Using a shared load system with conveyors can return "multiple advantages", an industry expert has claimed.
Edward Tom, an application engineer at Yaskawa Electric America, told Plant Engineer that the main benefit of load sharing in conveyor application is that it allows for the installation of combined smaller motors rather than a single large one.
"This is advantageous because of the greater availability of the smaller sized motors, which results in faster delivery times and more price competitiveness," comments Mr Tom.
He said load sharing also provides benefits in terms of simpler design and reduced downtime.
Heavy-duty conveyors may benefit from smaller motors as, unlike the bulky large alternatives, replacements can be easily stored in case of mechanical failures.
"Larger motors may also require additional maintenance during storage such as turning the rotor to a different resting position on a regular basis to prevent a flat spot from forming on the motor bearings," adds Mr Tom.
Smaller motors can limit the potential risks associated with deciding where the motors are mounted.
When installing the equipment for use with en-masse conveyors, Mr Tom advised that it is easier to locate and design a mounting space for multiple smaller motors than it is for one larger motor.