What Is a Screw Conveyor?

Screw conveyors are among the most reliable and popular options for industrial plants that need to move bulk materials, but what exactly are they and how do they operate? Screw conveyors were used as far back as the 3rd century BC to irrigate crops and remove water from boats, which means they’re among the oldest types of industrial machines still in use today. They started being used for a wider array of functions in the 1800s and were popular in food mills that were trying to meet the needs of a growing population. Today, screw conveyors are used in all types of industrial plants to streamline the handling of many types of bulk material.

How Does a Screw Conveyor Work?

The mechanics of a screw conveyor, or auger conveyor, are basic. The device includes a hollow cylinder or trough with a screw or “flighting” inside the cylinder that turns on a central axis. As the screw rotates, the material is pushed forward inside the cylinder. Screw conveyors usually operate horizontally but can be inclined up to vertical. It’s important to note that their capacity diminishes as the angle of incline increases.

Because they’re so efficient, they can be used for an almost unlimited number of applications. Some of the bulk material that is commonly moved using screw conveyors includes:

• Grains and sugars
• Dry food materials
• Cement and clinker
• Wood chips
• Aggregates
• Boiler ash
• Municipal solid waste
• Coal and coke

Part of the appeal of screw conveyors is their adaptability, as they are suitable for handling dry and semidry materials. And for excessively wet or sludge-type materials, a shaftless screw can be provided.

Does Your Plant Need a Custom Screw Conveyor?

If you’re in the market for a screw conveyor for your company, would you prefer one that’s been customized to meet your needs? Of course, you would, and that’s exactly what you’ll get when you partner with Materials Handling Equipment. We’re one of the longest-serving manufacturers of industrial conveyors, as we first opened our doors in 1927. We consider ourselves to be a leader in the advancement of conveyor technology, and we even helped develop the Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA) standards that are still in use today.

Offering Custom Conveyor Solutions

Many conveyor manufacturers offer a “cookie-cutter” product and expect their customers to adapt it to their needs. When you partner with Materials Handling Equipment, we’ll visit your plant and discuss your goals, and we’ll manufacture a custom screw conveyor that’s tailored to your specific needs.

What’s more, our industrial conveyors are manufactured using heavy-duty components made from wear-resistant alloys, so they can handle environments that are abrasive, corrosive, and feature elevated temperatures. In fact, it’s not unusual for our conveyors to still be performing reliably more than 50 years after initial delivery. And if you ever encounter an issue, our Critical Care team will be standing by to provide prompt assistance.

Contact Materials Handling Equipment Today

Let Materials Handling Equipment provide a custom screw conveyor that will exceed your expectations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our team.