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.