Belt cleaner installation issues present symptoms

If a cleaning system is performing poorly, but the blades do not show excessive wear and the tensioner is set correctly, other problems may be present. These problems might include:

The support frame is not parallel to the pulley.
The cleaner is not installed the proper distance from the belt surface.
The pressure applied to the cleaner is changing the belt line.
The blades are not centered on the belt.

Troubleshooting Cleaner Installation Part I — Placing the cleaner at the proper distance from the belt helps avoid “pull through,” in which the belt pulls the cleaner all the way around into an inverted position, which usually results in a bent mainframe.

Any of these factors will impair a cleaner’s ability to remove carryback. The cleaner’s operators or installation manual should be reviewed to determine the appropriate corrective actions.

Belt Flap and Belt Cleaning

Belt flap can create problems in belt cleaning. Belt flap is an oscillation of the belt and is most often seen on the low-tension (return) side of the conveyor. This vibration has been measured with amplitudes as large as 25 millimeters (1 inch). The movement can be so strong that it destroys belt cleaners or plows and shortens the bearing-life of return idlers. The amplitude of the vibration can make it difficult to keep the blades in contact with the belt, thus reducing the cleaning effects. To control belt flap, the spacing of return idlers can be varied or a hold-down roller can be used to try to quiet the belt.

See Also: Troubleshooting Belt Cleaner Installation Part 2.