HGRS MASTER - Maintenance

Type of Skill: Specific Technical Skills

Category : Transport Equipment
Module: Belt conveyors
Unit: Storage and Handling 18 of 18
Version: 1.0 06-02-03
Reference: Belt conveyors MTC Training.ppt
Storage and Handling
Purpose: To ensure proper storage and handling of conveyor belts

Description: Receiving the Roll

Upon delivery:
check the factory packaging for damage, punctures, etc.
check the specification, number of layers, the specific hardness (shore) and the
dimensions
make any appropriate claim against the carrier or supplier immediately
Handling the Roll
Factory packaging is designed to protect the conveyor belt during normal shipping and
handling.
Take care when unloading belts on arrival. Dropping or rough handling can break the
packaging and cause belt damage. Once a belt roll is deformed, it is almost impossible to
re-roll it.
The best way to move a belt is to slip a sturdy hoisting bar through the center core. Then
lift it with a sling or with strong cables. Be careful that these hoist cables do not damage
the outer wraps at the belt edges. Protect the edges with special spreader bars, or short
wooden planks. (figure 1)
Never apply a sling around the circumference of a roll of belting. This is not a safe
practice!
A belt can also be moved safely by laying the roll on a skid and hoisting the skid with a
forklift. Ensure the forks dont come into contact with the belt itself.

Storage
Belts should be stored in rolls on a wooden skid. When storing a new conveyor belt, leave
it hoisted (figure 2). Block it safely so it can not accidentally roll. Rolls should not be stood
on edge or leaned against a wall. Small endless belts may be hung up on a dowel or a
peg for storage
Extreme temperature variations can have a negative effect on a belt over long periods of
time. The ideal storage temperature is between 10C and 21C. Long exposure at
temperatures even slightly below 4C can harden or stiffen the compounds. If installed on
a conveyor in this stiffened state, the belt may not train well until it adjusts or warms up
to the system temperature. Neoprene, for example, is especially sensitive to low
temperatures and should never be stored at less than 4C. It will not soften until it has
had a lengthy exposure to relatively mild temperatures. Temperatures over 32C have an
opposite effect, and storage above this temperature should also be avoided.
Sunlight and ozone deteriorate any exposed rubber over time. Store belts out of direct
sunlight whenever possible. Electrical generators or arc welders can sometimes generate
ozone. Store belts some distance away from this type of equipment. In general, it is wise
to keep any unused belt stored in its protective factory packaging until it is ready for
installation.
Belts should not be stored in excessively wet places or in areas where oils, gasoline,
paint materials, acids and chemicals are also stored or used.
A belt should not be permitted to stay on a concrete floor. If it is necessary to store a belt
on the floor, use a pallet or a cradle.
Once thoroughly cleaned and dried, it is good practice to dust a belt with tire talc or to
insert kraft paper between the layers when rolling it up.
Note that conveyor belts deteriorate over time and therefore stock levels should be kept
at the appropriate level to avoid long term storage.
Standards: Suspended on roll storage is the best solution (refer figure 1)
Impact if not Working life of the conveyor belt reduced.
correct: Maintenance costs increase because of damaged belts.
Training in Maintenance Page 1 of 3
Actions: Correct warehouse lay out to store belts properly if necessary
Correct storage temperature conditions if applicable
Store belts in proper positions
Correct stock level to avoid long term storage
Unit Check storage conditions in plant
Completion:
See site specific unit for additional information, respective actions and applicable safety instructions.

Figure 1 Correct handling

Figure 2: Correct storage

Figure 3
Determination of belt length with roll diameters
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