A quick overview of accumulation conveyor rollers

accumulation conveyor rollers

A conveyor system which can perform according to the requirement should be purchased.

Generally, the conveyor rollers have been identified according to their utility and convenient accessibility in material handling.

In terms of accumulation conveyor rollers, it can be stated that they enable the control of products being conveyed as needed.

Besides, the drive is removed in segments or zones to support this functionality of the conveyor system.

These rollers are effective in managing the products through easy buffering in sortation, palletizers and merges. 

The initial glance at accumulation conveyor rollers reflects a striking resemblance between them and other powered conveyor systems. But, the rate of flow being controlled at will during the production process mak

es it different from other conveyor rollers. The accumulation conveyor roller starts and stops automatically depending on the movement of load unlike the continuous flow of products in the regular conveyor system.

The major components or driving forces which make this mechanism of accumulation conveyor rollers include valve, sensors, accumulation zones and brakes. 

The work mechanism of accumulation conveyor rollers

The sensors mounted on the conveyor line lead to the control of movement in accumulation conveyor rollers. After the activation of sensors in the conveyor line, the signal is received by the motor powering the conveyor of the accumulation zones.

This motor may be in-built component or external drive depending on the feature of the accumulation conveyor roller.

The presence of objects is detected through photoelectric sensors of this conveyor system. Moreover, these sensors receive as well as emit light at some wavelengths.

On conveying the load over the sensor roller, the limit switch gets activated further pushing the products downwards. 

In terms of accumulation zone, it can be denoted as the group of rollers which are controlled, started and stopped together.

The length of the zone may be variable, yet, should not be less than maximum load length. Most of all, space between loads is maintained in order to prevent any form of contact while accumulation conveyor rollers are being operated. 

Methods of accumulation

Among the various methods of operating accumulation conveyor rollers, zero pressure, low/adjustable pressure and index accumulation play the major role in the conveyor system.

In the case of low/adjustable pressure accumulation, the load is driven forward. This leads to the creation of line pressure.

Apart from this, the discharge end of the conveyor utilizes a roller brake, meter belt conveyor or brake belt to hold back accumulated loads.

Depending on the size and type of products, the accumulation method is altered for best outcome. 

Zero pressure accumulation

In this method of accumulation, predetermined length accumulation zones and release drive pressure within these zones are used.

Sensor is used in each zone to turn off the roller. The contact is prevented between the load in the configuration of these accumulation conveyor rollers.

Proper spacing is maintained during accumulation to keep the quality of products intact.

The drive chains employed in loading and unloading of products with the help of air or electric clutch in zero pressure accumulation. 

Index accumulation 

The low volume and high density accumulation can be ideally conveyed through index accumulation.

The drive is divided into three equal length drive zones, wherein input and discharge drive zone at entry as well as exit points of the conveyor system. Loads are advanced on three equal length conveyors. 

Furthermore, release modes including slug, singulation, index release, dynamic release and semi slug are effective in control of the products in the applications of accumulation conveyor rollers.

Nevertheless, the type of release mode is selected on the basis of application and its requirements. 

The Final Remark on accumulation conveyor rollers

Accumulation of goods is a pivotal point in material handling. But, on the same hand, it is crucial to maintain a proper gap between the load to prevent breakage or damage.

This is precisely where the accumulation conveyor rollers have to be chosen cautiously.

The bottom-line is the proper adjustment of load can convey products together without any interruption.

It is advisable to choose the accumulation conveyor roller so that material handling becomes quick, convenient and error-free.

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On a final note, the variation of accumulation and automatic control through sensors or brakes make accumulation conveyor rollers efficient in terms of functioning.