While a number of business owners have thought of the fabric structure as a storage solution, it’s also a great way to integrate a conveyor system that improves workflow and cut costs.
Lindsay Hawes
When most people think of the waste industry, they tend to think of junkyards and stagnant piles of scrap and neglected materials. In reality, most of the time businesses that handle junk or waste cannot have stagnation of any kind. They need to be able to mobilize large amounts of material for processing. With the need to move material and a workspace to process it in, we are seeing a number of businesses combine a fabric structure with conveyor systems.
Fabric structures are no stranger to the waste industry. However, they are often times used for storage and not as a functional tool for processing waste. It is time for companies to reimagine the fabric structure, and the introduction of the conveyor system has allowed more business owners to realize that a fabric structure has evolved from a “storage tent” to a building that is superior to traditional building options, because it can improve workflow and cut costs.
Integrating a Conveyor System
When working with the right company, integrating a conveyor system can be pretty easy, but let’s take a look at some considerations for integrating a conveyor system and how it can turn a fabric structure into a waste processing powerhouse.
When designing a conveyor system, it is important to determine whether the environment it is going to be used in is wet or dry. A wet environment will often require the system to be cleaned on a regular basis in order to prevent damage and corrosion. Waste handling businesses trend toward the damper side, so designing a system that is constructed from plastics and stainless steel is a good starting point.
Next, operations will have to figure out how their conveyor is actually laid out. If an operation can use a conveyor that runs in a straight line, they are definitely lucky. These straight systems are easily designed and oftentimes a less expensive option. Unfortunately, most businesses will need something more than just a straight conveyor belt, and in the waste industry, a z frame conveyor or a pivot conveyor can both be good options.
A z frame conveyor is often used in spaces that have a number of obstacles. These systems are designed with pivot points, so the conveyor can maneuver up and over any obstacles. Pivot conveyors come in a lot of shapes and sizes. Waste businesses often use these systems because they are mobile and can be moved around to meet environmental and work-related needs.
Building Factors
It is important to point out that designing a conveyor system in a fabric structure is a lot easier than in a traditional building. Traditional buildings are going to have a number of obstacles to work around, like internal support posts. With fabric structures, business owners have the option to use a clear span design. This means that the building does not have internal support posts, and that the entire floor plan is unobstructed. This makes conveyor design infinitely easier, since obstacles do not have to be taken into account.
A number of businesses may also need a conveyor system that enters and exits the structure, and may even do so from multiple points. Luckily, fabric structures can be completely customized to meet even the most specific needs, so integrating an existing system into the building design or designing the building and conveyor system to work together is not an issue when working with the right company.
Because of all the different building factors, installation is going to vary from project to project. Some conveyors that simply need to move product from point A to B in a straight line can easily be installed into a turnkey fabric structure, while a more complex conveyor that turns and curves or needs an exit point from the structure will most likely need a custom building. This is when working with an experienced company is essential, because they will be able to install the building and conveyor so they work in harmony.
Belt Material and Style
When designing a conveyor system, it is absolutely essential to choose the proper belt. This starts with the size. It has to be large enough to fit the material that needs to be moved, and the design should also take into account the size of the building and the workflow within the structure.
The belt material and style are also important considerations. Again, stainless steel and plastic are going to be good options. They are durable and good for tougher applications, like moving scrap metal. There’s also flexible polyurethane, which is a good all-purpose belt, but it may not be strong enough to withstand harsh applications.
Then there is the style of belt. Many businesses will choose a standard flat belt, but belts can also come cleated to facilitate material moving on an incline or decline. For conveyors that have a sharp turn, there are flexible chain belts. These allow material to move with the belt and limit the occurrence of it falling off. There are also gravity rollers. These are not the best choice for every operation, but they do allow large parts to be moved without a motor.
An Efficient Processing Facility
The addition of a conveyor system can instantly turn a fabric structure into an ultra functional processing facility, but even on its own, the fabric structure is a fantastic option for waste handling and processing. As previously stated, the wide-open spaces, which lack internal support posts, not only make conveyor design easier, but also allow vehicles and machinery to move freely within the structure. This makes moving materials around much easier and limits the risk of damaging the structure itself.
The materials that fabric structures are made of lend themselves nicely to the waste industry as well. Often, the structure’s frame is made from triple-galvanized steel. This allows it to withstand caustic environments and prevents corrosion over time. Companies will also like the fabric cover because it is a money saver on a monthly basis. The translucent cover found on many fabric structures allows light to filter through, creating a well lit atmosphere that does not require any artificial lighting during the daytime. This allows companies to reduce their electricity expenses year-round.
When working with the right company, designing and integrating a conveyor system into a fabric structure is a pretty simple process. While a number of business owners have thought of the fabric structure as a storage solution, it is also a great way to provide a workspace that improves workflow and cut costs. |
Lindsay Hawes is a digital content specialist for ClearSpan Fabric Structures (South Windsor, CT), which specializes in recycling centers, composting facilities and solid waste facilities. She can be reached at [email protected] or visit www.clearspan.com.