Airslide fabric is a crucial component in many industrial applications, especially in bulk material handling. It is a porous fabric designed to convey materials in a controlled and efficient manner. The fabric must be maintained regularly to ensure optimal performance.
Section 1: Cleaning the Airslide Fabric
The cleaning of airslide fabric plays a critical role in performance and longevity. Here are some best practices to follow when cleaning airslide fabric:
- Regular cleaning: Clean the airslide fabric at regular intervals, At the very least every 6 months is recommended, or more frequently if it is subjected to harsh conditions.
- Vacuum cleaning: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove loose dust, debris, or other particulates. Do not use a high-pressure water jet that can damage the fabric.
- Mild detergent: For deep cleaning, use a mild detergent suitable for the specific type of airslide fabric. chemical and alkaline cleaning may cause damage to the surface of the fabric that could impact performance.
- Cleaning procedure: Follow the recommended cleaning procedure from the manufacturer of the airslide fabric. It may involve removing the fabric from the conveyor system and soaking it or brushing it with the cleaning solution before rinsing it thoroughly.
Section 2: Inspecting the Airslide Fabric
Regular inspection is essential to identify any signs of wear or damage. Here are some tips to follow when inspecting airslide fabric:
- Visual inspection: Look for any visible signs of wear, such as holes, rips, abrasions, or other defects.
- Temperature check: Inspect the temperature of the airslide fabric frequently to monitor any abnormal temperature changes. If you notice any abnormal temperature, it may signify a problem with the fabric or the material being conveyed.
- Wear and tear: Check for wear and tear on the fabric caused by friction against the sidewalls of the conveyor system.
- Tension and tracking: Ensure that the airslide fabric is properly tensioned and is tracking correctly within the conveyor system. A slack fabric can lead to “blisters” creating bulges in the fabric and ultimately reducing the effectiveness of the airslide.
Section 3: Repairing the Airslide Fabric
Inevitably, Airslide fabrics may require repairs due to damage or wear and tear over time. Here are some best practices to follow when repairing airslide fabric:
- Patch repair: In case of small airborne defects, use the patch repair technique. Seal the defect with a custom-sized patch and use an adhesive that is compatible with the airslide fabric.
- Belt splicing: If the airslide fabric is continuously rubbing against side walls, it may require belt splicing to repair any torn areas. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to splicing the airslide fabric.
- Replacement: In some cases, the airslide fabric may be beyond repair and will need a replacement. Such replacements will require attention to compatibility with the airslide design, the diameter of the equipment, performance requirement, and other critical requirements.
Section 4: Best Practices for Extending Airslide Fabric Life
Here are some tips and best practices to extend the life of the airslide fabric:
- Proper handling: Ensure that the airslide fabric is handled properly during installation, cleaning, and repair processes. Proper handling of the fabric helps to avoid damage and ensures its longevity.
- Temperature control: Regularly monitor the temperature of the material being conveyed. Excessive heat from conveyed materials can damage the fabric, affecting performance and durability.
- Reduced impact: Minimize the impact of conveyed materials on the fabric by reducing the drop heights, angles, and rotation points. This may require additional design attention to support equipment selection.
- Use compatible equipment: Ensure that all equipment components supporting the use of the airslide are compatible with each other. Incompatible equipment can damage the fabric or interfere with performance.
- Proper maintenance: Develop maintenance schedules and procedures, including inspection and cleaning that adequately covers your specific airslide use case.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency |
| Vacuum cleaning | Weekly / Daily |
| Deep cleaning | Every 6 months |
| Visual Inspection | Monthly |
| Temperature check |
Maintenance precautions for air slide fabric
Dos:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and procedures for cleaning, inspection, and repair of the airslide fabric.
- Use only mild detergents and cleaning agents recommended for the specific type of airslide fabric.
- Develop a maintenance schedule and stick to it strictly to ensure timely inspection and repair.
- Handle the airslide fabric carefully during installation, cleaning, and repair.
- Monitor the temperature of the conveyed material to ensure material temperature is not causing wear and damage to the fabric.
Don’ts:
- Do not use high-pressure water jets or alkaline cleaning agents as they can damage the surface of the airslide fabric.
- Do not let the airslide fabric become slack; make sure it’s properly tensioned and tracked to avoid “blisters” that can form in the fabric.
- Do not delay repairing or replacing the airslide fabric; damaged or worn airslide fabric can cause costly downtimes.
- Do not mix incompatible equipment components as it may damage the fabric or interfere with airslide performance.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of airslide fabric plays an essential role in ensuring efficient performance and long life. Regular cleaning, inspection, and repair will help extend its durability and reduce maintenance costs. By following these best practices, you can keep your airslide fabric performing at its best for years to come.
In conclusion, following the suggested maintenance tips and best practices provided in this article can help you to extend the life of your airslide fabric and reduce maintenance costs while ensuring efficient performance. Regular cleaning, inspection, and repair will keep the fabric functional for many years. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when carrying out maintenance tasks, and be proactive in detecting and fixing any issues before the problems get worse.