conveyers

Conveyers, often spelled conveyors, are mechanical systems designed to transport goods or materials from one location to another within a facility. They move loads along a defined path using belts, rollers, screws, magnetic fields, or air streams, enabling continuous flow and reducing manual handling. Common types include belt conveyors (a moving belt on rollers), roller conveyors (static belts or rollers that propel items via rollers), screw conveyors (a helical screw in a trough), bucket elevators (raised by buckets on a belt or chain), pneumatic conveyors (bulk materials moved by air flow), chain conveyors, vibratory conveyors, and overhead or monorail conveyors.

History and development: The use of conveyors dates to mines and agriculture in the 18th and 19th centuries, with belt conveyors becoming prominent in mining and manufacturing in the late 19th century. Advances in drive systems, control technology, and automation expanded their use in factories, warehouses, and distribution networks in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Applications and design: Conveyors support assembly lines, packaging, material handling, and sorting in manufacturing and logistics, as well as baggage handling in airports and luggage belts in mailrooms. Design considerations include load characteristics, speed, incline or decline limits, space constraints, energy efficiency, noise, and safety. Typical safety features include guards, emergency stop devices, pressure-sensitive safety mats, interlocks, and clear signage. Maintenance covers belt alignment and tension, bearing condition, lubrication, and cleaning to prevent jams and wear.

See also: Conveyor belt, Roller conveyor, Chain conveyor, Bucket elevator, Sorting system.