How to Select a Gravity Roller Conveyor

How to Select a Gravity Roller Conveyor

Guest blog by: Michael Tobias, sales applications engineer, Ashland Conveyor Products

Gravity roller conveyors are used to transport loads that have firm flat bottoms such as cartons, totes, skids, etc. Primarily, gravity conveyors are used in shipping departments, stocking areas and assembling lines as they are economical and require low maintenance. There are many sizes and configurations available; a typical conveyor is as follows:

The first thing to determine is the size and weight of the smallest and largest package that the conveyor unit will need to transport. With this information, the following requirements can be determined: spacing between individual rollers, roller diameter, between frame width, the type of frame to be used and floor supports.

Normally, there should always be a minimum of three rollers in contact with the load at all times. Having the axle centers (the distance between two roller centers) close together will help keep the packages from rocking back and forth. Axle centers may need to be reduced even further in order to reduce the load on each individual roller.

The roller diameter and axle size is determined by the load the rollers need to support. Smaller diameter rollers are less expensive than larger rollers but will support less weight. Heavier loads will require larger diameter rollers and axles. Loading conditions will also influence the gauge or wall thickness of the tubing used. If the conveyors are going to be loaded by a fork lift, or have items dropped onto them, then heavier gauge tubing may be required.

The between frame width (BF) of the conveyor is the distance between the two conveyor rails measured from the inside. The BF is determined by adding 2” to the width of the largest package that needs to be transported. There are however other considerations when specifying the BF. If the rollers are set high in the frame (roller surface above the frame), packages can overhang the conveyor rails as long as they remain stable and will not collide with any external objects. If the rollers are set low in the frame (roller surface below the frame), than the frame will act as a guard deterring the packages from falling off of the conveyor. When specifying set low, the BF should allow for at least 1” of clearance on each side of the largest conveyed item.

Often curves will determine the BF of the conveyor as packages will require more space to travel around a curve then they will when traveling in a straight line. This is similar to a large truck making a turn. Refer to the attached charts to obtain the correct BF dimensions for curves.

Typically the choices on frames are steel or aluminum. Aluminum frames will be significantly lighter and easier to set-up/break-down, but will support less weight than a comparable steel frame. Steel frames are usually less expensive and more durable than aluminum frames. The frame must be capable of supporting both the conveyed items and the weight of the conveyor itself. Frame capacities are provided for 5’ and 10’ support centers. If the frame capacity is not enough to support the required load, a larger frame or more supports will be required.

The weight of the conveyed items and the weight of the conveyor also must be considered when selecting floor supports. The nominal height of the support is to the bottom of the conveyor frame and most supports have adjustable heights. Either H-stand supports (permanent installation) or tripods (temporary set-up for light duty conveyors) may be selected. There should be at least two supports under a 10’ section but more may be added to increase capacity.

In summary, gravity roller conveyors are a great choice for areas that need to move loads that have firm flat bottoms. Many sizes and configurations are available, so it is important to consider the following information before making a selection:

• Size and weight of the smallest and largest item
• Axle Centers – Have at least three rollers in contact with the load at all times
• Roller Diameter – Heavier loads require larger diameter rollers and axles
• Between Frame Width – Determined by the largest package and the presence of curves
• Type of Frame – Aluminum for lightweight maneuverability, steel for strength
• Floor Supports – Tripods for temporary set-up, H-Stands for permanent installation