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.