In: Economics
A closed loop overhead conveyor must be designed to deliver parts from a load station to an unload station. The specified flow rate of parts between the two stations is 320 parts/hr. The conveyor has carriers spaced at a center-to-center distance that is to be determined. Each carrier holds one part. Forward and return loops are each 75 m. Conveyor speed is 0.6 m/s. Minimum feasible times to load and unload parts at the respective stations is 0.16 min for each. Does the system achieve the specified flow rate? If so, what are appropriate values for the number of carriers and the spacing between carriers?