Flexible screw conveyors readily convey thousands of materials and mixtures from fine powders to large pellets too numerous to list. Our engineers are experts who can consult our extensive testing database and advise you on the suitability of a flexible screw conveyor for your application. They know how these conveyors perform. For example:
- Material degradation is less than might be expected compared to other mechanical conveyors. There is moderate shear stress produced by the screw against the tube. Typically degradation is not an issue with most granular products like sugar but material testing is recommended for fragile products.
- We recommend material tests in one of our test labs for fragile, hygroscopic, and cohesive (materials that smear) products.
- Maintaining blends depend on densities and material characteristics of materials in a blend.
- Moist materials, sludge, and slurries are not suitable.
- Flex screws can transport hot and cold materials. Typical UHMWPE tubes with a steel spiral can handle material temperatures up to 180˚F (82˚C). For higher temperatures, up to 300˚F (149˚C), a steel tube is required.
- Very fine particles that fluidize readily may require a flat spiral. In some cases, a center core may also be needed.