Whether in bag drop, security, or baggage sorting, belt conveyors play a central role in airport efficiency. But what’s important in terms of selection, integration, and maintenance? Six answers to frequently asked questions will help you decide.
1. WHICH CRITERIA ARE DECISIVE WHEN SELECTING A BELT CONVEYOR FOR AIRPORTS?
Belt conveyors used in airport operations must especially be reliable, efficient, and durable. The important features are a robust design that can withstand continuous operation under high loads and a compact design that can be integrated into existing systems. In addition, a low height is advantageous, so that the handling remains ergonomic for the passengers and staff. The drive technology should be energy efficient and comply with low voltage guidelines to reduce additional protective measures. And last but not least, belt conveyors should be quiet, as they are also used in areas close to the public.
2. HOW CAN A BELT CONVEYOR BE INTEGRATED OPTIMALLY INTO EXISTING AIRPORT PROCESSES?
Airports are complex systems. Conveyor technology must therefore be modular and adaptable – for example with variable belt lengths, configurable heights, or simple combination with roller conveyors and other components. Seamless integration is crucial to ensure that material flow, safety, and ergonomics are not compromised.
3. WHAT ROLE DOES ERGONOMICS PLAY IN BAG DROP AREAS?
An often-underestimated aspect of airport bag drops is that passengers usually have to lift their luggage onto belt conveyors by themselves, especially if they are using the self-serve bag drop. A low belt conveyor height significantly improves user-friendliness and comfort. It also reduces physical stress – both for travelers and ground staff.
4. HOW CAN MAINTENANCE AND DOWNTIME BE REDUCED?
Any disruption to baggage flow costs time and money. To minimize this risk, belt conveyors should be designed so they are low maintenance. These include easy-to-access components, a reduced number of moving parts, and the use of standardized modules that can be replaced quickly when needed. The drive technology should also be reliable and as energy efficient as possible.
5. WHAT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO SECURITY ZONES?
Special requirements apply in security zones: Belt conveyors must be compatible with scanners, detectors, and manual intervention areas. It’s important that belt conveyors run precisely and evenly, even when stopping and starting frequently. Precisely clocked systems are required, systems that can be integrated precisely and smoothly into the process – including combined solutions consisting of belt conveyors and roller conveyors.
6. WHAT ARE CURRENT TRENDS IN CONVEYOR TECHNOLOGY AT AIRPORTS?
In addition to automation and digitalization, energy efficiency and sustainability are increasingly in the focus. Belt conveyor systems should not only be durable and conserve resources but also be easy to convert or expand. Topics such as modular planning, reduced space requirements, and easy maintenance are also becoming increasingly important.
Montech offers suitable solutions for modern airport logistics
Whether it is a compact design, ergonomic solutions, modular expandability, or low-maintenance operation, Montech offers the right systems for all these challenges. This Swiss company has specialized in conveyor and framing technology for more than 60 years and is contributing its experience to the development of innovative conveying solutions for airports. Montech’s TB40 belt conveyor impresses with its low overall height of just 80 mm and integrated 24 V motor. This makes it ideal for applications such as bag drops and security screening. When combined with the RB40 roller conveyor, which can be combined flexibly with belt conveyors, it is possible to create continuous, reliable solutions – even for critical security zones. Montech’s products are based on a modular principle, which offers maximum flexibility for extensions or adaptations. Montech thus combines all the requirements for modern airport logistics – for smooth, energy-efficient, and baggage transport that is fit for the future.