Key Technology shares Maintenance Tips for Vibratory Conveyors

Regular inspection of sorters and shakers ensures efficient operation and prevents unscheduled downtime. To help prepare you, Key Technology just shared information on their comprehensive equipment audits and spotlighting the unsung heroes of your plant – shakers!

Pre-season, post-season and scheduled downtime are all perfect times for a Key Technology SupportPro Service Technician to perform an audit on your equipment. This audit is a comprehensive well-check to ensure your equipment is ready to operate at maximum efficiency with minimum downtime.

Below is an overview of some of the items covered in our extensive audit checklists. If any parts are required, our technicians can assist in providing them in a timely manner.

Optical Sorters:

• Inspect belt condition or chute adjustment
• Perform laser and/or camera alignments
• Test air ejector valves
• Inspect optical windows for cleanliness and scratches
• Inspect sorter and motor control cabinet for leaks
• Flush, clean and refill chiller
• Inspect CIP operation and equipment integrity (if equipped)
• Verify customer has recommended spare parts on hand:
• Air and water filters
• Air valves
• Processing boards
• Conveyor belt and nose roller (if equipped)
• CIP wipers (if equipped)
• Power supplies for lasers and LEDs

ADR®:

• Inspect lamps and LED’s for proper operation
• Check belt gearbox for oil leakage
• Inspect conveyor bearings for condition and lubrication
• Inspect camera windows for cracks, discoloration and wear
• Perform electrical inspection, ensuring voltages are correct
• Normalize all cameras
• Check for proper defect segmentation
• Verify necessary Keyware is installed
• Verify proper CIP operation and integrity

Vibratory Conveyors:

• Check that bed and frame are free from cracks and damage
• Spring arms and shims in good condition
• Operating at correct speed and stroke
• Inspect drives

These are just a few of the items our technicians cover in our comprehensive equipment audit. Contact us today to schedule one with your local SupportPro service technician and ensure you’re ready for the season ahead.

Spotlight on Vibratory Conveyors

Conveyors are the workhorses of your plant and connect the sorting, processing and packaging processes in your line, directly impacting the performance of downstream equipment. But, why should you use a vibratory conveyor?

1. Functionality: Shakers are the ultimate multi-taskers and can perform many functions to help you produce a better product. They can align, collect, transfer, de-water, distribute, grade, remove fines, spread, glaze and much more.

2. Sanitation: Shakers are designed to be clean. They are easier to clean and maintain than belt conveyors. This plays a big role in both cost of ownership and food safety.

3. Cost of Ownership: Compared to other conveying systems, shakers typically have a long life and also use less energy. Their sanitary design also reduces maintenance costs.

4. Reliability: Key Technology vibratory conveyors are built to last. They are specifically designed for the function and the environment in which they are used.

Shaker Maintenance Tips

Our shakers are highly reliable, but do still require proper use and maintenance to prevent problems. Three of the most common causes of shaker failure are cracked beds, cracked frames, and broken arm springs. These are all preventable and are caused by improper maintenance and/or running the shaker out of tune.

Always refer to your technical manual for detailed procedures on replacing arms and tuning your shaker, but here are a few tips to keep in mind when performing routine maintenance activities.

• The arm assembly consists of the StrongArm® spring arm, two phenolic shims and a backing plate. Be sure to place one shim on each side of the StrongArm between the arm and the bed bracket, frame clip and backing plate.
• Because it is normal for the weight of the bed to allow a 'sag' in the arms, 'Set-Up' arms must be in place. Without the 'Set-Up' arms in place, the bed may not align correctly.
• Arms that are not properly aligned will cause extra stress on the bolts, arms, brackets and on the bed itself. If you experience frequently broken bolts or arms, misalignment of the arms is most likely the cause.

If you have questions about shaker tuning and alignment or need help with maintenance activities on any of your other pieces of Key Technology equipment, contact us today.