Speed

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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, here some important items to consider 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 CATALOG CHART (based on 65 FPM) X YOUR DESIRED SPEED (In FPM)
  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 if 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.