Is Investment in IoT-based Enclosed Conveyor Belts a Good Financial Move?

Highlights

• Introduction
• The potential of IoT-based enclosed conveyor belts
• Growth of the Asia-Pacific enclosed conveyor belts industry
• Recent developments 

An enclosed conveyor belt system is a material handling solution where both the conveyor belt and transported materials are fully enclosed in a structure. This setup contrasts with open conveyor systems, which expose materials to the environment during transport. Enclosed conveyor belt systems offer numerous benefits over open systems, especially in terms of safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. The enclosed conveyor belts industry is gaining momentum due to the demand for efficient material transportation, strict environment rules, and automation in material handling. 

Enclosed conveyor belts reduce the risk of workplace injuries and mishaps by enclosing moving parts and materials within a protective shell. This design helps maintain product integrity by preventing contamination from dust, debris, or environmental pollutants. Additionally, enclosed conveyor belts integrate features like dust extraction systems and spillage control mechanisms to improve efficiency and safety. This feature is essential in industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals, where maintaining stringent hygiene standards is important.

IoT integration for predictive maintenance in conveyor systems

Businesses can achieve enhanced operational efficiency, minimize costly downtime, and boost overall productivity by utilizing IoT sensors and devices.

Belt slippage in conveyor systems can lead to issues such as spillage and increased wear and tear. IoT sensors detect abnormalities in speed, tension, and temperature patterns to prevent slippage. Maintenance teams receive alerts about any discrepancies in the data, enabling timely intervention. Furthermore, automated adjustments notify technicians when the load exceeds specified capacities, ensuring smooth operations.

IoT sensors installed at key points along the conveyor belt monitor different parameters such as alignment, tension, speed, temperature, and pressure. IoT-based predictive maintenance offers valuable insights that enable businesses to identify abnormal patterns, triggering notifications to the maintenance team. Furthermore, IoT-based machine learning algorithms analyze historical data and patterns to pinpoint factors contributing to belt mis-tracking. This predictive ability enables technicians to anticipate potential mis-tracking issues and take preventive actions to avoid damage.

Analyzing the evolving landscape of the Asia-Pacific enclosed conveyor belts industry

The rapid growth of industries and infrastructure in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations is fueling the need for effective material handling solutions. The growth of industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing in the region is driving demand for dependable and efficient material handling solutions, including enclosed belt conveyors. Manufacturers across the region are increasingly adopting automated conveyor systems, such as enclosed belt conveyors, to boost productivity, cut labor costs, and streamline operational efficiency. 

Moreover, stringent environmental regulations and increasing sustainability concerns have resulted in greater demand for enclosed conveyor systems designed to capture dust, reduce emissions, and minimize environmental impact. Among the emerging economies of the Asia-Pacific, India is estimated to witness the fastest CAGR of 6.9% by 2032.

Sweet launched a low-profile drag conveyor

Sweet Manufacturing Co. launched the Flite-Veyor low-profile drag conveyor in August 2020 to expand their current range of products. This includes formed channel and enclosed belt conveyors, quick-key spool belt conveyors, and Flite-Veyor flat bottom and round bottom drag conveyors. The new Flite-Veyor low-profile drag conveyor is shipped with preassembled trough sections, aimed at reducing installation time. It incorporates premium components such as pintle chain, Dodge bearings, and heavy-duty 10-gauge galvanized construction with a 3/16” AR 200 bottom.

Fenner Dunlop upgraded its mobile app

Fenner Dunlop EMEA, formerly Dunlop Conveyor Belting and a leader in industrial conveyor belting, declared the latest version of its mobile application, 'Belt Buddy' in April 2024. 'Belt Buddy' was launched in 2020 and has evolved into an essential tool for professionals seeking information and guidance on various conveyor belt technical topics. 

It allows users to perform real-time calculations such as roll size, belt thickness and weight, transition distance, belt length from a coiled roll, motor power, convex curve layout, and capacity, without their location or time limitations. The app includes extensive information on the Fenner Dunlop product lineup and a library of reference materials such as technical bulletins and splice manuals. 

To conclude, enclosed conveyor belt systems ensure workplace safety, improve operational efficiency, and meet environmental regulations across diverse industries. The adoption of IoT-driven predictive maintenance and the introduction of innovative products highlight the potential of the Asia-Pacific region. Moreover, these conveyor belts offer reliable material handling solutions with reduced environmental impact.

For further guidance on segmentation, competitive analysis, and the regional landscape of the market, contact our experts today!

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