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.