Industry: Food manufacturing

Product: Sponge cakes

Conveyor length: 30m

Belt type: Solid steel

Continuous Process Solutions was informed by a client with time constraints that a conveyor drum bearing had failed. We were contracted in to replace both take up drum bearings and time permitting, replace the two actuators which skew the drum position to make belt position corrections.

As continuous process specialists, we consulted the 3D CAD model that we have on file when considering the best method and tools. Aware that the clearance between the floor and the conveyor drum was a lowly 76mm, we ensured that our low-profile pallet truck was part of our equipment.

We were quickly able to establish the root cause. The shaft had been incorrectly locked down on both sides, causing undue stress on the bearings. Locking the drum shaft on one side only allows the drum shaft to be free-floating on the opposing side – necessary for when the drum position is skewed and not square to the frame.

Using tools specific for the job, we completed the task within the tight schedule and also had the time to replace the two large actuators, safety check the valves and have the line back up and running the same day. We also drilled and tapped the cast iron bearings to accept M12 screws to install bespoke plates which house the drum scraper assembly with a removeable debris catchment tray.

We can 3D CAD design and manufacture any item we recommend as part of our catalogue of works, checking parts and equipment before manufacture and installation.

We cannot stress enough the importance of ensuring that individuals are adequately trained for their specific roles. Should the customer have kept replacing these bearings and locking them in position, they would have continued to eat through both bearings and production time.