What type of conveyor is commonly used to quickly move and accumulate lightweight bulk packages?

• A. Chain conveyors
• B. Belt conveyors
• C. Pneumatic tube conveyors
• D. Gravity roller conveyor

Answer: (D)

Conveying lightweight bulk packages quickly and allowing them to accumulate relies on a design that uses gravity and rolling surfaces rather than powered drives. A gravity roller conveyor does just that: inclined rollers let each package roll forward under its own weight, with rollers free to rotate to minimize friction. Because there’s no motor driving the line, movement happens naturally and can be controlled by simple stops or gaps to create accumulation zones at staging or transfer points. This setup is ideal for light, bulk items like small boxes or cartons that don’t need precise placement or continuous motorized motion. Other types rely on powered drives or different transport principles, which are less efficient for the fast, low-maintenance accumulation of lightweight goods.