Selecting the right bucket elevator starts with understanding how to properly size it for your operation. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, such as material type, lift height, and operating conditions, so you can determine the capacity your system needs. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your elevator operates efficiently, safely, and reliably while minimizing wear and downtime.

Understand Material Characteristics

The first step in calculating bucket elevator capacity is understanding the material being conveyed. Key factors include:

• Bulk density – Heavier materials require larger or more buckets to carry the same volume.
• Flowability – Materials that are sticky, cohesive, or prone to bridging may need specialized bucket designs or spacing adjustments.
• Particle size and abrasiveness – Large or highly abrasive particles affect bucket design, spacing, and speed.
• Moisture content – Wet materials can clump or stick, impacting the elevator’s performance.

Having accurate material data ensures the elevator is sized to handle peak loads without overloading the system.

Estimate Your Required Capacity

Capacity refers to how much material your bucket elevator needs to move in a given period. While precise calculations can be complex, the general approach is to consider the volume of material you need to move, the number of buckets, and how quickly the elevator will operate.

It’s important to account for variations in material flow, potential surges, or changes in production requirements. Planning for slightly higher capacity than your minimum needs provides flexibility, reduces strain on the equipment, and helps prevent unexpected downtime.

Consider Elevator Height and Layout

The height the material must be lifted and how the elevator fits into your facility also affects sizing. Longer vertical lifts may require additional buckets or stronger components. Similarly, the layout of the inlet and discharge areas can influence the type of bucket elevator that will work best.

Choose Between Belt or Chain Systems

Bucket elevators are commonly driven by either belts or chains, and the choice can affect both performance and durability. Belt-driven systems are often suitable for lighter, less abrasive materials and moderate operating conditions. Chain-driven elevators are generally better for heavier, more abrasive, or higher-temperature materials. Selecting the right drive system ensures reliable operation and minimizes maintenance needs.

Plan for Maintenance and Longevity

Finally, consider the long-term operation of your elevator. Choosing robust components and designing for ease of maintenance can significantly extend equipment life. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance help identify issues early and reduce costly downtime.

Get Precise Assistance From the Experts at MHE

At Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), we’ve been creating custom bucket elevators for American businesses since our founding in 1927. Our team works with customers to select and size elevators that meet the needs of their specific materials, operating conditions, and production goals. Whether you need a heavy-duty chain elevator for abrasive materials or a belt-driven system for lighter applications, MHE provides custom-engineered solutions designed for reliability and efficiency.

If you’re looking for guidance on selecting the right bucket elevator or optimizing an existing system, contact Materials Handling Equipment for a solution tailored to your material handling challenges.

Bucket elevators are a critical component in many bulk material handling systems, providing efficient vertical transport for a wide range of industries. One of the most important design decisions when selecting a bucket elevator is choosing between a chain-driven or belt-driven system. Each option has distinct advantages and limitations, and the right choice depends on the application, material characteristics, and operating environment.

Belt Bucket Elevators

Belt bucket elevators use a continuous belt to carry buckets around the head and tail pulleys. They are commonly used in light- to medium-duty applications where temperatures and material abrasion are limited.

Pros

Belt-driven elevators typically offer quieter operation and smoother material handling. They can operate at higher speeds, making them well suited for applications that require higher capacities. Belts are also generally lighter than chains, which can reduce overall system weight and energy consumption.

Cons

Belts are more sensitive to heat and environmental conditions. High temperatures can cause belt degradation, stretching, or premature failure. Belt tracking issues can also occur if alignment is not maintained, leading to uneven wear and potential downtime.

Best Uses

Belt bucket elevators are often ideal for applications involving lower temperatures, minimal abrasion, and lighter materials. Industries such as food processing, agriculture, and certain chemical applications commonly use belt-driven designs.

Chain Bucket Elevators

Chain bucket elevators use one or two strands of chain to move buckets through the system. These elevators are designed for heavier loads and more severe operating conditions.

Pros

Chain-driven elevators are highly durable and well suited for handling abrasive, heavy, or high-temperature materials. Chains are less susceptible to heat damage and can maintain performance in harsh environments. They also provide strong, consistent traction, making them ideal for continuous duty and severe service applications.

Cons

Compared to belt systems, chain bucket elevators typically operate at lower speeds, which can limit capacity. They may also generate more noise and require more robust structural support due to increased weight.

Best Uses

Chain bucket elevators are commonly used in cement, mining, steel, energy, and other heavy industrial applications. They excel in environments where abrasion, impact loading, and high temperatures are constant concerns.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing

When deciding between chain and belt bucket elevators, several factors should be evaluated. Material characteristics such as temperature, abrasiveness, bulk density, and moisture content play a major role. Operating speed, required capacity, and duty cycle must also be considered, along with maintenance preferences and plant layout.

How MHE Helps You Choose the Right Solution

Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been designing and manufacturing bucket elevators since 1927, with a focus on a wide range of service applications. Our engineering team works closely with customers to evaluate material properties, operating conditions, and production goals to determine whether a chain or belt bucket elevator is the best fit.

If you are selecting a new bucket elevator or considering upgrading an existing system, Materials Handling Equipment can help you make the right choice. Contact MHE to learn how our custom-engineered solutions and commitment to quality can improve reliability, reduce downtime, and maximize performance in your material handling operation.

Selecting the right bucket elevator is especially critical when handling high-heat or abrasive materials. Industries such as cement, mining, steel, energy, and specialty chemicals routinely move materials that can quickly damage improperly designed equipment. Choosing the correct bucket elevator from the start helps prevent premature wear, unplanned downtime, and costly repairs while ensuring safe, reliable operation.

Understand the Material Characteristics

The first step in selecting a bucket elevator for demanding applications is understanding the material itself. Abrasiveness, temperature, bulk density, particle size, and moisture content all influence design decisions. Materials such as clinker, slag, ash, and raw minerals can rapidly erode buckets, casings, and chains if the system is not engineered for the task.

High-temperature materials introduce additional challenges. Thermal expansion, material warping, and lubricant breakdown can all occur if components are not rated for elevated temperatures. Clearly defining both normal and peak operating conditions allows engineers to design an elevator that performs reliably over time.

Choose the Proper Bucket Design and Material

Buckets are one of the most critical components in high-heat and abrasive applications. Lightweight or thin buckets may perform adequately in mild conditions but often fail quickly when exposed to aggressive materials. Heavy-duty bucket designs with reinforced construction are typically required.

Material selection is equally important. Steel buckets with appropriate thickness and wear-resistant properties are often preferred for abrasive materials, while specialized alloys may be required for extreme temperatures. In some cases, liners or coatings can be used to further protect buckets and extend service life.

Select the Right Belt or Chain System

Bucket elevators are commonly driven by either belts or chains, and the choice becomes more important in harsh environments. Chain-driven elevators are often favored for high-temperature and severe duty applications because they are less susceptible to heat damage and stretching than belts.

For abrasive materials, chains designed for heavy loads and continuous operation help maintain consistent performance. Proper tensioning, high-quality components, and robust attachment methods are essential to minimize wear and reduce the risk of failure.

Design for Durability and Maintenance

A well-designed bucket elevator must account for more than just moving material from point A to point B. In high-heat and abrasive environments, features such as thicker casings, reinforced head and boot sections, and replaceable wear liners can significantly improve durability.

Ease of maintenance is also critical. Accessible inspection doors, cleanout points, and service platforms make routine inspections safer and more efficient. Designing the system with maintenance in mind helps identify issues early and reduces overall lifecycle costs.

Ensure Proper Inlet and Discharge Configuration

Improper feeding or discharge can dramatically increase wear in abrasive applications. Material should enter the elevator smoothly and evenly to prevent impact damage and uneven loading. Discharge designs must allow materials to exit cleanly without buildup or backflow.

Customized inlet and discharge configurations tailored to the material and operating conditions can greatly improve performance and extend component life.

Why MHE Is the Right Partner for Heavy-Duty Bucket Elevators

Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been designing and manufacturing heavy-duty bucket elevators since 1927. With decades of experience in high-heat and abrasive applications, MHE understands that no two systems are the same. Our bucket elevators are custom engineered to withstand extreme abrasion, corrosion, and temperature demands common in industries such as cement, mining, steel, and energy.

From bucket and chain selection to casing design and discharge configuration, MHE focuses on building equipment that delivers long-term reliability and performance. In addition to new equipment, we provide a critical response program to support customers when they need it most.

If you are selecting a bucket elevator for a high-heat or abrasive application, or if your existing system is experiencing excessive wear, contact Materials Handling Equipment. Our engineering expertise and commitment to quality ensure you receive a solution built specifically for your toughest material handling challenges.

Bucket elevators play a critical role in moving bulk materials vertically in industries such as cement, mining, energy, and specialty chemical processing. Because these systems often operate in harsh environments with abrasive materials, high temperatures, and continuous duty cycles, even small issues can lead to costly downtime if they are not addressed early. Understanding the most common failure points in bucket elevators is the first step toward improving reliability, safety, and long-term performance.

Bucket Wear and Breakage

One of the most frequent failure points in a bucket elevator is the bucket itself. Buckets are constantly exposed to abrasion, impact loading, and in some cases corrosion. Over time, this can lead to thinning, cracking, or complete breakage. Improper material selection or incorrect bucket spacing can accelerate this wear.

Prevention starts with selecting buckets that are engineered for the specific material being conveyed. Heavy-duty applications require robust bucket designs and materials that can withstand abrasion and heat. Regular inspections are also essential to identify early signs of wear before failure occurs.

Belt or Chain Issues

The belt or chain is the backbone of a bucket elevator system. Common problems include belt misalignment, stretching, chain elongation, and fatigue failure. These issues often result from improper tensioning, inadequate maintenance, or operating conditions that exceed the system’s design limits.

Routine monitoring of belt tracking, chain condition, and tension helps prevent unexpected failures. Using high-quality components designed for the load, speed, and environment of the application also reduces long-term risk.

Pulley and Sprocket Wear

Drive and tail pulleys, along with sprockets in chain-driven systems, are subject to continuous stress. Wear can occur due to misalignment, material buildup, or insufficient lagging. As components wear unevenly, they can cause vibration, slippage, and accelerated damage to the belt or chain.

Keeping pulleys and sprockets properly aligned and clean is critical. Scheduled inspections and timely replacement of worn components help maintain smooth operation and protect the rest of the system.

Bearing and Shaft Failures

Bearings and shafts are often overlooked until a failure occurs. Excessive loads, contamination, poor lubrication, or misalignment can all contribute to premature bearing failure. When bearings fail, the resulting damage can extend to shafts, housings, and surrounding components.

Preventive maintenance programs that include proper lubrication practices, temperature monitoring, and vibration analysis can significantly extend bearing life. Designing systems with adequate safety factors also reduces stress on these critical components.

Material Buildup and Blockages

Material buildup inside the casing or at discharge points can lead to blockages, increased power consumption, and uneven loading. In severe cases, buildup can cause buckets to jam or belts to slip.

Proper inlet and discharge design, along with effective cleanout access, helps minimize buildup. For challenging materials, specialized designs such as self-cleaning buckets or tailored discharge configurations can greatly improve reliability.

How MHE Helps Prevent Bucket Elevator Failures

At Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), bucket elevators are not treated as one size fits all solutions. With roots dating back to 1927, we design and manufacture heavy-duty bucket elevators built to handle extreme conditions, from abrasive materials to high temperature environments.

Our team works alongside customers to engineer systems that address common failure points before they become problems. From custom bucket designs and robust chains to precision engineered pulleys and shafts, every component is selected to match the application. We also support our customers long after installation, offering expert troubleshooting, and a critical response program for emergencies.

If you are experiencing recurring bucket elevator issues or planning a new installation, MHE can help you improve reliability, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life. Contact us today to learn how our custom-engineered bucket elevators can keep your operation moving efficiently and safely.

How Conveyor Systems Enhance Productivity in Recycling and Waste Processing Plants

In recycling and waste processing facilities, efficiency and reliability are everything. Every minute of downtime can cause production delays, increased labor costs, and missed recycling targets. That’s why more operators are turning to custom conveyor systems designed specifically for the demands of waste handling and material recovery. These systems don’t just move materials; they optimize how facilities sort, process, and transport recyclable and waste materials from start to finish.

Streamlining Material Flow with Custom Conveyor Systems

Modern waste processing conveyors are engineered to keep materials moving continuously, minimizing the need for manual handling. By maintaining a consistent flow, conveyor systems reduce bottlenecks that can slow down sorting lines and processing operations.

Unlike standard conveyors, custom conveyor systems from Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) are designed for the specific needs of recycling and waste facilities. Whether the application involves transferring shredded scrap, separating materials by weight or density, or handling abrasive debris, each conveyor is built to withstand harsh environments and demanding workloads. MHE conveyor’s heavy-duty construction ensures long-term reliability, even when moving highly abrasive or corrosive materials.

Increasing Material Separation Efficiency

In recycling plants, accuracy in material separation is key. Conveyor systems play a critical role in ensuring consistent spacing and distribution of materials, allowing sorting equipment such as magnets, eddy current separators, or optical sorters to perform at their best.

By integrating conveyors that are engineered for precise speed control and smooth operation, facilities can significantly improve material separation efficiency. For example, drag conveyors or screw conveyors can be customized to control the flow of fine or granular waste, while apron or pan conveyors are ideal for larger, heavier debris. This level of control reduces contamination between material streams, improving overall recycling rates and the quality of recovered products.

Reducing Labor and Maintenance Costs

Automating material movement with industrial recycling equipment allows plants to reduce manual labor, minimize injury risks, and improve operational safety. Workers spend less time lifting or transporting heavy materials and more time focusing on inspection, maintenance, and process optimization.

Additionally, MHE’s custom conveyor systems are built for durability and ease of maintenance. Components are selected to handle abrasive materials, resist corrosion, and operate in extreme temperatures, conditions often found in waste processing environments. With properly designed conveyors, facilities can expect reduced downtime, fewer part replacements, and a lower total cost of ownership over the system’s lifespan.

Designed for Demanding Environments

Recycling and waste processing plants often handle materials that are unpredictable in size, weight, and moisture content. MHE designs its conveyors with these challenges in mind. For instance, apron and pan conveyors provide excellent performance when transporting heavy or irregular materials, while screw conveyors excel in moving wet, sticky, or fine waste products.

Each system can also be tailored for the layout and throughput of a specific facility. Custom options such as reinforced housings, wear-resistant liners, or corrosion-proof coatings ensure that every conveyor can meet the plant’s exact needs while maintaining consistent performance under tough conditions.

Supporting Sustainability and Operational Growth

Beyond productivity gains, efficient waste processing conveyors support a facility’s broader sustainability goals. By improving the speed and accuracy of material recovery, conveyor systems help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and enhance the profitability of recycling operations.

As recycling volumes increase and environmental regulations become stricter, having a reliable, adaptable conveyor system becomes even more critical. MHE’s engineering team works closely with operators to design systems that evolve with their business, accommodating future capacity increases or new types of recyclable materials.

The MHE Difference

For nearly a century, Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been a trusted name in industrial recycling equipment and heavy-duty conveying solutions. Every system we build is engineered to meet the precise needs of your operation, giving you the performance, durability, and reliability that demanding environments require.

If you’re ready to upgrade your recycling or waste processing operation with custom conveyor solutions built to last, contact us today. Our engineers are here to help you design the right system for your plant and support you every step of the way.

Designing Screw Conveyors for Maximum Efficiency in Food Processing Applications

In the food processing industry, efficiency, hygiene, and reliability are essential for maintaining production quality and meeting regulatory standards. One piece of equipment that plays a critical role in achieving these goals is the screw conveyor. Used to transport bulk materials from one point to another, screw conveyors are versatile, cost-effective, and ideal for a wide range of food processing applications.

Why Screw Conveyors Are Essential in Food Processing

Screw conveyors provide a consistent and controlled flow of ingredients or products, reducing the risk of spillage, contamination, and product degradation. Unlike other bulk handling systems, they are compact and can be installed in tight spaces while maintaining precise material handling. For food manufacturers, this means better control over portioning, mixing, and transport throughout the production line.

When designing screw conveyors for food processing, efficiency and sanitation must go hand in hand. Every component that comes into contact with food must meet strict hygiene standards to prevent contamination. This is where sanitary screw conveyor design becomes a critical consideration.

Key Considerations for Sanitary Screw Conveyor Design

To ensure a screw conveyor meets the rigorous requirements of food processing, engineers focus on several critical design elements:

• Food-Grade Materials – Materials such as stainless steel resist corrosion and are easy to clean, ensuring product safety.
• Smooth Surfaces and Welds – Fully welded, polished surfaces prevent food buildup and simplify cleaning.
• Clean-In-Place (CIP) Systems – Integrated CIP systems allow conveyors to be cleaned without disassembly, saving time and labor.
• Hygienic Seals and Bearings – Properly sealed components prevent contamination while withstanding regular washdowns.

By paying attention to these factors, food processors can maintain sanitary conditions and ensure their conveyors operate safely and efficiently. A well-designed sanitary screw conveyor minimizes downtime, reduces contamination risks, and supports consistent production quality.

Maximizing Efficiency in Food Handling

Efficiency in food handling goes beyond speed, it’s about reliability, consistency, and minimizing waste. Optimizing a screw conveyor for a specific application involves several considerations:

• Optimized Screw Design – Matching the screw pitch, diameter, and rotation speed to the material ensures smooth, continuous movement without clogging or wear.
• Tailored Conveyor Length and Incline – Adjusting length and incline improves flow rates and reduces energy consumption.
• Gentle Material Handling – Specialized designs help transport delicate ingredients without breaking or damaging them.

By carefully designing each aspect of a screw conveyor, manufacturers can achieve reliable and cost-effective operation. The right design reduces energy use, limits maintenance needs, and ensures the product reaches its next stage in pristine condition.

Why MHE’s Custom Screw Conveyors Stand Out

At Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), we specialize in designing and manufacturing custom screw conveyors tailored to the unique demands of food processing operations. With nearly a century of experience, MHE combines industry expertise with engineering precision to deliver conveyors that meet both sanitary requirements and operational goals.

Our team works closely with food processors to develop conveyors that handle specific ingredients, maintain consistent flow, and withstand continuous operation. MHE’s food-grade conveyors are crafted with durable materials, smooth surfaces, and hygienic components, ensuring both efficiency and compliance with industry standards. When you choose MHE, you gain a partner committed to optimizing your material handling for maximum efficiency and reliability.

Schedule a Consultation With MHE

If you’re ready to improve efficiency and sanitation in your food processing operation, MHE is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our custom sanitary screw conveyors can help you achieve maximum efficiency in every phase of production.

5 Reasons a Custom Ash Conveyor Is Critical for Efficient Power Plant Operations

Power plants operate under some of the harshest conditions in industry, moving massive amounts of material under high heat and extreme wear. Among the many systems required to keep operations running smoothly, ash conveyors are often overlooked, yet they play a critical role in plant efficiency, safety, and long-term cost savings.

While standard conveyors may work for lighter-duty applications, ash requires a system that can withstand intense abrasion, high temperatures, and corrosive byproducts. That’s why many plants turn to custom ash conveyors designed specifically for their environment. Below, we’ll explore five key reasons why customized solutions are essential for efficient and reliable power plant operations.

1. Withstand Extreme Temperatures and Abrasion

Ash produced in coal, biomass, or waste-to-energy plants is highly abrasive and often retains significant heat. Standard conveyors simply aren’t built to endure this combination of conditions for long.

Custom ash conveyors, however, are engineered with wear-resistant materials, heat-resistant alloys, and heavy-duty components to handle both the abrasion and temperature without constant breakdowns. This means fewer shutdowns, less unplanned maintenance, and longer equipment life.

2. Reduce Maintenance and Downtime

Every hour of downtime in a power plant translates into significant financial losses and operational disruption. Ash conveyors are among the hardest-working systems on site, and if they fail, ash buildup can quickly bring production to a halt.

Custom designs incorporate reinforced chains, hardened liners, and robust sealing systems that extend service life and minimize the need for frequent repairs. By investing in a conveyor tailored to the plant’s specific ash output and conditions, operators gain a system that stays online longer and reduces costly interruptions.

3. Improve Plant Efficiency and Flow

Efficient material handling is the backbone of continuous power generation. An underperforming ash conveyor can create bottlenecks, forcing slowdowns or even shutdowns in other parts of the system.

A custom-built ash conveyor is designed around the plant’s exact requirements—capacity, ash type, operating temperature, and environmental conditions—ensuring steady material flow. By eliminating spillage, clogs, and buildup, the conveyor helps maintain consistent throughput, improving overall plant efficiency.

4. Enhance Worker Safety and Environmental Compliance

Ash handling isn’t just an operational challenge, it’s also a safety and compliance issue as well. Dust, spillage, and exposure to hot materials can create dangerous conditions for workers and increase the risk of violations.

Custom ash conveyors are built with dust-tight enclosures, spill control features, and automated material transfer systems that minimize operator exposure and help facilities stay compliant with environmental and workplace safety standards. In today’s regulatory landscape, this level of protection isn’t optional; it’s essential.

5. Long-Term Cost Savings and ROI

It’s easy to view a conveyor system as just another expense, but in reality, a custom ash conveyor is an investment in long-term efficiency. Though the upfront cost may be higher than an off-the-shelf system, the savings add up quickly through:

• Fewer breakdowns and repairs
• Longer equipment lifespan
• Reduced downtime
• Lower maintenance labor costs

When considered over the lifetime of the equipment, a custom ash conveyor delivers a significantly higher return on investment, making it a smart choice for power plants that prioritize reliability and cost control.

Why Partner with MHE for Custom Ash Conveyors?

For nearly 100 years, Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has specialized in building conveyors designed to handle the toughest applications, including high-temperature, highly abrasive ash. Every conveyor we manufacture is custom-engineered, ensuring it fits the plant’s exact material handling needs.

MHE’s product offerings include:

• Bucket elevators
• Drag conveyors
• Screw conveyors
• Apron and pan conveyors
• Belt conveyors
• And more

Our ash conveyors are engineered and manufactured in the USA, built with wear-resistant materials, and backed by decades of industry expertise. With a reputation for craftsmanship, customization, and responsive service, MHE is the trusted partner for power plants and heavy industries nationwide.

If your facility is looking for a conveyor solution that can stand up to ash and keep your operation moving, MHE can deliver a system designed for lasting performance. Contact us today and let’s start your project with a free consultation.

Custom Conveyor Solutions for Salt, Sand, and Other Abrasive Materials

Moving highly abrasive materials like salt, sand, and aggregates takes a serious toll on standard conveyor systems. These substances grind down metal surfaces, accelerate corrosion, and increase the need for costly maintenance. To keep production running smoothly, you need a conveyor system that’s built to withstand constant wear and tear—without constant downtime.

The Challenge of Abrasive Materials

Salt and sand are among the toughest materials to handle. Salt is both abrasive and corrosive, especially in humid or wet environments. Sand, gravel, and similar aggregates act like sandpaper, rapidly wearing down components that aren’t designed for heavy-duty use.

Beyond the direct damage, these materials often create secondary problems such as dust, spillage, and buildup, which can compromise safety and slow operations. A conveyor system that isn’t designed to manage these issues will struggle to perform over time.

What Makes an Abrasion-Resistant Conveyor?

Conveyor durability comes from smart engineering and the right materials. Key factors include:

• Wear-Resistant Materials – Hardened steel, replaceable liners, and corrosion-resistant coatings extend the life of high-contact components.
• Heavy-Duty Components – Chains, screws, buckets, and flights must be built to withstand repeated exposure to sharp, gritty materials.
• Custom Engineering – Systems should be tailored to the size, density, and flow rate of your material, as well as environmental factors like moisture and temperature.
• Dust and Spill Control – Sealed housings, covers, and improved flow designs minimize waste and improve worker safety.

These design elements work together to provide a conveyor system that resists wear, limits downtime, and delivers a longer service life.

Proven Conveyor Solutions from MHE

Since 1927, Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has specialized in designing and manufacturing conveyors that excel in the toughest environments. Our systems are not off-the-shelf, they are built from the ground up for your specific process.

We’ve built custom conveyors for industries such as cement, steel, mining, power generation, and specialty chemicals, where equipment failure simply isn’t an option. From high-capacity bucket elevators moving salt in coastal environments to drag conveyors handling sand in aggregate plants, our designs are proven to perform.

Here are a few of the solutions that we frequently create:

• Bucket elevators
• Drag conveyors
• Screw conveyors
• Apron and pan conveyors
• Belt conveyors
• Fully custom solutions

Every system is engineered and manufactured in the USA, backed by nearly a century of craftsmanship and expertise.

Why Partner with MHE?

Every conveyor system is only as strong as the team behind it. With MHE, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to building equipment that outlasts the competition and supports your production goals. Here’s why businesses rely on our engineers:

• Experience with Abrasive Materials – Decades of projects handling salt, sand, clinker, ash, and other punishing bulk solids.
• Longer Lifespans – Our conveyors are built to perform, year after year.
• True Customization – No two systems are the same; we design for your material, your process, and your environment.
• Responsive Support – Our team works closely with you from concept to installation and beyond.

Reasons like these are why leading companies trust MHE to build solutions that can handle their toughest materials.

Get a Quote for Your Conveyor Project

When reliability matters most, turn to MHE. Our abrasion-resistant conveyors are built to handle salt, sand, and the most demanding bulk materials, without compromise. Contact us today to discuss your project and request a quote.

Why Screw Conveyors Are Ideal for Food Waste and Organic Material Handling

In industries where food waste and organic materials need to be managed efficiently, choosing the right equipment is critical. Whether you’re operating a food processing facility, composting plant, or waste-to-energy operation, you need a material handling solution that’s reliable, sanitary, and able to perform under demanding conditions. That’s why screw conveyors have become a preferred choice for food waste and organic material handling.

With their enclosed design, adaptability, and ability to handle moist, sticky, and biodegradable materials, screw conveyors offer a combination of performance and efficiency that’s hard to match.

Enclosed Design for Clean, Sanitary Operation

One of the biggest challenges in handling organic and food waste is managing mess, odor, and contamination. Screw conveyors are well-suited for these conditions thanks to their enclosed trough or tube design, which keeps material contained during transport. This helps:

• Prevent spills and leakage that can attract pests
• Reduce foul odors and airborne contaminants
• Maintain a cleaner, safer environment for workers

Enclosed screw conveyors also minimize exposure to the surrounding atmosphere, helping facilities meet sanitation requirements, especially in food-grade or environmentally sensitive operations.

Gentle, Consistent Movement of Organic Materials

Unlike some conveyor systems that use belts or vibrations, screw conveyors provide controlled, uniform movement through a rotating helical screw. This motion gently pushes materials forward without sudden jolts or drops, which is ideal for fragile or loosely packed organic matter.

They can move:

• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Grains and pulp
• Meat or dairy waste
• Compostable packaging
• Sludge and slurry

This smooth material flow reduces blockages and preserves material integrity throughout the handling process.

Ideal for Moist, Sticky, and Variable Material

Organic waste often includes materials that are wet, sticky, or variable in consistency. Screw conveyors are uniquely designed to perform well under these conditions, thanks to their ability to:

• Move materials with high moisture content
• Handle sticky or semi-solid substances without buildup
• Maintain steady flow rates even when material texture varies

This flexibility makes screw conveyors a dependable solution for facilities that process unpredictable or mixed organic loads.

Customizable for Waste Processing and Composting Systems

Screw conveyors are highly customizable to meet the needs of various organic waste processing operations, including:

• Food processing plants
• Municipal composting facilities
• Anaerobic digestion systems
• Waste-to-energy plants
• Agricultural compost operations

Additionally, they can be configured for horizontal, inclined, or vertical transport, and integrated with grinders, separators, and more. This adaptability makes it easy to integrate screw conveyors into your existing infrastructure.

Low Maintenance and Energy-Efficient Operation

In addition to their versatility, screw conveyors offer long-term cost advantages. With few moving parts, they require minimal maintenance and are less prone to mechanical issues compared to more complex conveying systems. Their enclosed design also reduces wear from debris buildup or corrosion.

Screw conveyors operate efficiently and can be run continuously with low energy usage, making them ideal for high-volume food waste and organic material processing. Over time, this results in lower operating costs and fewer interruptions to your waste management system.

Choose MHE for Reliable Organic Material Conveying Solutions

At Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), we specialize in building custom screw conveyors engineered for tough applications like food waste and organic material handling. With decades of experience in the industry, we know how to design systems that stand up to harsh conditions while maintaining efficiency, cleanliness, and reliability.

From compost facilities to food processing plants, MHE screw conveyors are trusted across industries to keep materials moving smoothly. Contact us today to learn how our screw conveyors can improve your organic waste handling process.

Pan Conveyors vs Drag Conveyors: Which Is Better for Bulk Solids?

Choosing the right system for bulk solids handling can improve performance, reduce downtime, and extend the life of your equipment. Two of the most widely used options in heavy-duty industrial settings are pan conveyors and drag conveyors. Each offers distinct benefits, depending on your material and operational needs.

Understanding the Basics

Pan conveyors use overlapping pans attached to a chain to carry materials forward. Known for their durability, they’re ideal for transporting hot, coarse, or abrasive materials like clinker or scrap metal in steel mills, cement plants, and foundries.

Drag conveyors move material by dragging it through a trough using flights or paddles. They are enclosed systems, making them a popular choice for handling dusty or fine materials such as ash, powders, or granules.

Material Type and Handling Needs

Different bulk solids call for different conveying approaches:

• Pan conveyors are built for heavy, high-temperature, or abrasive materials.
• Drag conveyors are more versatile for smaller, free-flowing, or hazardous materials.

Matching the conveyor to your material ensures safe, efficient operation.

Durability and Maintenance

Both systems are known for long service life, but maintenance needs vary:

• Pan conveyors are rugged and built to last in extreme environments, with easier access for inspection.
• Drag conveyors may wear more internally when handling abrasive materials, but their enclosed design helps protect components and reduce mess.

Understanding maintenance demands can help reduce costly downtime.

Dust Control and Containment

When handling fine or hazardous materials, dust control is critical:

• Drag conveyors offer a fully enclosed design to prevent dust from escaping.
• Pan conveyors are often open and less suited for applications where dust containment is essential.

If environmental compliance or cleanliness is a priority, drag conveyors are the better fit.

Space and Layout Flexibility

Your facility’s layout may influence your decision:

• Drag conveyors are compact and can move material in multiple directions or on inclines.
• Pan conveyors require more space and typically follow straight or slightly inclined paths.

For tight spaces or complex routing, drag conveyors provide more flexibility.

Energy Efficiency

Energy usage varies depending on material and application:

• Drag conveyors often operate at lower speeds and require less power over longer distances.
• Pan conveyors typically demand more robust drives due to heavier loads.

Considering energy needs can impact your long-term operational costs.

Which Conveyor Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your specific operation, material type, and performance goals.

Choose pan conveyors if:

• You handle hot, abrasive, or heavy materials
• You need superior durability in harsh environments
• Dust control is not a major concern

Choose drag conveyors if:

• You work with fine, dusty, or hazardous materials
• You need a fully enclosed, low-maintenance system
• Your site requires flexible routing or a compact footprint

Selecting the right conveyor ensures better flow control, fewer breakdowns, and long-term savings.

MHE Delivers Custom Conveyor Solutions

At Materials Handling Equipment (MHE), we design and manufacture both drag conveyors and pan conveyors tailored to your needs. Whether you’re transporting cement, ash, chemicals, or scrap, our systems are engineered for reliability, efficiency, and heavy-duty performance.

Let our experienced team help you select the right solution for your bulk solids handling challenges. Reach out today.