Conveyor Hood: Protecting Your Conveyor Systems
1. Introduction
Conveyor hoods are essential components in conveyor systems, designed to offer comprehensive protection and multiple benefits. They play a crucial role in safeguarding the conveyed cargo, the conveyor's components and accessories, and ensuring the safety of workers.
2. Protection for Conveyed Cargo
One of the primary functions of a conveyor hood is to shield the conveyed cargo from external elements. In outdoor settings, it protects the transported materials from rain, snow, wind, and sunlight. For example, in a mining operation, the conveyor hood prevents ore or coal from getting wet in rainy weather, which could lead to issues such as increased weight, corrosion of equipment, and difficulty in further processing. In a food processing plant, the hood keeps dust, debris, and insects away from the food products, maintaining their quality and safety.
3. Protection for Conveyor Components
Conveyor hoods also safeguard the conveyor's components and accessories. By preventing the ingress of moisture, dust, and other contaminants, they reduce the wear and tear on critical parts like belts, pulleys, and idlers. In a manufacturing facility where there is a lot of airborne dust, the conveyor hood helps keep the dust out of the conveyor system. This not only extends the lifespan of the components but also reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement, resulting in significant cost savings over time.
4. Ensuring Worker Safety
Worker safety is a top priority, and conveyor hoods contribute to this in several ways. For conveyor systems with exposed moving parts, the hood acts as a physical barrier. In 135° or 90° hoods, screens are available to shield the return belt. This prevents workers from accidentally coming into contact with moving components, such as rotating belts or pulleys, which could cause serious injuries. Additionally, in environments where there are potential hazards like falling debris or splashing of conveyed materials, the hood provides protection for workers in the vicinity of the conveyor.
5. Design and Sizing Options
Conveyor hoods are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different conveyor belts. They can be found for belts as narrow as 18" and as wide as 96", with idler spacing ranging from 3" to 5". Custom sizing is also offered to meet specific requirements. This flexibility in sizing ensures that conveyor hoods can be installed on various types of conveyor systems, whether in a small-scale workshop or a large industrial plant.
6. Construction Materials
The construction materials of conveyor hoods vary, each with its own advantages. Galvanized steel is highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in nearly every environment. Aluminum is a lightweight material, which is easy to manipulate during installation and is often chosen when weight is a concern. Stainless steel is ideal for highly corrosive environments, such as those found in chemical plants or marine applications. Fiberglass is a popular choice in the food industries as it helps avoid contamination. Painted steel can be colored to blend in with the surroundings or match the branding of a facility.
7. Coverage Options
Conveyor hoods offer different levels of coverage. Full (180° arc) coverage provides the most comprehensive protection, completely enclosing the conveyor. Three - quarter (135° arc) coverage and half (90° arc) coverage are also available. These options are useful in situations where a balance between protection and accessibility is required. For example, in some areas where regular inspection of the conveyor is necessary, a 90° or 135° hood with a screen on the return belt can provide both protection and easy access for inspection.
8. Ease of Inspection and Maintenance
Conveyor hoods are designed to allow for easy inspection and maintenance. They are equipped with latches that are simple to open and close. Many hoods also come with inspection doors or windows. These features enable maintenance personnel to quickly check the conveyor system for any signs of wear, damage, or blockages without having to remove the entire hood. This not only saves time but also ensures that the conveyor system can be kept in optimal working condition.
