moves them down.vUsed in Shopping malls, airports, and other
places with high foot traffic.

B. CRISSCROSS ESCALATORS
Also known as "stacked" or "staggered" escalators, these are arranged
in a crisscross pattern, allowing passengers to switch between floors
more efficiently. Used in buildings with multiple floors where efficient
space use is important, such as department stores or office buildings.

C. MULTIPLE PARALLEL ESCALATORS

Several parallel escalators arranged side by side, usually used to
handle very high volumes of passenger traffic. Usually in large
transport hubs, stadiums, and convention centers.
D. SPIRAL ESCALATORS
Escalators that spiral around a central axis, saving space and
providing a visually appealing solution. Generally used as a unique
architectural designs, typically in high-end commercial buildings or
specialty venues.

E. STEP-FREE ESCALATORS
These are escalators without the traditional steps, offering a
continuous surface similar to a moving walkway but at an incline.
They can be installed where traditional escalators are impractical,
providing accessibility for wheelchairs and carts.
END OF PRESENTATION
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