Written by Marius Schaub
Conveyor technology is a central element of industrial bulk material processes. It ensures that materials are moved safely, efficiently, and in compliance with process requirements, whether horizontally, inclined, or vertically. An unsuitable conveyor solution can not only disrupt the material flow, but also lead to product loss, downtime, or increased maintenance costs.
Whether coarse, fine, abrasive, moist, sticky, or temperature-sensitive – the technical requirements vary greatly depending on the bulk material. That is why it is crucial to select the right conveyor system and tailor it to the specific process.
Mechanical systems form the backbone of many bulk material processes. They operate reliably, are often comparatively inexpensive, and can be adapted to a wide variety of requirements.
Belt conveyors are ideal for continuous material transport over medium to long distances. They are particularly suitable for horizontal or slightly inclined routes and enable high conveying capacities with low energy consumption.
Typical areas of application for belt conveyors include:
Bucket elevators are always used when bulk material needs to be conveyed vertically: for example, from a silo floor into a mixer or to a higher process level. They consist of a circulating belt or chain with attached buckets.
Typical areas of application:
Screw conveyors move material through a closed pipe using a rotating screw conveyor. These systems are well suited for fine-grained, dusty, hot, or pasty materials. Variants such as dosing screws also enable precise quantity feeding.
Typical areas of application:
Chain conveyors or scraper conveyors are suitable for particularly demanding applications, such as abrasive or hot materials. Conveying is carried out by means of carriers attached to a circulating chain (often in closed troughs).
Typical areas of application:
Pneumatic conveying systems transport bulk materials through closed pipes using a stream of air. Depending on the design, a distinction is made between pressure conveying (blowing) and suction conveying.
Advantages include the closed design (ensures dust-free operation), flexible pipe routing, and low mechanical stress on the material. Disadvantages may include higher energy consumption and sensitivity to moist or slow-flowing materials.
Typical areas of application:
Vacuum conveyors are particularly suitable for sensitive, fine, or hygienically critical materials. They convey smaller quantities under negative pressure and are easy to clean – a major advantage, especially for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Typical areas of application:
In addition to established technologies, there are specialized conveyor systems for specific applications. Tube chain conveyors combine closed conveyor paths with gentle material transport. An endless chain with carriers moves the bulk material through a tube system, even over complex routes.
In aeromechanical conveyors, a rotating rope with carriers generates an air flow that pulls the bulk material along. The system is compact, efficient, and low-maintenance, while also offering high conveying speeds.
Typical areas of application for tubular chain conveyors:
Typical areas of application for aeromechanical conveyors:
Numerous factors play a role in selecting the right conveyor technology:
A sound interpretation usually requires practical tests and close coordination with experienced plant engineers.
Digitalization is also finding its way into conveyor technology. Digital technologies and processes can bring various advantages for operators:
Bulk material handling is as diverse as the materials it works with. From robust belt conveyors and precise screw conveyors to hygienic vacuum systems – there is a suitable solution for every application. The key factors are a well-founded selection and professional implementation that takes both technical requirements and economic aspects into account.
Visitors to POWTECH TECHNOPHARM can experience the entire spectrum of conveyor technology for bulk solids. The list of exhibitors and products, which includes numerous offerings from the “Conveying and Transporting” category, provides a preview.
Are you interested in this topic? Then come to POWTECH TECHNOPHARM and experience this and many other topics live at the trade fair. Get your ticket here with the following code: PTTP25Insights
