3 Differences Between Vibrating Conveyor and Belt Conveyor

vibrating conveyor VS belt conveyor

With the development of automatic production operation requirements, the application scope of auxiliary equipment in ore production lines is becoming wider and wider. Vibrating feeders and belt conveyors are two of the most important connecting equipment. They have certain similarities, and can be matched with processing equipment according to the process needs to form a rhythmic assembly line. But they are very different in terms of use, structural composition, working principle, etc.

Let’s make a simple comparison of the vibrating feeder and belt conveyor from these three aspects.

Application

In the production process, the vibrating feeder can uniformly, regularly, and continuously transport block and granular materials from the storage silo to the receiving device, and conduct coarse screening of the materials. The belt conveyor is widely used to transport loose materials or pieces of goods. It has the characteristics of strong conveying capacity and long conveying distance, and can easily implement programmed control and automatic operation.

Structure and composition

The vibrating feeder is composed of a feeding trough, a vibration exciter, spring support, and a transmission device. The belt conveyor is mainly composed of a frame, conveyor belt, idler, roller, tensioning device, transmission device, and other components. Their structures are completely different, and you can compare them with pictures of vibrating feeders and belt conveyors on our main station.

Working principle

The vibrating feeder uses the rotation of the eccentric block in the vibrator to generate centrifugal force so that the screen box makes a forced continuous approximate circular motion. The material is continuously thrown on the inclined screen surface with the screen box, and the material is continuously and evenly sent to the material receiving port. The belt conveyor is driven by the motor through the reducer to drive the roller, and the conveyor belt is dragged by the friction between the driving roller and the conveyor belt to achieve the purpose of conveying materials.

Summary

Vibratory conveyors are superior to standard conveyor belts as they are quieter, more compact, more efficient, and much easier to clean and service. Vibratory conveyors and shaker conveyors are superior to standard conveyor belts in every conceivable way. They’re quieter, more compact, more efficient, and much easier to clean and service. With conveyors, the tray does not need to be replaced, unlike belts which need replacing every 6 months on average. The vibratory conveyors cost very little to own and run. Because they use far less energy, they’re variable speed, work on demand so that you can keep your production line running for much longer.

fURTHER READING

Vibrating conveyor

The vibrating conveyors are heavy-duty, highly durable systems that are configured with a broad range of capabilities for the most demanding applications.
The vibrating conveyor is also called a vibrating feeder. In the production process, the vibrating conveyor can uniformly, regularly, and continuously feed block and granular materials from the storage bin to the receiving device. In the sand and gravel production line, it can continuously and evenly feed the crushing machinery. And rough screening of materials, widely used in metallurgy, coal mines, mineral processing, building materials, chemicals, abrasives, and other industries crushing and screening combined equipment.

Belt conveyor

In addition to rubber belts, belt conveyors currently have conveyor belts of other materials (such as PVC, PU, Teflon, nylon belts, etc.). The belt conveyor is driven by the driving device to tighten the conveyor belt, and the middle frame and the idler form the conveyor belt as the traction and bearing member, so as to continuously transport the broken materials or finished products, mainly to prevent the belt from reversing when the belt conveyor is stopped and avoid the material due to Inverted and piled up to the tail of the machine to press the belt conveyor, causing an accident.
Abrasive material conveyed in a harsh environment can cause PVC/rubber belts to wear at an exponential rate. Hot material or other conveying equipment can cause belt degradation, which results in premature failures. The steel pans on a vibrating conveyor are manufactured to be wear-resistant and can readily handle hot, abrasive materials. Additionally, there is the option for liners to increase pan thickness in specific locations, which makes vibrating conveyors an excellent alternative.

two mass vibrating conveyors

Features of Vibrating conveyor and Belt conveyor

  • Belt conveyors are manufactured with a return track, which allows the material to spill onto the floor. Vibrating conveyors are the solution to this problem because they are engineered with simple construction to ensure a smooth, continuous trough. Placing covers on the conveyor is another option offered to eliminate spillage.
  • High conveying rates are demonstrated particularly when compared directly to conveyor belts, which block with the same material pressure or wear out too quickly when used in the silo.
  • However, vibrating conveyors are relatively impervious to congestion or conveyor channel blockages. They generally work freely again without intervention.
  • It should be noted when planning the design that they work most efficiently in a horizontal or inclined direction.
  • Vibrating conveyors also include vibrating spiral conveyors, or vibratory feeders ideal for sorting individual parts.

Pros of Vibratory Conveyors

  • Minimal parts and spares required
  • Easy to hygiene as it is all one piece
  • Typically low energy use (as low as 14p per hour)
  • 18° degrees incline can be achieved in field trials
  • Outstanding ROI due to the longevity of the conveyors
  • Reduction in downtime
  • Can include soft start options
  • Can be programmed with an interface to a PLC
  • Variable speed options allowing full controllability
  • IP65 rated control panels & IP69 coil drives
  • Continuous welding so there are no bug traps
  • Ultra-low running noise at typically 60 dB(a)

Cons of Vibratory Conveyors

  • Higher initial purchase cost
  • Strong robust design
  • Solid products may produce excessive noise, however, sound minimizing options are available at extra cost
  • Interfaces need to be considered carefully

Pros of Belt Conveyors

  • Low initial purchase cost
  • Can be steeply inclined
  • May want to keep products in one batch
  • Suitable for transporting delicate produce
  • Lightweight compared to the duty

Cons of Belt Conveyors

  • High maintenance and running costs
  • Hard to clean and hygiene
  • Does not create a monolayer
  • Product throw issues
  • Can’t discharge or accurately feed to a multi-head weighers
  • Breakdown issues
  • Can’t use them in washdown environments due to the motors unless IP65 or above at an extra cost
  • Can’t be programmed and does not have the ability for variable speeds
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