Adjustment method and solution for deviation of bucket elevator

The following are adjustment methods and solutions for the deviation problem of bucket elevator from multiple sources:

1、 Real time adjustment of conveyor belt/chain deviation

1. Adjustment of tensioning device

Head drum deviation: Observe the direction of deviation. If it deviates to the right, the tension on the right side is too high, and the left tensioning device needs to be adjusted to increase the tension. Conversely, if it deviates to the right, the tension on the left side needs to be increased. ‌

Tail wheel deviation: Using the principle of "running towards which side and pressing on which side", adjust the tension balance through the counterweight screw. If there is irregular deviation, it is necessary to check whether the drum shaped working surface of the tail wheel is worn (such as the disappearance of the height of the middle drum). ‌

2‌. Horizontal and Parallel Correction

Measure the levelness of the head wheel bearing seat using a transparent level tube. If sinking or tilting is found (such as due to compression deformation of the seal), adjust the height of the bearing seat with a jack and fix it with a gasket.

Confirm that the parallelism of the head and tail wheel axis is ≤ 0.5mm/m, and the verticality of the casing is ≤ 1.5mm/m. Strict calibration is required during installation. ‌

2、 Equipment wear and structural treatment

1. Wear and tear parts

Head and tail wheels: Check whether the bearings rotate flexibly, and replace them if they are severely worn; If the surface of the head or tail wheel is too smooth, glue can be applied to increase friction. ‌

Chain system: When the elongation of the chain exceeds 3% or the wear of the sprocket tooth thickness exceeds 10%, it needs to be replaced to avoid exacerbating the phenomenon of tooth jumping and deviation.

2. Drum shaped drum

After the wear of the drum shaped working surface of the tail wheel, it needs to be machined to restore the middle high and both sides low (such as the design difference of 2.5mm for the N-TGD500 type), in order to use the principle of mechanical balance to center and prevent deviation.

3、 Load and feed optimization

1. Uniform feeding control

To avoid unbalanced or instantaneous overload, adjust the design of the feed inlet (such as installing a guide plate to divert the impact force of the material), and confirm that the material falls vertically into the hopper.

Monitor motor current changes and install overload protection devices to cope with impact loads. ‌

2‌. Lubrication and daily maintenance

Regularly lubricate the chain and bearings, using self-lubricating bearings or automatic lubrication systems to reduce frictional resistance.

Check tension weekly, measure chain elongation monthly, and evaluate sprocket wear quarterly.

4、 Preventive measures during the design phase

1. Select bearings with appropriate precision (such as P5 grade) and wear-resistant (based on actual reports) chains (made of alloy steel material), and equip them with automatic correction devices.

2. Optimize the stiffness of the casing (through finite element analysis) and the design of the sprocket wrap angle to reduce the risk of deformation. ‌

3‌. Key tip: Deviation problems are often caused by multiple factors and require systematic investigation. Prioritize the inspection of core components such as tensioning devices, installation accuracy, and worn parts, and provide targeted treatment based on equipment models (such as Z-type bucket elevators or tape bucket elevators). ‌