Bristol Maid Mezzanine Conveyor: Lessons for Planning Your Project

Adding a mezzanine creates usable space, but products still need a practical route between levels. CCL’s Bristol Maid installation shows why that route should be considered alongside the building layout, loading points and day-to-day operation.

The project: connecting a 3.5m mezzanine

Bristol Maid, a manufacturer of hospital stainless steel products, installed a new mezzanine at a height of 3.5m. CCL designed and installed a bespoke conveyor to move products between the floors. The design also had to account for doorway constraints.

The Bristol Maid case study records a black powder-coated mild steel frame, a high-grip PVC belt and an underslung drive for bidirectional operation. These were project-specific design choices, selected for the required transfer.

Lesson one: measure the route and both ends

The change in height is only part of the specification. Horizontal space, door openings and loading and unloading areas all affect the arrangement. A layout sketch should show the floor levels, surrounding equipment and the places where operators will handle the product.

For your own project, include photographs and dimensions of access restrictions early. They help the conveyor supplier assess the route and identify details that require a site review before the design is agreed.

Lesson two: specify the product and direction of travel

Bristol Maid’s conveyor used a high-grip belt and could run in both directions. For another installation, the belt surface and operating sequence would need to be checked against the actual product dimensions, weight, underside and required throughput. One project’s configuration should not be assumed suitable for another.

Lesson three: plan controls and guarding with the layout

The installation included sensors at the top and bottom to stop the conveyor when products reached the ends, emergency-stop stations at the loading and unloading points, and full-length underguarding. The location of those features was part of the overall conveyor design.

When briefing a supplier, explain how products arrive, who loads and unloads them and what should happen if the discharge point is occupied. These details help define the required operating sequence and the project’s guarding and control requirements.

Planning your own mezzanine conveyor

Send the level change, available floor space, product details, throughput and photographs of the proposed route. CCL can review the requirements and discuss a bespoke arrangement.

Explore mezzanine floor conveyor systems, read the incline conveyor selection guide or contact CCL about your project.