Jonesboro, Ark.-based material handling company Hytrol has launched an all-electric narrow belt accumulation conveyor, called the NBEZ, the company said July 11.

Hytrol leaders say the product is the first of its kind in the industry, offering users operational, maintenance, and economic benefits.

Narrow-belt conveyors are roller conveyors powered by a narrow belt below the rollers, to provide longer runs per drive. The all-electric design of the NBEZ uses magnets instead of traditional pneumatics to accumulate packages during operation, according to Hytrol. The change saves users money because it doesn't require an air supply and related accessories, the company said.

The NBEZ also includes a belt wrap for the drive pulley that consists of a back-wrap; this makes belt replacement quicker and easier because the drive pulley doesn't need to be removed, reducing downtime, the company also said. Other features allow operators to check the conveyor belt's tension without stopping operations.

"When we built Hytrol's first narrow belt accumulator we wanted it to be a game-changer and it is," Director of Research and Development Ben Moyer said in a statement announcing the product release. "The R & D team created a conveyor that provides operational, maintenance, and economic benefits for the user."