Screw Conveyors

An inclined screw conveyor is a mechanical device designed to transport bulk materials at an upward angle. It consists of a helical screw blade, known as a “flight,” that rotates within a tube or trough, moving materials from one point to another. When the conveyor is inclined, it not only conveys materials horizontally but also elevates them to a higher level.

Key Features:

•Inclination Angle: Typically operates at angles from slightly above horizontal up to 45 degrees. Beyond 45 degrees, it is considered a vertical screw conveyor and requires specialized design considerations. 

•Capacity Reduction: As the angle of inclination increases, the conveyor’s efficiency decreases. For instance, at a 15-degree incline, a standard screw conveyor may carry about 75% of its horizontal capacity; at 25 degrees, this capacity can drop to approximately 50%. 

•Design Adjustments: To mitigate reduced efficiency at higher inclines, modifications such as reducing the screw pitch (e.g., using a half or two-thirds pitch) can be implemented. This adjustment provides a better conveying surface and minimizes material fallback. 

•Power Requirements: Increased inclination leads to higher power demands due to the effects of gravity and potential material fallback. Therefore, it’s essential to account for these factors during the design phase to ensure optimal performance. 

Applications:

Inclined screw conveyors are widely used in various industries to move materials from one elevation to another, effectively combining conveying and elevating functions in a single piece of equipment. This design is particularly beneficial in scenarios where space is limited or where a vertical lift is required within a compact footprint. 

In summary, inclined screw conveyors are versatile tools in material handling, offering efficient solutions for elevating bulk materials when properly designed to account for inclination-related challenges.