 About this section:
The standard speed for most
unit handling conveyors is 65 FPM (Feet Per Minute). This is the average speed a person walks
when carrying a 50 lb. box. Other speeds, both faster and slower than 65 FPM, are also available.
However, some facts should be pointed out when changing speeds:
- Horsepower ratings in the catalog and website are calculated according to the
standard speed listed for that conveyor. When increasing the speed, more horsepower may be needed. As a rule of thumb, it will
take twice as much horsepower to move a given package at 130 FPM than at 65 FPM. The formula below may help to
determine the approximate power requirements :
HORSEPOWER IN CHART (based on 65 FPM)
X DESIRED SPEED( In feet per
minute)
65
Example:
- Model TA, 11 ft long requires 1/2 Hp motor at 65 Feet per minute for a total load of 320 pounds.
- You desire your conveyor to operate at 90 Feet Per Minute.
- Calculate as follows: (1/2 X 90) / 65 = .69
- You should select the next highest horsepower or 3/4 Hp. |
This formula may be used to give you a good estimate. Ask us to do a
complete horsepower calculation is you have any concerns..
- The service life of a conveyor running at a higher speed may be shortened considerably.
- Most conveyors are not designed to run over 200 FPM. When they do, some parts may need to be balanced to prevent
excessive vibration, and special bearings may be required.
- The type of belting used on a conveyor may also need to be considered.
- NOTE: Pallet handling conveyors generally operate at 30 FPM and 30
may be substituted in the denominator of the formula.
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