“Every conveyor is different, even within the same facility” observed Martin Engineering Foundations™ Training Manager Jerad Heitzler. “So we create a specific inspection plan based on the design, capacity, throughput requirements, and the desired level of fugitive material abatement.”
Heitzler said that while it’s common for conveyor owners to perform service on their systems only when a component fails, it’s actually less expensive in the long run to incorporate continuous maintenance into a plant’s operational plan. “Routine inspections can extend the life of the belt and conveyor components by preventing correctable issues from turning into major and costly headaches,” he explained. “These programs help our customers maximize the throughput and safety of their conveyors, while reducing the chances of catastrophic failure that could interrupt production.”
Conducting conveyor inspections and maintenance can pose significant risks to employees, as these activities bring workers into close proximity with the conveyor system under potentially dangerous conditions. Staff members are exposed to moving belts, rolling components and pinch points, all in an environment that is commonly dirty, distracting and noisy. Outsourcing those functions to trained professionals will relieve system managers of the burden.
One of the advantages of the Martin® Walk the BeltTM program is that it relieves plant personnel from a duty for which 
they may not be well-trained, allowing them to remain focused on core business activities. “Our technicians are a specialized group, with the expertise necessary to achieve high conveyor efficiency and keep the system running at maximum productivity,” added Value Stream Manager Mark Strebel. “They’re well-versed in current best practices and regulations, able to advise customers on proven solutions for common industry issues such as safety, dust management, and spillage reduction.”
Fugitive material management is a key element of the inspection program, and one of our specialties. As problems from the creation, accumulation, or escape of dust are multiplied by the increased possibility of regulatory citations, fines, and shutdowns, it’s imperative that plants prevent the escape of fugitive particles. A key to minimizing the release of dust is the proper maintenance of components such as belt cleaners, transfer point seals, dust curtains, suppression systems, and air cleaning equipment. Proper adjustment and timely service will minimize carryback and dust issues all along the conveyor.
Our technicians do more than walk along the length of the belt, of course. In fact, one of their inspection techniques is standing stationary at a number of points along each conveyor and watching one or more complete revolutions of the belt, noting its condition, tracking, carryback, and other observations. They take detailed notes, identifying trouble spots by component name and location as they are found, often logging data directly into a smart phone or tablet immediately at the site. Digital cameras and other devices allow the technicians to take photos, record video, make rough measurements, and perform other tasks, followed by sharing a wealth of information with customer operations personnel for discussion and prioritizing.
“A conveyor is a complex system of interlinked components,” Strebel reminded. “If even one component or subsystem 
stops functioning, processes both upstream and downstream will be affected, potentially leading to a shutdown or worse. In a large facility, even a fraction of a percent of system availability could be measured in millions of dollars,” he added.
“It’s like buying a car” Heitzler concluded. “Effective upkeep will reduce the total cost of ownership. Finding a capable and trustworthy professional mechanic helps avoid unexpected breakdowns, saving time, trouble, and money over time.”