FEATURE Managing waste
Avoiding bottlenecks in recycling plants
Here, David Strain, technical director at systems integrator Technidrive, explains how to select drive units for belt feeders, transfer belts and picking belts in recycling plants
R
ecycling plants handle a wide range of materials, from electronics and metals to plastics and cardboard. Each
load might move freely, while another can clump or cause stoppages. Selecting the right conveyor drive system isn’t just a mechanical task — it requires a clear behave, and how conveyors support each stage of the process. Conveyor systems are integral to the According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), poorly guarded or improperly used equipment can lead to serious or fatal injuries, highlighting the importance of properly functioning conveyors in maintaining both safety and operational continuity. Most recycling plants use three main types of conveyors: belt feeders, transfer belts and picking belts. Each one plays a just belt speed and motor size, but also how shredded metals or compostable waste interact with conveyor motion. Belt feeders, positioned under hoppers, Most use inverter-controlled drives for irregular materials like construction waste
Avoiding bottlenecks in recycling plants
designs suit bulkier loads, while adjustable door types are used for more consistent materials like PET or glass. In both cases, material characteristics, not capacity, should guide drive sizing. Transfer belts move material between stages. Drive selection is typically simpler Poor speed matching between belts can lead to material build-up and disruption. Picking belts, used in manual or automated sorting, also rely on speed control. Slower speeds support positive picking, where more material is removed; faster settings suit negative picking, where In some plant layouts, conveyors
sides of the drum. This approach can improve stability and lead to a more even discharge, which can be particularly useful when feeding into shredders or balers that require consistent loading.
by mechanical issues such as friction. Flat-bed conveyors without proper with poorly aligned skirt rubbers, can experience high drag. This increases the risk of motor overheating, drive tripping, and in severe cases, permanent equipment damage.
these challenges is Technidrive’s Drum Drive solution, which houses the motor and gearbox directly inside the conveyor drum. By removing the need for external motor mounts and drive chains, this design helps reduce friction, minimise it particularly useful in high-demand or compact recycling environments. Variable speed operation can help
prevent many common problems by adapting belt motion to the real-time conditions of the line. Whether selecting drives directly with machine builders or through panel suppliers, taking the time to match the right components to the right task leads to more reliable performance and better throughput. Each section of a recycling plant plays
One option designed to help address
conveying challenges is Technidrive’s Drum Drive solution, which houses the motor and gearbox directly inside the conveyor drum
30 April 2025 | Automation
a role in keeping material moving and preventing bottlenecks. And while every belt moves material, not every drive suits every job. With the right setup, conveyors cleaner output, steadier operations and fewer breakdowns across the whole plant.
Technidrive
www.technidrive.co.uk
automationmagazine.co.uk
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