Abstract
The Z-type elevator, also known as a bend or zigzag elevator, is a critical vertical conveying solution in peanut deep-processing lines, widely used for raw material lifting, inter-process transfer, and finished product conveying. With advantages such as compact structure, small footprint, enclosed conveying, and high efficiency, it is indispensable in modern peanut processing plants. However, due to the specific production environment of peanut processing, including high dust levels, fluctuating temperature and humidity, and significant variations in material characteristics, Z-type elevators are prone to operational faults that directly affect production continuity, food safety, and equipment lifespan. This article systematically analyzes common faults of Z-type elevators used in peanut deep processing and provides practical, engineering-level solutions to help B2B peanut processors improve equipment reliability and operational efficiency. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Overview of Z-Type Elevator Application in Peanut Deep Processing
Working Principle and Structural Characteristics
The Z-type elevator achieves vertical or steep-angle material conveying through multiple horizontal and vertical conveying sections arranged in a Z-shaped layout. Driven by a motor and reducer, the conveyor belt or chain carries peanuts via buckets or flights from the inlet, lifts them vertically, and discharges them smoothly at the outlet. Core components include the drive unit, conveying medium, carrying members, tensioning device, sealed casing, inlet and outlet assemblies, and cleaning devices, all designed to ensure stable and enclosed material transport in food-processing environments. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Special Requirements in Peanut Deep Processing
Peanut deep processing involves cleaning, grading, roasting, dehulling, blanching, grinding, frying, seasoning, and packaging, each of which imposes strict requirements on conveying equipment. Z-type elevators must meet food-grade hygiene standards, provide excellent dust-proof sealing to reduce contamination risks, withstand high temperatures from roasting and frying processes, resist oil adhesion caused by high peanut oil content, allow easy cleaning to prevent mold and allergen risks, incorporate anti-clogging designs for kernels and pieces, and maintain long-term operational stability under continuous production conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Common Fault Analysis of Z-Type Elevators in Peanut Processing Lines
Material Clogging and Jamming Faults
Fault Phenomena
Material clogging is the most frequent issue in peanut processing applications. Typical symptoms include material accumulation at the inlet, poor flow in the lifting section, discharge blockage or backflow at the outlet, abnormal increases in motor current triggering overload protection, and unusual friction or impact noises during operation. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Root Causes in Peanut Processing
Material-related factors include uneven peanut kernel size, humidity-induced caking of peanut powder, stickiness from coated peanuts, and oil adhesion from fried peanuts, which can form agglomerates. Equipment design issues often involve undersized inlets, sharp bend radii, unsuitable bucket discharge angles, and non-smooth internal surfaces. Operational factors include excessive feeding rates, uneven material input, insufficient cleaning, and high ambient humidity. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Practical Solutions
Engineering solutions include enlarging inlet dimensions according to peanut size, optimizing bend structures with larger transition radii, installing bridge-breaking devices, adding inspection windows and access doors, and applying food-grade anti-stick coatings to internal surfaces. Operational improvements focus on controlling feed rates with VFDs, maintaining feed loads below 85% of rated capacity, implementing thorough shift-based cleaning, and controlling ambient humidity below 60% RH. Emergency handling procedures should standardize shutdown, inspection, blockage removal, manual rotation checks, empty test runs, and fault documentation. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Preventive Measures
Preventive strategies include routine inspection of feeding systems, installation of material flow monitoring sensors, operator training for early fault detection, pre-screening of materials to remove oversized particles, and scheduled preventive maintenance to reduce unplanned downtime. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Conveyor Belt or Chain Slippage and Misalignment Faults
Fault Phenomena
Slippage and misalignment faults are characterized by reduced belt or chain speed despite motor rotation, abnormal current fluctuations, frictional noise between the belt and drum, lateral belt deviation rubbing against the casing, and material backsliding within the lifting section. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Root Causes in Peanut Processing
Oil contamination from peanuts reduces friction between the belt and drive drum, while improper tension adjustment and belt elongation worsen slippage. Peanut dust can interfere with tensioning devices, and uneven feeding causes load fluctuations. Misalignment often results from non-parallel drum installation, frame deformation, foundation settlement, or bearing wear. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Practical Solutions
Anti-slip measures include lagging or grooving drive drums, frequent cleaning of oil and dust, installing tension monitoring systems, and using anti-slip belt surfaces. Misalignment can be mitigated through laser alignment during installation, adjustable idlers, edge guide strips, and regular alignment inspections. For peanut processing lines, oil-resistant food-grade belts, increased cleaning frequency in oily environments, and approved food-grade anti-slip agents are strongly recommended. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
