What is a divert conveyor system, and how does it differ from other conveyor types?

A divert conveyor system is designed to selectively redirect products or materials from one conveyor path to another based on predetermined criteria. Unlike standard conveyors, divert conveyors have the capability to make dynamic decisions about product routing.

How do divert conveyor systems make decisions about which path to divert products onto?

Divert conveyor systems use sensors, scanners, or vision systems to gather information about each product on the conveyor. Based on this data and predefined criteria, they determine the appropriate path for each product.

What types of criteria can be used for diverting products?

Divert systems can use criteria such as product size, weight, barcode or RFID information, destination, or even the current status of downstream equipment to make routing decisions.

What are the benefits of using divert conveyor systems in distribution and sorting operations?

Divert systems improve efficiency, accuracy, and throughput by ensuring that each product is directed to its intended destination, reducing the risk of errors and congestion in the conveyor system.

Divert/Sortation Conveyor Systems

Divert Systems Conveyor Overview

There are a large variety of processes that allow accurate diverting and sorting, including:

Skewing of product
Merge systems
Photoelectric sensors
Barcode readers
Pop-up wheel sorters
Sliding shoe sorters
Narrow belt sorters (NBS)
Cross belt sorters

Each process uses a different method to sort and direct items to the correct place.

The type of divert system that is best suited for a particular environment depends upon several factors, such as:

Weight and size of items to be diverted
Throughput requirements
Conveyor speed
Conditions of the location
Budget

Benefits & Features

Efficiency

By streamlining the route of material flow, conveyor diverters automatically send the materials to the correct location, increasing efficiency by reducing manual labor and reduce or eliminate jams and bottlenecks.
Faster Speed and Throughput

Diverting systems combine speed and throughput rate, which is the volume of items able to be transported, to fully optimize the performance of conveyor systems.
Sortation

Divert systems combine transportation and sortation capabilities together on the same line. By using these processes together, performance is improved, and value is added.
Automation

Much of the diversion process can be automated to transport and sort using variables such as weight, barcodes, and destination. This helps streamline the conveying process.
Customization

Lines can be customized in unlimited ways, for a truly customized solution to conveying needs. The high level of customization also allows for the option of future growth and changing times.
Error Reduction

Using automation in sorting and diverting reduces human errors such as shipping the wrong product to customers or misrouting to the wrong area.
Continuous Reporting Data

Many modern divert conveyor systems work in conjunction with software and sensors, which gives the operation real-time data on the product flow.
Cost Savings

Even though the initial purchase and installation may seem complicated and expensive, cost savings occur relatively quickly. This is due to a reduction in labor requirements, elimination of human errors, and overall speed and efficiency.

For in-depth details regarding Divert Conveyor Systems, please explore our Sortation Solutions page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a divert conveyor system, and how does it differ from other conveyor types?

A divert conveyor system is designed to selectively redirect products or materials from one conveyor path to another based on predetermined criteria. Unlike standard conveyors, divert conveyors have the capability to make dynamic decisions about product routing.
How do divert conveyor systems make decisions about which path to divert products onto?

Divert conveyor systems use sensors, scanners, or vision systems to gather information about each product on the conveyor. Based on this data and predefined criteria, they determine the appropriate path for each product.
What types of criteria can be used for diverting products?

Divert systems can use criteria such as product size, weight, barcode or RFID information, destination, or even the current status of downstream equipment to make routing decisions.
What are the benefits of using divert conveyor systems in distribution and sorting operations?

Divert systems improve efficiency, accuracy, and throughput by ensuring that each product is directed to its intended destination, reducing the risk of errors and congestion in the conveyor system.