What Is the Function of a Conveyor?

Transporting items from point A to Point B is a common occurrence for almost any type of business and is often accomplished by manpower. However, when the “items” that need to be moved are heavy, dangerous, or difficult to contain and need to be moved continuously in large quantities, a conveyor comes into play. The use of conveyors for material handling has been occurring since as far back as 1795, when basic conveyor systems were used to move grains a short distance. By definition, a conveyor is any piece of mechanical equipment that moves materials from one location to another. In day-to-day business, this could be a belt that is used to sort packages, items coming off a production line, or luggage headed to an airplane cargo hold. For industrial purposes, however, conveyors are much more specialized and must be able to withstand many different types of environments.

Conveyors Are Utilized for Many Different Industrial Materials

Heavy-duty conveyors are an integral part of many different industries that rely on the efficient transport of bulk materials. These materials can include sludges, solids, and extremely hazardous compounds that are utilized at some point in a production process. Some of the more common examples include:

• Cement
• Wood chips
• Aggregates
• Industrial waste
• Paper pulp
• Food waste
• Boiler, bottom, and fly ash
• Biomass
• Minerals
• Clinker

Types of Conveyors

The type of conveyor a company utilizes is determined by several factors, including the material that needs to be moved, the distance it needs to go, and the speed by which it must travel. Options include:

Drag Conveyor

A drag conveyor consists of a chain connected to plates that are pulled through a trough.

Bucket Elevator

If you need to elevate the material, a bucket elevator that utilizes gravity or centrifugal force might be a good option.

Screw Conveyor

Screw conveyors are ideal for sludges or fine materials that must be contained in a tube. A rotating screw blade within the tube accomplishes this goal.

Apron Conveyor

Also known as a pan conveyor, this type utilizes overlapping plates that form the carrying surface. It is ideal for abusive environments.

Belt Conveyor

The simplest of conveyor models, a belt conveyor can be used in almost any industry and works with a wide range of materials.

Heavy-Duty Conveyors From Materials Handling Equipment

Since 1927, industrial businesses with material conveyance needs have been relying on Materials Handling Equipment (MHE). We differ from our competitors by offering completely customized conveyors that are engineered for the most severe environments imaginable. We utilize custom-engineered drive components, wear-resistant alloys, and internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings to manufacture conveyors that perform their duties reliably, decade after decade.

If you are interested in learning more about the heavy-duty custom conveyors we offer, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping your plant reach new levels of productivity.

What Is a Drag Conveyor?

As the name implies, material is dragged along the conveyor by either a single chain or multiple chains with a paddle. At many industrial plants, it’s crucial to be able to move bulk material quickly and reliably. Whether you’re dealing with cement, clinker, lime, coal, wood chips, phosphate, food waste, grains, or ash, a dependable conveyor is a must to keep things up and running. There are many different types of conveyors to choose from, and the best one for a given situation is usually determined by the type of material that needs to be conveyed and the distance it needs to move. One of the more popular options is a drag conveyor, which is sometimes referred to as a drag chain, drag flight, or en-masse conveyor.

How Do Drag Conveyors Function?

The operation of a drag conveyor is fairly simple. A motor drives a single- or double-stranded chain of paddles or “flights,” which drag materials through the channel. Drag conveyors are most often horizontal, though they can be inclined if they have specially designed paddles. They can also be partially or fully enclosed, and the large paddles allow for the movement of sizeable quantities of material while requiring minimal power. The gaps between the paddles also make the top-loading of materials easy. Common drag conveyors consist of two drag chains pulling evenly spaced paddles. En-masse drag conveyors utilize a single chain in the middle with paddles on both sides, which allows them to utilize maximum space in the conveyor and, therefore, handle larger volumes of material.

Drag conveyors are ideal for dry materials that flow easily, such as grains, cement, wood chips, siftings, and ash. They are popular for many different industries, including power and utilities, chemical, construction, and agriculture.

Materials Handling Equipment

If your company is in the market for a drag conveyor, why settle for a prefabricated option when you can have a custom conveyor manufactured to your specifications by Materials Handling Equipment (MHE). We’ve been meeting the needs of companies from a wide array of industries since 1927 and offer a level of expertise that the competition can’t match. With special wear-resistant alloys, internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings, and custom-engineered drive components, our heavy-duty conveyors are engineered to withstand the most extreme conditions imaginable. In fact, we’re proud to say that many conveyors we’ve built are still in daily operation more than a half-century after delivery.

Get Started Today

If you’re interested in having a custom drag conveyor manufactured for your plant, contact MHE today. We’ll meet with your engineers to discuss your needs and goals and survey your site so we can fabricate a conveyor that fits perfectly into its planned space. Upon delivery and installation, we’ll make sure your team is trained on its operation, and we’ll be standing by 24/7 should an issue ever arise.

How Does a Bucket Elevator Work?

A bucket elevator is one of the most common types of industrial conveyors and is utilized by companies in a wide array of industries. When large quantities of bulk material need to be moved vertically in an efficient and reliable manner, a bucket elevator is often the best option. In this article, we will explain how exactly bucket elevators work and discuss some of the applications for which they are popular.

The Mechanics of Bucket Elevators

A bucket elevator, or bucket conveyor, is made up of several buckets that are attached to a rotating chain or belt. They pick up the material that needs to be moved at the bottom, carry it up the conveyor, and dump it at the top. The bucket then returns to the bottom and picks up another load, and so on. The specific type and design of a bucket elevator is determined by the type of material that needs to be moved and the environment in which it will operate. There are three configuration options to choose from: continuous, centrifugal, and high-speed.

Continuous Bucket Elevators

Continuous bucket elevators are usually the choice when material needs to be moved at a low speed. The buckets are usually close together so material can spill over from to another. They can operate on a belt, single chain, or double chain, and are ideal for fragile or abrasive materials that need extra care.

Centrifugal Bucket Elevators

Centrifugal bucket elevators operate on a belt or single chain and feature buckets that are spaced further apart. They move at a faster speed than continuous bucket elevators and utilize centrifugal force to expel the material from the bucket. They can move higher volumes of material and are ideal for a wide variety of applications.

High-Speed Bucket Elevators

High-speed bucket elevators are designed to handle extremely large loads of free-flowing material. They operate on a belt and often include several rows of specially designed buckets. The speeds can typically be twice that of the centrifugal type elevator.

Industries & Applications

Because of their adaptability, bucket elevators are popular in a wide array of industries, including pulp and paper, cement, agricultural, power and utility, chemical, and more. They are used to move many different materials, including:

• Fly ash
• Lime
• Cement
• Minerals
• Grains
• Pot ash
• Wood chips
• Coal
• Fertilizers
• Aggregates
• Salts
• Gypsum

Custom-Manufactured Heavy-Duty Bucket Elevators From Materials Handling Equipment

Since 1927, Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been manufacturing custom bucket elevators for industrial plants throughout the United States. We are recognized as pioneers in several classes of conveyors, including mill-duty and cement-duty. While many other conveyor manufacturers offer cookie-cutter options, our bucket elevators are custom-manufactured to fit the space they will occupy and the application they will be used for. Additionally, we utilize special wear-resistant alloys and customized components, so our bucket elevators provide decades of reliable service in the most severe environments imaginable. In fact, many of our custom conveyors are still in service more than half a century after delivery.

If you would like to learn more about the custom bucket elevators we manufacture, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation.

What Is a Bucket Elevator Used For?

One of the most common types of conveyors you’ll find at industrial facilities is the bucket elevator. This style of conveyor is a workhorse for a variety of industries and can reliably and efficiently move large quantities of bulk material. They are used effectively in a wide variety of industries, including:

• Agriculture
• Cement
• Chemical
• Construction
• Mining and minerals
• Paper and pulp
• Steel
• Power and utility

Bucket elevators are popular because they can vertically convey flowable bulk material—from light to heavy and fine to coarse—with ease. Many bucket elevators rely on centrifugal force to move the material to the discharge chute and operate at a relatively high speed, as is common in grain elevators.

Bucket Elevators From Materials Handling Equipment

Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) has been manufacturing custom bucket elevators for a wide array of industries since 1927. We differ from many of our competitors in that every conveyor we deliver has been custom manufactured to fit the exact needs of the customer and to fit perfectly in the space it will occupy. We are proud to have pioneered several classes of bucket elevators, including severe duty. Our severe-duty conveyors utilize custom-engineered drive components and special wear-resistant alloys, which allows them to provide decades of reliable performance in the most extreme conditions, including severe abrasion and corrosion, and high temperatures. Our other bucket elevators include:

• Industrial duty – Including standard-grade and food-grade
• Mill duty – Specifically manufactured for common materials
• Heavy duty – Used for heavy construction applications, including hot lime conveyance
• Cement duty – Pioneered by MHE; includes special maintenance features
• High speed – Custom engineered for the largest capacities

Additionally, our bucket elevators can be constructed to a variety of specifications, including capacities of up to 1,500 TPH, heights of up to 200 feet, and inclines of up to 60 degrees. They can also function in temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Benefits of MHE Bucket Elevators

There are a variety of benefits that companies will enjoy when they choose MHE to manufacture their bucket elevator. Unlike the many “cookie-cutter” conveyors on the market, our bucket elevators:

• Provide four-sided boot access to allow for easy maintenance
• Deliver a longer service life because of their heavy-duty construction
• Can be designed to your preferences and customized to improve efficiency
• Feature custom-engineered drive components that result in improved operation

In addition to bucket elevators, we also offer custom screw conveyors, apron conveyors, drag conveyors, belt conveyors, pan conveyors, and live bottom dischargers. If you are interested in learning more about our custom conveyors, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you determine which type of conveyor will best meet your company’s needs.

How to Build the Right Conveyor

If you’re in the market for a conveyor for your factory or industrial plant, you don’t have to settle for a pre-fabricated, “cookie-cutter”-style conveyor that only meets some of your needs. Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) can custom-manufacture a heavy-duty conveyor that is designed to check all the boxes for your company and will provide the efficiency and productivity gains you’re hoping for. Our team of experts will work with you to design the ideal custom conveyor, and the process will be determined by a variety of important considerations. For us to build the right conveyor for your company, we will need to establish:

What Type of Bulk Material Needs to Be Conveyed

The list of materials that conveyors can handle is long and growing, as there are a wide variety of industries that utilize conveyor systems to speed up their productivity. Some of the materials conveyors can help with include cement, fly ash, food waste, bottom ash, aggregates, cereal grains, and more.

This is the most important variable in determining what type of conveyor needs to be built. If your company is in an industry like power and utilities, construction, or chemicals, you may want to consider a drag conveyor, which contains a series of plates that are dragged through a trough to move the material. If the material is especially fine or granular, a better option may be a screw conveyor that uses a rotating screw blade within a tube. For a harsher environment and bulkier material, an apron conveyor offers an ideal carrying surface.

How Much Space Is Available

The size of the conveyor will also play a large factor in its cost. MHE offers custom conveyors that can reach heights of up to 200 feet, can stretch for up to 300 feet, and can handle the steepest inclines in the industry. Because the conveyors we provide are completely custom, we can design yours to perfectly fit the available space, which leads to greater efficiency and improved safety.

The Type of Environment It Will Occupy

The harsher the environment, the more durable the conveyor will need to be. MHE is recognized for producing conveyors that can handle the most extreme conditions, including severe corrosion and abrasion and high temperatures, without missing a beat. Our conveyors last for decades in extreme environments thanks to upgrades like custom-engineered drive components, special wear-resistant alloys, and internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings.

What Types of Customizations It Will Need

Your company is unique, and your conveyor system needs to be as well. We offer a wide array of customization options to ensure that your specific needs are being met and that your conveyor is offering optimal efficiency.

Let MHE Build the Right Conveyor For Your Company’s Needs

MHE has been custom-engineering heavy-duty conveyors for companies throughout the United States since 1927. We’ve become a respected industry leader by offering a superior product for a comparable price, and we always stand behind our work. In fact, we’ll be standing by 24/7 in case you ever have an issue with your conveyor.

If you’d like to learn more about the custom conveyors we offer, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

How Much Does a Conveyor Cost?

The right kind of conveyor system can do wonders for the productivity of a factory or industrial plant, as it can eliminate some steps in the manufacturing process and accomplish others much more efficiently. If you’re in the market for a heavy-duty conveyor system for your company, the first question that likely came to mind is “How much will it cost?” There’s no simple answer to that question, however, as there are many different factors that will come into play when determining the initial costs your company will face. Yes, there are “cookie-cutter” conveyor systems on the market that have set prices, but these are not a good option for companies that want a conveyor that accomplishes specific goals and is manufactured to fit in a pre-determined space.

Custom Conveyor Solutions

Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) manufactures custom conveyors that can accomplish any type of bulk material delivery needs and can perform in the most hazardous of environments. When determining what one of these heavy-duty conveyors will cost, there are a lot of variables to consider. They include:

The Type of Conveyor That is Needed

Though the ultimate goal is the same—moving high volumes of bulk material as quickly and efficiently as possible—the type of conveyor that is needed will depend on the type of material that is involved. For example, if the material is small or granular, like food waste, aggregates, cereal grains, or boiler ash, a screw conveyor that utilizes a rotating screw blade within a tube might be a good choice. For harsher applications and larger materials, an apron conveyor with overlapping plates that form the carrying service may be a better option. These are popular in the power, chemical, cement, mining, and paper industries.

The Environment

One of the biggest differentiators in the conveyor industry is the ability of a conveyor to reliably perform in extreme environments. Simply put, many of the products on the market aren’t engineered to be able to handle extreme corrosion, severe abrasion, and high temperatures for long periods. At MHE, we utilize heavy-duty elements, such as custom-engineered drive components, special wear-resistant alloys, and internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings. This ensures that our heavy-duty conveyors will perform dependably for decades.

The Footprint It Will Occupy

Another important factor to consider when choosing a conveyor is the available space. While a pre-manufactured conveyor might have to be crammed into a space it wasn’t designed for, a custom conveyor can be built to match the exact specifications of the plant. This will result in greater efficiency and produce sufficient space for the operators of the conveyor, which can lead to improved safety.

We Can Manufacture a Custom Conveyor for Your Company

MHE has been a recognized leader in custom conveyors since we first entered the industry in 1927. We manufacture heavy-duty conveyors that meet precise customer specifications, and we do it for a price that is similar to what you’d pay for a pre-fabricated conveyor. Additionally, we provide all the necessary training and are available 24/7 to provide technical support.

If you’re interested in learning more about the custom heavy-duty conveyors we offer, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation.

What Are the Benefits of a Custom Conveyor?

If your company deals with any type of bulk material that needs to be moved quickly and efficiently, there will likely come a point where a custom conveyor becomes a necessity. Conveyor systems are able to transport all types of materials with unmatched efficiency, and you can count on them to perform year after year in hazardous conditions. While the initial setup costs may be high, there’s no doubt that a custom conveyor system will pay for itself in almost no time.

Stock vs. Custom Conveyors

If you’ve started researching the different types of conveyors that are available, you will likely notice that there are many manufacturers who offer “cookie-cutter” conveyors that have already been constructed and are ready for service. You’ve likely also discovered that there are manufacturers that will evaluate your specific material handling needs and custom-build a conveyor that can accomplish them. So, which option is better? Here are some factors to consider:

Efficiency

While a stock conveyor may do a decent job and can be on your plant floor in a faster time frame, it won’t be able to work as efficiently as a conveyor that has been custom-engineered for your company.

Materials

Custom conveyors can handle any type of bulk material, including food waste, cement, fly ash, bottom ash, aggregates, grains, and much more. Stock conveyors, on the other hand, might not have the customizations needed to handle particular materials.

Environment

If you’re looking for a conveyor that is going to be able to deliver reliable performance for many years in an environment that is abrasive, corrosive, or features extreme temperatures, a custom-manufactured, heavy-duty conveyor is the only option. That’s because they are manufactured using heavy-duty components, such as custom-engineered drive components, special wear-resistant alloys, and internal Ni-Hard gravity take-up bearings.

Location

Another strong argument for custom conveyors is that they can be built to match the specifications of your plant and the location it will occupy. This way, you won’t have to move things around to make space and you will have sufficient room for the operators needed to maintain the conveyor during use. This can be a significant factor in improved safety.

Materials Handling Equipment Offers Custom Conveyor Solutions

Since 1927, Materials Handling Equipment has been helping industrial companies from a wide array of industries with their conveyance needs. All of our conveyors are custom manufactured based on the client’s specific goals, and they are able to perform dependably in the most extreme conditions thanks to their heavy-duty construction. We offer all types of conveyors, including:

• Bucket elevators
• Screw conveyors
• Drag conveyors
• Pan conveyors
• Apron conveyors
• Belt conveyors
• Live bottom dischargers

We will visit your factory, discuss your goals, and help you select the perfect type of conveyor to meet them. We’ll also ensure that your staff is trained to operate your conveyor, and we’re available 24/7 should an issue ever arise.

If you would like additional information about the heavy-duty, custom-manufactured conveyors we offer, contact Materials Handling Equipment today. We can’t wait to add your company to our list of satisfied customers.

How to Select the Right Conveyor

If you need to move large quantities of bulk material quickly and efficiently at an industrial plant, you’re probably trying to determine which type of industrial conveyor will work best for your needs. Industrial conveyors that are made well can handle all types of materials and can function in the most extreme environments, and you’ll likely have several different options to choose from. The most important variables to consider when choosing the right conveyor are:

• The type of bulk material that needs to be moved – This can include boiler ash, cement, food waste, clinker, wood chips, biomass, and other bulk materials.
• The environment in which the conveyor will operate – Heavy-duty conveyors are needed in conditions that feature extreme temperatures or are highly abrasive or corrosive.
• The speed or capacity at which the material needs to be moved – The speed bulk material is moved depends on the method by which it will be transferred.
• The space the conveyor will occupy – You conveyor will likely need to be custom built to fit a specific location in your plant.
• The amount of incline or decline the conveyor will need – Gravity comes into play when your conveyor requires a steep incline or decline.

Types of Conveyors to Consider

There are several different types of conveyor systems for you to consider:

Drag Conveyors

Drag conveyors do exactly as their name indicates. A chain connects a series of plates that are dragged through a trough to move materials. They are a good option for bottom and fly ash, wood chips, and sludge, and are commonly used in the power and utilities, chemical, and construction industries.

Bucket Elevators

This type of conveyor can elevate both light and heavy bulk materials and is effective for materials that are fine or coarse with large lumps. They can be used for food, cement, wood chips, etc., and depend on centrifugal force to get materials into the discharge chute, or on gravity if a slower discharge is required.

Screw Conveyors

A screw conveyor utilizes a rotating screw blade or “flighting” within a tube to move small or granular materials. They are often chosen for food waste, wood chips, aggregates, cereal grains, animal feed, boiler ash, and other materials, and can be custom designed to handle almost any material.

Apron Conveyors

Also commonly referred to as a pan conveyor, an apron conveyor features rows of overlapping plates that form the carrying surface. They are a popular choice for abusive applications found in the power, chemical, cement, mining, and paper industries.

Belt Conveyors

Perhaps the simplest type of conveyor, a belt conveyor can be used in almost any industry, including chemical, mineral, paper, and utility.

Materials Handling Equipment

If you want to ensure that your industrial conveyor is perfectly matched to your needs, look to Materials Handling Equipment (MHE). We’ve been an industry leader since 1927 because we offer customized, heavy-duty conveyors for a price that is comparable to what’s being charged for cookie-cutter conveyor systems. Our conveyors can stand up to the most extreme environments imaginable and will provide decades of reliable service.

If you would like to learn more about the custom heavy-duty conveyors we offer, contact MHE today to schedule a consultation.

When Should You Replace Your Conveyor?

An industrial conveyor, if manufactured properly, can provide decades of service, moving large quantities of bulk material quickly and reliably. However, like any type of industrial equipment, a conveyor will eventually need to be replaced. Deciding when a new conveyor is needed isn’t always easy, especially considering the time and expense involved in a conveyor replacement project. Additionally, being without a conveyor for days or weeks at a time can bring your company to a standstill. If you want to plan ahead to ensure a smooth transition, be cognizant of the following reasons why a conveyor may need to be replaced:

Wear and Tear

Industrial conveyors are usually manufactured using heavy-duty components so they can withstand harsh environments, such as extreme heat, abrasion, and corrosion, while still operating reliably. However, even the best-made equipment eventually wears down and stops working as it should. If you notice that you’re having to make more and more repair calls regarding your conveyor, it might be time to contact a manufacturer and start the process for acquiring a replacement.

The Emergence of New Technologies

This one will be pretty easy to recognize. If technological advancements have rendered your current conveyor system obsolete, you’re probably going to want to upgrade your conveyor as soon as possible to improve productivity. This becomes even more important if your competitors are already enjoying the benefits of new technology.

Increasing Conveyance Needs

It’s usually a good sign for a company when its equipment can no longer handle the output levels needed. While increased productivity usually means a healthier bottom line for the company, it could also mean it’s time you upgrade the current conveyor or add an additional conveyor line to keep up with demand.

Shifting Company Goals

If your current industrial conveyor was custom-manufactured to meet a highly specific application but your company heads in a different direction or starts working with additional types of bulk material, you may need to replace it. Different types of conveyors are needed for various bulk materials. For instance, drag conveyors can be effective for bottom or fly ash, while an apron conveyor would be a better choice for waste processing.

Materials Handling Equipment Can Provide the Conveyor You Need

No matter what type of bulk materials you’re working with, Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) can manufacture a heavy-duty conveyor that meets your specific needs. We’ve been an industry leader since 1927 and have unmatched knowledge and expertise. Unlike many of our competitors who offer cookie-cutter solutions, we custom manufacture our conveyors so they can handle precise tasks and fit into the space that is available. Additionally, all of our conveyors are manufactured using heavy-duty components and wear-resistant alloys so they can get the job done in extreme environments that feature excessive heat, abrasion, and corrosion.

When you partner with MHE, we will conduct a site survey of your plant, discuss your conveyance goals, and help you choose the ideal custom conveyor. Once the manufacturing process is complete, we will be there for the installation to make sure your staff is trained and ready. And we will only be a phone call away should you ever require service assistance.

Contact Materials Handling Equipment today if you’d like to learn more about our custom conveyors.