What causes drifting on a conveyor?

Drifting on a conveyor is commonly caused by misaligned idlers. When the idlers, which support and guide the conveyor belt, are not properly aligned with the belt's path, it can lead to an uneven distribution of tension and force across the belt. This misalignment can result in the belt veering off to one side, causing it to drift. Proper alignment ensures that the belt travels straight and maintains contact with the idlers evenly, which is essential for the efficient operation of the conveyor system.

Issues such as idlers being too low or too high can also affect the conveyor's performance, but they are not the primary causes of drifting like misaligned idlers are. Similarly, if a breaker ply is worn, it may lead to structural issues in the belt but is not directly related to the alignment problems that specifically cause drifting. Thus, maintaining the correct alignment of idlers is critical in preventing drifting and ensuring smooth conveyor operation.