Basic Introduction About Conveyor Screw:
Conveyor screws are a unique type of conveyor system used to transport various materials. They consist of a spiral screw rotating inside a trough or tube to push materials from one end to the other. Unlike standard belt conveyors, screw conveyors can transport materials vertically or at steep inclines. They provide an efficient and controlled method of moving bulk solid materials in industrial, agricultural, food processing, and other applications. This article will provide an overview of conveyor screw design, benefits, and usage across different industries.
How Do Conveyor Screws Work?
The operation of conveyor screws is driven by an electric motor that rotates the central shaft on which the conveyor screw is fitted. As the shaft turns, the rotating screw inside the conveyor tube pushes the material forward along its spiral path. The screw can be designed as a single spiral blade or double/triple spiral blades depending on capacity needs. The geometry of the screw such as pitch, diameter, and flight shapes can be customized for the material being handled. Conveyor tubes are either U-shaped troughs or fully enclosed tubes. Enclosed tubes allow dust-free transportation.
Conveyor Screws Show Excellent Benefits
As leading China conveyor screw manufacturers, we know much more about conveyor screws products, below is related advantages:
- Precision Material Handling: The rotating screw provides controlled material flow. Unlike belt conveyors, materials do not get spilled or scattered. This enables accurate weighing, metering, and loading at discharge points.
- Variable Speed Control: Varying the screw rotational speed allows adjusting the material feed rate as per process requirements. This level of control is not easily achieved with other conveyors.
- Compact Design: Conveyor screws have a high throughput per unit size. They can handle large material volumes using screws of relatively smaller diameters. This makes them ideal for small spaces.
- Low Maintenance: With fewer moving parts compared to belt conveyors, conveyor screws require less maintenance other than occasional lubrication. They have lower maintenance costs.
- Reduced Material Degradation: The enclosed design protects materials from external contamination. The screw action causes less attrition and breakage compared to belt conveyors.
- Vertical Handling Ability: Conveyor screws effortlessly transport materials up vertical or inclined paths. Other conveyors cannot handle steep inclines.
Applications Of Conveyor Screws
Some major applications of conveyor screws include:
- Food Industry: Conveyor screws handle foods like cereals, flour, sugar, bakery ingredients, chocolate, potato chips, etc. They also transport packaging containers.
- Agriculture: Screw conveyors efficiently move various grains, seeds, and agricultural products. They are used in grain elevators.
- Mining: In mining facilities, screw conveyors transport ores, minerals, coal, and other excavated materials.
- Wastewater Treatment Plants: Conveyor screws remove screenings and transport biosolids in wastewater systems.
- Construction: Screw conveyors handle and mix various construction materials like cement, plaster, stucco, and concrete.
- Chemical Industry: Conveyor screws are ideal for handling plastic pellets, pharmaceutical powders, detergents, and other chemicals.
- Automotive: Screw conveyors efficiently move scrap metal, tire chips, plastics, etc. in recycling facilities.
Factors To Consider When Selecting A Conveyor Screw
When choosing a conveyor screw, some important factors to consider are:
- Capacity: Match the conveyor capacity to the required material throughput. Oversize the capacity for future volume growth.
- Material Characteristics: Consider material bulk density, particle size, tendency to smear, and abrasiveness. The screw must be designed accordingly.
- Inclination Angle: Steeper angles above 45° need special screw and tube configurations to handle gravity forces.
- Conveying Distance: Longer distances typically need larger screw diameters to prevent material jamming.
- Speed Control Needs: Assess if variable speed control is necessary for the application.
- Environment: Ensure the screw materials can withstand any extreme temperatures, corrosion, impacts, etc.