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Bucket Elevator Safety Tips
Bucket Elevator Safety Tips
The bucket elevator is a machine that conveys bulk materials vertically. It is used to move materials from one level to another, for example, in large grain terminals where products like grain are transferred from trains and trucks into silos. While these machines are in use, they must be kept safe and working properly for continued productivity. Here are a few tips on keeping your bucket elevator in optimal condition.
Bucket Elevator Safety Tip #1: Keep a bucket elevator’s controls visible and easily accessible. This prevents workers from attempting to operate the equipment with its controls shut down or locked out, which could cause serious injuries if they do so. This tip also helps ensure that equipment operators are able to quickly stop the conveyor when a problem arises.
The second safety tip is to inspect the belt and chain regularly for signs of damage or excessive wear. This can be done by removing the upper drive guard and rotating the chain and sprockets to examine for dents, alignment, and slack. Identifying these issues before they cause significant problems can save you money and time in the long run.
It is also important to maintain the correct amount of tension on a bucket elevator’s belt or chain. Over-tightening can cause premature belt or chain failure, while under-tightening can lead to slippage and reduced efficiency. Performing regular inspections and adjusting the tension to the manufacturer’s recommended setting will help keep your system in good operating condition.
Lastly, be sure to properly maintain your bucket elevator’s throat plate. This is an integral part of your system, preventing material from falling back into the boot pit. It is essential to position the throat plate as close as possible to the buckets. This will minimize the amount of material that is pushed into the boot pit and improve efficiency. Using mechanically made splices will ensure proper fit and longevity for the throat plate.
As a final safety point, you should never attempt to install any components on a bucket elevator without the supervision of a service engineer. This can result in improperly installed equipment and may even void the equipment manufacturer’s warranty. When you work with FEECO, our service engineers are trained professionals that can ensure all bucket elevator components are properly inspected and installed before they are put into operation.
Tags:spiral elevator | t shape elevator
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