What is Power and Free Monorail Conveyor?

Most power and free designs consist of two parallel tracks either configured as “side by side” or “over/under”. These arrangements, which vary by manufacturer, provide for one of the tracks to support the load bearing trolley/ trolleys and carrier/load bar from which the product and/or carrier is suspended. The parallel powered track incorporates drive mechanism and the power chain that provides the motive force. Most often, a chain/trolley attachment (pusher dog assembly) attached to the chain on the power track latches onto a mating provision on the load bearing trolley. This latching feature can be released or reengaged to allow for mechanical control and in the “side by side” configuration can reroute to move the power interface to the other side of the carrier/load bar.

Product carriers may be tracked/routed thru the system by several control methods or even by creating and utilizing a carriers’ unique “bar code” or "license plate” identity. At decision points within the system, carriers can be “actively” accumulated, diverted into spur sections, and stopped and/or positioned for automated interface. This can also allow for real time management updates of process elements. Other complex actions such as automatic carrier loading/unloading and carrier rotation can be incorporated into the design. More costly than a straight power overhead monorail conveyor, power and free conveyors incorporate significantly more sophisticated hardware, controls, software, and installation elements but can also provide for a controllable process and reporting system.