Powered Roller conveyors

Powered roller conveyors are very popular in the warehousing and logistics industry, but have general applicability wherever discrete packages or objects are being moved. They are generally stronger and more durable than belt conveyors, and are able to handle heavier loads, or loads that might tear, abrade (or melt) a fabric belt.

There are three basic types of powered system, each with unique advantages.

Lineshaft drive conveyors

Each roller connects to a central ‘drive shaft’ by a small fabric drivebelt. (similar to a fan-belt in a car). This is suitable for lighter loads, and has an interesting advantage in that it forms an automatic accumulation conveyor. The drive belts act as a simple ‘clutch’, so that when the product reaches the end of the conveyor (and is presumably stopped by a ‘wall’) the rollers underneath it will begin to ‘slip the clutch’ and stop turning, allowing products to remain stationary without the underside being scourged by a turning roller.

 

Chain drive conveyors

Each roller is attached to a chain that runs down the length of the conveyor, and connects to a drive motor. This ensures that each roller turns at the same speed, and is driven very firmly. It is a popular method for moving heavier loads that would overwhelm a lineshaft conveyor and cause it to ‘slip’

 

Powered Roller conveyors

Mostly used for very heavy pallets or bulky objects. The rollers on this system each have their own motor built inside. These can deliver more power than a chain-driven system, but also allow for electronically switched ‘accumulation zones’. Different sections of the conveyor can effectively run at different speeds, or stop altogether, independently of one another. A variation of this system is to intersperse powered and unpowered rollers to reduce cost.