Custom-Engineered Drag Conveyors That Perform in Extreme Conditions
Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) is the industry leader in drag conveyors because we can engineer, manufacture, install, and service our drag conveyors based on the individual needs of our clients. Our knowledge and experience have helped us become one of the most respected and trusted drag conveyor manufacturers in the industry. We engineer every one of our drag conveyors to meet specific job requirements without any superfluous equipment that may hinder the capabilities of the machinery and add unnecessary expense. Our custom-designed conveyors improve operations and reduce maintenance, and they are available at economical prices.
Our industrial drag conveyor systems are designed for demanding bulk material handling applications involving abrasive materials, elevated temperatures, and challenging operating conditions. Each system is engineered around material characteristics, conveying capacity, equipment layout, and long-term performance requirements.
What is a Drag Chain Conveyor?
A drag chain conveyor is a type of conveyor system used in heavy-duty industrial applications to move materials horizontally, vertically, or on an incline. It consists of a series of heavy-duty chains that are dragged along the conveyor path, typically supported by a frame. The chains are connected to paddles or flights that push material along the conveyor. Drag chain conveyors are known for their durability and ability to handle heavy loads, making them ideal for industries such as mining, steel production, and bulk material handling. They are also valued for their versatility, as they can accommodate materials with different particle sizes and characteristics.
Unlike screw conveyors, which use a rotating helical screw to transport materials, drag conveyors rely on chain and flight assemblies to move bulk solids through a conveying path. Selecting the appropriate system depends on material density, particle size, moisture content, required throughput, and installation requirements.
Drag Conveyor Applications
Drag chain conveyors find extensive applications across various industries. They are commonly used in:
- Mining and aggregates – Drag conveyors are crucial for transporting ores, coal, and aggregates throughout extraction, processing, and storage operations.
- Agriculture – Drag chain conveyors handle grain, feed, and other agricultural products during harvesting, processing, and distribution.
- Waste management and recycling – They facilitate the movement of recyclables, municipal solid waste, and industrial waste for sorting, processing, and disposal.
- Automotive and manufacturing – Plants utilize drag chain conveyors to transport components, raw materials, and finished products along assembly lines, ensuring smooth production flows.
- Power generation and utilities – Drag conveyors efficiently handle biomass, ash, and other materials, supporting electricity generation and operational processes.
MHE drag conveyors can be configured with single- or double-strand chains, multiple material inlets and outlets, and heavy-duty components designed for high-impact loading conditions. Applications include cement manufacturing, wastewater treatment, pulp and paper, and wood chip reclaiming, with systems capable of handling materials such as cement, phosphate, slag, and sludge. MHE also provides employee training on safe conveyor operation and emergency response support to help customers maintain equipment performance.
Different industrial materials require specialized conveying considerations. Fly ash and bottom ash handling may involve elevated temperatures and abrasive particles, while clinker and slag applications often require additional wear protection. Materials such as sludge cake and wood chips present different flow characteristics that influence conveyor design, discharge configurations, and maintenance accessibility.
The Trusted Choice for Heavy-Duty Drag Conveyors
Since 1927, MHE has been providing custom drag conveyors for a wide array of industries, including power and utilities, chemicals, agriculture, and construction. Our drag conveyors come in a wide variety of chains, liners, flighting options, and drives that are specifically suited to withstand abrasion, corrosion, and extreme heat. Our industrial drag conveyors can be utilized for:
They also fit a variety of classifications, including:
When you partner with MHE, we will meet with your engineers to discuss your specific bulk material conveyance needs and the area available for the drag conveyor. Once we understand your goals, our team will custom manufacture a conveyor that helps you accomplish them. Our drag conveyors feature:
- Capacities up to 500 TPH
- Widths up to 20 feet
- Lengths up to 200 feet
- Inclines up to 45 degrees
- The ability to withstand temperatures up to 2500 degrees Fahrenheit
- Tubular, U-type, box, drop-bottom, channel, and split-type casing construction
- Replaceable abrasion-resistant steel liners in critical locations
- Custom chains, 4140 shafts, and high-performance bearings
- Horizontal or Inclined designs with multi-outlet configurations
Additional wear protection options, such as hard-facing of the chain and improved abrasion-resistant liner plates or castings, are available for faster speeds.
Custom Drag Conveyor Design and Engineering
MHE engineers custom drag conveyor systems based on the specific demands of each industrial application. Important design considerations include bulk material density, particle size, abrasiveness, operating temperature, conveying distance, and required capacity. These factors influence chain selection, flight design, casing construction, drive components, and wear protection requirements.
Depending on the application, conveyors can incorporate specialized chain assemblies, multiple material inlets and outlets, abrasion-resistant liners, and configurations designed for horizontal or inclined material movement. Proper equipment selection helps support reliable operation while addressing maintenance requirements and potential component wear.
Drag Conveyor Maintenance and Wear Protection
Regular maintenance helps maintain the performance and reliability of industrial drag conveyors. Important inspection areas include conveyor chains, flights, sprockets, bearings, drives, and abrasion-resistant liners. Applications involving abrasive materials, elevated temperatures, or continuous operation may require more frequent inspections and component replacement.
MHE provides equipment service and support to help industrial customers address maintenance needs, evaluate replacement components, and maintain conveyor performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drag Conveyors
What materials can industrial drag conveyors handle?
Industrial drag conveyors can transport bulk materials such as fly ash, bottom ash, clinker, slag, wood chips, sludge cake, and hot lime. Equipment configurations depend on material characteristics and operating requirements.
What is the maximum capacity of an MHE drag conveyor?
MHE offers drag conveyors with capacities up to 500 tons per hour. Actual capacity depends on material properties, equipment dimensions, and the engineered conveyor configuration.
Can drag conveyors handle high-temperature materials?
Yes. MHE engineers specialized drag conveyors for high-temperature applications, with stated capabilities reaching up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the equipment design and operating conditions.
Can drag conveyors transport materials on an incline?
Yes. MHE offers horizontal and inclined drag conveyor configurations, with incline capabilities of up to 45 degrees, depending on the material and application.
Can drag conveyors be customized for existing facilities?
Yes. Custom drag conveyors can be engineered around available installation space, existing processing equipment, material inlet and discharge locations, and specific conveying requirements.
Get Your Custom Drag Conveyor Solution Now!
If you’d like to learn more about the heavy-duty, custom-manufactured drag conveyors we offer, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation.
Whether your application involves abrasive materials, extreme temperatures, or specialized conveying requirements, MHE can help evaluate your equipment needs. Contact our engineering team to discuss custom drag conveyor specifications, material handling challenges, and available configurations.
