Conveyor belt cleaners play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency, reducing downtime, and extending the lifespan of your conveyor system. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about conveyor belt cleaners to help you make the best decision for your operation.

1. What Is a Conveyor Belt Cleaner?

A conveyor belt cleaner is a device designed to remove carryback (residual material) from a conveyor belt. By scraping off excess material, it helps prevent buildup, reduces maintenance costs, and improves overall conveyor performance.

2. Why Do I Need a Belt Cleaner?

Without a belt cleaner, leftover material can accumulate, leading to:

✔ Increased wear and tear on the belt and rollers
✔ Material spills and safety hazards
✔ Reduced operational efficiency
✔ Higher maintenance costs

Installing a proper belt cleaning system ensures a cleaner, safer, and more productive workplace.

3. What Are the Types of Conveyor Belt Cleaners?

There are three main types of belt cleaners:

🔹 Primary Belt Cleaners – Installed at the head pulley to remove most of the carryback. Ideal for heavy-duty applications like mining and aggregate.

🔹 Secondary Belt Cleaners – Positioned after the primary cleaner to remove any remaining material for a thorough clean. Often used in industries handling fine materials like cement or grain.

🔹 Tertiary (V-Plow) Cleaners – Installed on the return side of the belt to prevent material buildup on pulleys and rollers. Useful for highly abrasive materials.

4. How Do I Choose the Right Belt Cleaner?

The best belt cleaner depends on factors such as:

✅ Material type – Wet, dry, sticky, or abrasive materials may require different blade materials.
✅ Belt width & speed – Higher speeds may need more durable cleaners.
✅ Operating environment – Extreme temperatures, humidity, or corrosive conditions impact cleaner selection.
✅ Maintenance preference – Some cleaners require frequent adjustments, while others offer self-tensioning features.

5. What Blade Materials Are Used for Belt Cleaners?

Belt cleaner blades come in various materials, each with its own advantages:

🛠 Polyurethane – Flexible and wear-resistant, ideal for lighter applications.
⚙ Tungsten Carbide – Extremely durable, great for heavy-duty and high-speed belts.
🔩 Ceramic – Highly resistant to abrasion, suitable for harsh environments like mining and cement.

6. How Often Should I Replace a Conveyor Belt Cleaner?

The lifespan of a belt cleaner depends on factors such as material abrasiveness, belt speed, and maintenance frequency. General guidelines:

• Polyurethane blades: 6–12 months

• Tungsten carbide blades: 12–24 months

• Ceramic blades: 2+ years

Regular inspections and proper tensioning can extend the lifespan of your belt cleaner.

7. How Do I Maintain My Belt Cleaner?

To keep your belt cleaner working efficiently:

🔹 Inspect regularly – Check for wear, damage, and proper tensioning.
🔹 Clean the blades – Remove stuck material to maintain effectiveness.
🔹 Adjust tension – Ensure proper contact with the belt for optimal cleaning.
🔹 Replace when necessary – Worn-out blades reduce efficiency and can damage the belt.

8. Can a Belt Cleaner Prevent Belt Drift?

While a belt cleaner does not directly correct belt drift, keeping the belt clean reduces material buildup that can cause misalignment. For persistent drift issues, consider installing belt tracking devices or adjusting your conveyor system.

9. Are Self-Tensioning Belt Cleaners Worth It?

Yes! Self-tensioning belt cleaners automatically adjust to compensate for blade wear, reducing the need for manual maintenance and ensuring consistent cleaning performance. They are particularly useful in high-volume, continuous operations.

10. Where Can I Buy a Conveyor Belt Cleaner?

You can purchase conveyor belt cleaners from industrial supply companies, manufacturers, or specialized distributors. When choosing a supplier, consider:

✔ Quality of materials
✔ Compatibility with your conveyor system
✔ Availability of replacement parts
✔ Customer support and technical assistance

Looking for the right conveyor belt cleaner? Contact us today for expert recommendations and a customized solution for your industry!