Different types and functions of conveyor pulleys

What do you know about our conveyor pulleys? Stokman produces various pulleys for different functions and positions in the conveyor system. In this blog we will tell you about our 5 types of pulleys: the drive pulley, return pulley, tension pulley, deflection pulley and snub pulley. We tell more about the function and properties of these pulleys. Interested? Read more!

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Drive pulley

In a previous article we already discussed the drive pulley. It is the pulley that drives the conveyor belt. The pulley is driven hydraulically or electrically and the friction between the body of the driving pulley and the conveyor belt causes the belt to move. This friction is an essential functionality of the conveyor belt system, which is why Stokman drive pulleys are fitted with rubber coatings or a combination of rubber and ceramic to increase the friction and remove any water and dirt.

A drive pulley is always single-sided or double-sided, meaning it has one or two drives. Depending on the size of the conveyor system, one or more drive pulleys are used at different positions in the system.

Snub pulley

The snub pulley serves to increase the length of the tensioned conveyor belt in order to increase the contact and friction surface between drive pulley and belt. If necessary, this pulley is placed directly behind the drive pulley, in the lower part of the system.

The friction surface has a large effect on the performance of the system because the drive depends on the friction between pulley and belt. In addition, the greater the friction surface between drive pulley and belt, the more grip the pulley has on the belt which will stop the belt from slipping. The snub pulley is therefore particularly suitable for conveyor systems that require very high drive power or systems in highly contaminated environments.

Return pulley

The return pulley is placed where the belt is to change its direction of rotation by 180°. This will often be at the tail end of the conveyor belt. The return pulley often has the same diameter and bearing as the drive pulley. Like all other non-driven pulleys, it can be provided with either external or internal bearings.

Tension pulley

A tension pulley is actually a return pulley which is used to tension the conveyor belt. Tensioning the belt leads to high forces on the pulley. Therefore, the tension pulley is often a solid type of pulley.

The tension pulley can also be used as a return pulley at the tail of the belt, and as a tension pulley at any other position in the lower part of the belt. In this case, the preferred position of the tension pulley is as close as possible to the drive pulley where the tensioning forces required for the belt are lowest.

Deflection pulley

The deflection pulley is used in the lower part in places where the belt has to make a deflection of up to 90°, for example when the belt has to be guided through a structure.

The design of a deflection pulley is similar to a return pulley, but the diameter is often smaller. The pulley design is often lighter, as the smaller length of the tensioned conveyor belt causes less tension.

Correct setup and alignment of pulleys will prevent any misalignment

The correct installation of all pulleys in the conveyor system is essential for their functionality. Part of this is the setup and alignment of the pulleys. A correct set-up and alignment of the pulleys will ensure a perfectly straight conveyor belt and prevent a belt from running sideways off the pulley.

To prevent skewing conveyor belts, pulleys can be equipped with so-called crownings. Because of the crowning, the centre diameter of the pulley is slightly larger than the side diameter, so the circumferential velocity in the centre of the pulley is slightly higher. This causes the belt to tend to move laterally toward that highest point. This is called the centrifugal force. This effect of crowning automatically keeps the belt running in the center of the pulley and prevents the conveyor belt from skewing.

Are you familiar with the quality of Stokman conveyor pulleys and rollers? We are happy to tell you more about our products. Please, contact us. We can tell you more about the possibilities and design of our rollers and pulleys.

What Are the Different Types of Conveyor Pulleys?

Conveyor systems have been vital to businesses for many years. Because of their diverse components, they can operate effectively. These components work together. Many different kinds of industries use conveyor systems, and you can use them for everything from grocery stores to industrial settings to baggage handling systems. Elevators and moving sidewalks often use a conveyor pulley system as well.

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Kinds of Belts
There are many kinds of conveyors, and every system out there has some unique components, depending on the type and size of the system. The kind of material that you are transporting on the system will also play a role in the type of system that a company chooses to use.

No matter the system, each one will use pulleys in the machinery to make it function and move. Just like you can find many kinds of conveyor systems, you can also find many types of conveyor pulleys.

Drum Pulleys
This type of pulley usually has grooves in it. It will provide continual belt contact, and you can get them in many different kinds of diameter. Many of the drum pulleys have grooves to reduce any possible slipping. It can also improve traction. Some of these pulleys are fairly tapered as well.

Wing Pulleys
This is a popular kind of pulley because it cleans itself. The wings will naturally move any buildup of material on the conveyor&#;s side. Since it is constantly cleaning itself, a wing pulley has good traction. That means this is a very efficient choice when it comes to pulleys. You can find many different kinds of wing pulleys, like spiral wing pulleys, heavy-duty wing pulleys, and herringbone wing pulleys.

Lagged Pulleys
If you need a better friction grip, then pulley lagging is an important part of your system. You might need this because there is a poor drive ratio or dampness. One instance where you might use a lagged pulley is with an elevator belt. The pulleys have rubber to lag them and reduce wear and slippage. Depending on your needs, you can find different lagging patterns.

Motorized Pulleys
If you get a conveyor pulley that has an internal motor, you can both improve the efficiency of your operations and save some space. With a motorized pulley, your conveyor system will stay durable and compact. This is often a safer option than a traditional hydraulic conveyor system.

Conveyor Head Pulley
This pulley can drive your conveyor belt. Normally, it&#;s mounted in external bearings and has a motor and reducer to drive it. It can be either crowned or flat-faced.

Choose a Trusted Conveyor Supplier
Are you looking for a conveyor tail pulley? Turn to Heinrich Brothers Inc. today. Contact us to learn more about our conveyor head pulleys.

The company is the world’s best Conveyor Belt Pulley supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.