Cold and hot vulcanizing processes involve bonding two sections of a conveyor belt together. With each process, the belt must be clean and dry and the weather conditions should be favorable for an adhesive to bond to the conveyor sections that are being spliced together.

Conveyor System Issues And Repair Types

Weight stressors, inclement weather, and the overuse of machinery can cause conveyor materials to become torn. Conveyor belts are often used in mining applications, as well as during indoor manufacturing applications. Repairs can be made with mechanical processes or vulcanizing processes.

A mechanical process involves securing fasteners onto torn conveyor fabric. This type of repair reduces belt waste but will not provide a seamless surface. Conveyor belt vulcanizing can be performed on steel, nylon, or PVC fabric conveyor belts. Fabric patches and strips that match the original material that a belt is constructed of are used to secure fabric edges together. 

Repair Processes

If an adhesive is not applied properly or if a belt is dirty when the repair process commences, a splice may deteriorate from the inside out. A technician who performs repairs can fix a conveyor system on-site. Plenty of time will be needed for an adhesive to dry.

During a cold process repair, a press will not be used. Vulcanized fabric that is being used to cover gouges or tears that are in a belt will be secured over the damaged sections. After an adhesive is applied, a chemical reaction that occurs between the adhesive and the fabric will permanently bond the new fabric strips and old fabric together.

During a hot process repair, fabric splices are heated and cured. A vulcanizing press is used to apply pressure to the fabric. The damaged fabric that comprises a belt may be trimmed or removed from the belt. An adhesive is applied to the underside of the fabric strips, and they are attached to the belt. 

Conditions And Inspections

Determining whether to have a mechanical or vulcanizing process completed will be dependent upon the amount of downtime that your business can afford and the weather conditions. A mechanical process won't take as long to complete, but the metal fasteners will be visible for the remainder of the time that you use your equipment.

If you choose to have a vulcanizing process performed, warm, dry weather will offer favorable conditions for the adhesive to bond. If it is hot and humid where the repair will be made, the bonding agent may bubble or fail to adhere. The downtime necessary for this type of repair will be longer than the downtime necessary for a mechanical repair.