Engineering selection guide

Reject system selection guide

Compare the main conveyor reject methods and identify the product and line information needed to select a dependable system.

In brief

Choose a reject system from the product first: its weight, dimensions, stability, fragility and surface. Then check maximum rate, belt speed, minimum pitch, reject direction, available space, inspection output, hygiene level and the required fail-safe response. Product trials are the safest way to confirm the final mechanism.

Application engineering

Which conveyor reject method should you choose?

Air blast is typically considered for light products that can be moved cleanly by a timed jet. Pneumatic pushers suit many rigid, stable packs with adequate spacing. Drop flaps provide a compact downward route, and retracting belts can give gentle, controlled removal for unstable or delicate products.

Swing arms and lane diverters are useful where larger packs, cases or classified products need a longer routing movement. None of these descriptions replaces product testing: pack friction, centre of gravity, guide-rail contact and the behaviour of adjacent products can change the result.

The reject mechanism is only one part of the system. Product tracking, independent confirmation, guarded access, lockable containment, bin-present and full-bin monitoring, low-air detection and the agreed fault response determine how much assurance the complete station provides.

Automatic conveyor reject methods selection for a UK production line
Each reject station is specified around the real product, line and inspection interface.

Key application considerations

  • Air blast: light, fast-moving packs
  • Pusher: stable rigid products
  • Drop flap: compact downward removal
  • Retracting belt: gentle controlled rejection
  • Swing arm: larger packs and cases
  • Lane divert: reject, rework or classification

Questions customers ask

Answers for planning this reject application.

These are general engineering principles. Your final system is confirmed against the product, line and site requirements.

Ask about your line →
What five details are essential before selecting a reject?+

Start with product dimensions and weight, maximum products per minute, belt speed, minimum pack spacing and the inspection decision that triggers rejection. Space, hygiene and fault-response requirements follow.

When is air blast better than a pusher?+

Air blast can suit light products and fast cycles without a mechanical arm entering the product flow. A pusher provides positive contact for many stable rigid packs. Trials confirm which is repeatable.

When should I consider a retracting belt?+

Consider a retracting belt when the product is unstable, delicate, flexible or unsuitable for a forceful sideways movement, and when a controlled downward transfer is available.

What makes a reject system fail-safe?+

A fail-safe design monitors critical conditions and applies a defined response when they are not confirmed—for example an unverified reject, missing bin, full bin, low air pressure or access-open state.

Technical review

Specify the reject around your product and risk.

Share the product, line speed, inspection equipment and required fault response for an engineering review.

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