How Does a Drag Conveyor Work?
A drag conveyor is a versatile option used by many industrial plants to transfer bulk material from one point to another. Also commonly referred to as a drag chain or drag flight conveyor, this popular type of conveyor is characterized by a single- or double-stranded chain of paddles or “flights” that are driven by a motor and pull bulk materials through a channel. Drag conveyors are extremely popular due to their reliability and adaptability.
Bulk Material Handling with Drag Conveyors
Drag conveyors can be inclined or horizontal, depending on the type of paddles being used, and can be partially or fully enclosed. They are exceptionally efficient, as the large paddles allow them to move sizable quantities of material quickly while utilizing minimal power. The spaces between the paddles make top loading of material easy. Additionally, drag conveyors are relatively compact compared to other types of industrial conveyors and don’t take up much floor space, making them a popular and convenient option.
Though most common drag conveyors feature two chains and evenly spaced paddles, en-masse drag conveyors have a single chain with paddles on both sides, allowing them to utilize maximum space in the conveyor and handle larger volumes of material.
How Are Drag Conveyors Utilized?
As mentioned previously, drag conveyors are exceptionally versatile and can be used for a wide array of industries, including chemicals, power and utilities, and construction. They can move all types of bulk material, including:
- Ash
- Cement
- Clinker
- Coal
- Food Waste
- Grains
- Lime
- Phosphate
- Wood Chips
Custom Drag Conveyors From Materials Handling Equipment
If you’re considering purchasing a drag conveyor for your industrial plant, don’t settle for a mass-produced, cookie-cutter option that doesn’t fit all your requirements. Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) can manufacture a heavy-duty, custom drag conveyor that accomplishes your bulk material handling goals and fits perfectly into your plant. We’re one of the most experienced conveyor manufacturers in the business—we’ve been around since 1927—and we’re renowned for providing heavy-duty conveyors that perform reliably in the most extreme conditions. We utilize wear-resistant alloys and custom drive components to manufacture the most dependable drag conveyors in the industry. In fact, many of our conveyors are still on the job more than a half-century after delivery.
Specifications & Classifications
When you partner with MHE, we will work with your engineers to design a custom conveyor that meets your needs perfectly. Options include:
- Capacities to 500 TPH
- Widths to 20 feet
- Lengths to 200 feet
- Horizontal or inclined designs
- Inclines up to 45 degrees
- Temperatures ratings of up to 2,500 degrees
- Tubular, U-type, box, drop bottom, channel, and split type casing construction
- Replaceable abrasion-resistant steel liners in critical locations
- Dry- or wet-type units with top or bottom return runs
- Multi-outlet configurations
Our drag conveyors also fit many different classifications. We can custom engineer a drag conveyor that will serve as a:
- Siftings conveyor
- Clinker conveyor
- Bottom and fly ash conveyor
- Grit collector
- Wood chip reclaimer
- Sludge cake conveyor
- Submerged chain conveyor
- Deslagger
Are you interested in learning more about the custom drag conveyors we offer? Contact MHE today to schedule a consultation. We’d love to add your company to our long list of satisfied clients.