Manufacturers need to keep conveyor belts clean because the dirt and grime in the conveyor belt can carry back through the conveyor system and get deposited on other necessary equipment. The belt cleaner you choose includes certain factors like belt pulley size, the working environment, and the material to be cleaned. Most people go in for either polyurethane or urethane conveyor belt and carbide scraper belts. Out of these two, a polyurethane belt is an ideal choice.
How Does It Work?
Belt scrapers are generally used to scrape product remnants off the conveyor belt without damaging the actual belt. Sticky material and other unwanted residues are removed effectively from the straps to keep them, and the items on them, clean.
There are two sets of blade scrapers that work together to keep the belts clean. They are the primary and secondary conveyor blade scrapers. The primary cleaners are used to remove coarse material that sticks to the conveyor belt, and it does most of the cleaning. But the secondary scraper is also crucial because it helps remove anything that the primary scraper leaves behind.
The scrapers can also be categorized on their design. Single-row or split-line designs rest in a continuous line, while the split-line designs press against the belt and move as they are spring-loaded.
Benefits of Using Polyurethane Blades
Polyurethane is a suitable material for belt-cleaning blades, as it is very durable and resistant to chemicals and friction. Find out some of the reasons why most manufacturers choose the urethane conveyor belt.
Efficient and Versatile
Polyurethane blades are known to be very efficient and versatile, and at the same time, their composition is such that it does not damage the actual conveyor belt. Polyurethane is resistant to heat, chemicals, and water to function well on the conveyor belts. The best part of these blades is that they stretch while cleaning but return to their original shape soon after. Other materials do not have such tenacity and might break, but polyurethane will not.
Offer Good Value
Polyurethane is quite affordable, and the blades are less expensive. They also last longer than blades made from other materials. That is why most manufacturers have started using polyurethane blades to cut down on costs and keep conveyor belts clean. Businessmen can also save money by spending less on repair works of belts and not going for frequent replacing of conveyor belts.
Compatibility
Coming to the point of compatibility, blades made of polyurethane are pretty compatible with the mechanical splices used on conveyor belts, making them more effective than other materials on all conveyor belts.
How Are They Different from Scraper Blade Cleaners?
Rubber Blade Cleaners
Earlier, rubber blade cleaners were used by manufacturers, but the material was too soft to remove sticky materials and residue. A polyurethane round drive belt was found to be a better alternative.
Tungsten Carbide
Tungsten carbide belts are used in petroleum coke, sand, and asphalt, and steel production units to effectively remove unwanted debris and residue from the belts. However, these belts may damage the belt if something goes wrong and hence are only recommended to be used on undamaged, new belts.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane blades are the best option as they are both soft and durable. These blades can apply pressure at an aggressive angle without ripping or breaking it. Moreover, polyurethane does not damage a worn or uneven conveyor belt as the blade’s softness prevents it from damaging a worn-out old belt.
Polyurethane and urethane conveyor belts are durable and long-lasting, which also makes them cost-effective. The blades are pretty resilient to chemicals or dirt and can withstand UV rays, rusting, or corrosion. Other materials like rubber or carbide do not have such resistant properties and need to be frequently changed, making the belts costly.
Effectiveness of the Blades
The polyurethane blade works best with a mechanical splice, as the blade simply glides over the splice for protection and cleans it. Rubber or carbide blades may cause damage to the splice and the belt, especially if the belt moves at highly abrasive materials. Polyurethane blades can easily clean up abrasive materials because of their flexibility and strength.
Polyurethane blades work well when used on the head pulley. The blade remains flat and maintains its shape during obstruction. The secondary cleaners, too, are quoted as applicable and keep the conveyor belts clean for a longer time. The polyurethane round drive belting is pretty flexible. It drives pulleys in different directions or twists them to reverse drive directions.
Before You Go
Conveyor belts need to be cleaned daily for effective functioning, and polyurethane blades are the best material. Polyurethane is not only durable and soft, but also resistant to many chemicals and can withstand high temperatures. That is why choosing it for your conveyor belt can keep your urethane conveyor belts working for many years with limited problems.
Conveyor belts are used to move goods from one point to another.
There are mainly 3 types of conveyor belts - the basic belt, snake sandwich belt, long belt.https://lusidarubber.com/different-types-of-conveyor-belts/
