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Cablevey® Cable Drag Conveyors

Cablevey cable drag conveyors are designed for gentle handling and installations requiring conveying in multiple planes. They can transfer fragile bulk products from single or multiple in-feed points to single or multiple discharge points over long distances with little or no damage.

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Cablevey tubular drag conveyor systems are designed to efficiently move materials and product blends in a dust and contamination-free environment.

Our gentle tubular drag systems are ideal for conveying delicate, friable and specialty bulk materials through all phases of the production processes through to packaging. They can provide complete material batch transfer of bulk products from single or multiple in-feed points to single or multiple discharge points with little or no damage.

Features

  • Minimize waste with gentle handling of fragile materials & maintain blends.
  • Optimize use of plant ‘real estate’ with layout versatility – complex 3 plane circuits, mobile designs.
  • Maximize processing efficiency with multiple inlets & multiple outlets of dry, moist or wet materials.
  • Maintain plant safety & cleanliness with dust-free, contamination-free, totally enclosed conveying.
  • Maximize ROI with fast, efficient conveying capacities up to 11 ft3/min/ .31m3/min, low energy consumption, long cable life & 24/7/365 reliability without filters or cyclones.
  • HOW IT WORKS & BENEFITS
  • APPLICATION SUITABILITY
  • CONFIGURATIONS
  • MODELS & SPECIFICATIONS
  • COMPONENTS & OPTIONS
  • CAPACITY & SELECTION
  • TYPICAL MATERIALS

HOW IT WORKS & BENEFITS

Cablevey tubular drag conveyor systems are designed to move materials in a safe, clean and efficient manner. Our cable and tube conveyors are ideal for moving materials and product blends in a dust and contamination-free environment. Our systems are ideal for conveying delicate, fragile and specialty bulk materials through all phases of the production processes through to packaging.

How it Works

Our cable and tube conveyor technology features the combination of conveyance tubes with cables and discs attached at set intervals within the tubes. This design serves to gently handle materials from inlets to discharges by holding materials between the discs within the enclosed tube. Materials are not blown about or forced around sweeps. Materials are carried without bumping, battering, stress or friction. Breakage is kept to a minimum. For fragile materials, gentle handling can mean the difference between profitability and loss.

Benefits

Less Breakage

Moving materials slowly and gently in enclosed tubes reduce material damage and waste. This results in superior products and improved bottom line results.

Enclosed & Sanitary System

Our conveyor technologies hold material within an enclosed and sanitary tube, protecting materials and blends from the surrounding environment and operators from exposure to dust. Material contained within tubes reduces risks of contamination and keeps processing facilities cleaner.

Lower Costs

The elegant and simple design means fewer parts, higher reliability and less to maintain. The result: lower costs and lower risk of downtime.

Multiple Inlets & Discharges

Multiple inlets and discharges mean one system can replace many for increased layout flexibility.

Enclosed System

Our conveyor technologies hold material within an enclosed tube, protecting materials and blends from the surrounding environment and operators from exposure to dust.

Easy to Clean

Wet, dry and in-place cleaning options are available to reduce cleaning time, labor and required resources.

Energy Efficient

The elegant and simple design means lower horsepower engines, lower energy requirements, and less heat generation.

Flexible Layouts

Cablevey Conveyors move products in any direction required including multi-directional and vertically.

APPLICATION SUITABILITY

Application Suitability
PriceMid-range capital cost. Can be a very cost competitive conveying technology compared to many other mechanical and pneumatic options with extremely short payback periods in a number of applications.
Layout Constraints
of a single conveyor		We have conveyed materials up to 300ft (91m), however the maximum conveying distance is ultimately determined by the type of product to be conveyed, the capacity required and the number of sweeps (directional changes) needed for the intended configuration.Multiple units can span greater distances
One bend only
MaintenancePeriodic only
Very low maintenance
Energy ConsumptionMedium energy consumption - layout dependent
Dust Control/Air DisplacementConveyor is mechanically dust tight
No systems filters required
Residual MaterialLow deposits. A variety of wet, dry and clean-in-place options are available depending on application requirements
Degradation/Fragile ProductsGentle conveying especially suited for fragile products (cereals, nuts, coffee beans, etc.)
Maintaining BlendsIdeal for maintaining blends
Hygroscopic MaterialsApplication dependent
Conveyor must be empty on startup
Moist MaterialsApplication dependent
Conveyor must be empty on startup
Cohesive MaterialsRecommend material test
Hot MaterialsGood
Handles material temps up to 180°F (82°C)
SludgeRecommend material test
SlurriesRecommend material test
Fine ParticlesGood on fine non-smearing powders/granules
Ideal for cereals, nuts, coffee beans, food ingredients, pet food, animal feed, a wide variety of chemicals, plastics & more
Running EmptyCan be run empty for extended periods
Starting & StoppingCan be started & stopped under load

Check out our Conveyor Comparison Chart. 

This document compares our conveyor offerings based on application suitability, configurations, specifications, options & cleanability. Our engineers will assess your application needs & recommend the optimal conveyor system.

CONFIGURATIONS

Because tubular drag conveyors can operate in three (3) planes there is an endless number of layout options.  Our engineers will evaluate your application requirements and site restrictions to determine the optimal layout. Typical circuits include the layouts below, however, this is by no means a complete list.

Typical Circuits

 

Check out our Conveyor Comparison Chart. 

This document compares our conveyor offerings based on application suitability, configurations, specifications, options & cleanability. Our engineers will assess your application needs & recommend the optimal conveyor system.

MODELS & SPECIFICATIONS

Our Cablevey Cable Drag conveyors are available in 2”-8” diameter tube sizes. Our engineers will help to recommend the optimal size, tube and options.

Tube SizeCapacity* Up To
8”/ 203.2mm2,000 Ft³ (56.6 M³) / hour
80,000 pounds/hour
6”/ 152.4mm1,240 Ft³ (35.4 M³) / hour
45,000 pounds/hour
4"/ 101.6mm525 Ft³ (14.87 M³) / hour
22,000 pounds/hour
2"/ 50.8mm75 Ft³ (2.12 M³) / hour
3,000 pounds/hour
* Throughput rates vary depending on bulk density, material flow characteristics and layout of the conveyor.

Specifications

Standard Construction & Components


  • Tubes: 304 Stainless Steel, Transparent View Inspection Tubes available

  • Cable & Discs: Durable Stainless Steel Cable, High Tensile Strength, Ultra-Flexible

  • Drive Unit: Compact and Low HP

  • Tension Turnaround Unit: Self-Adjusting Pneumatic Tensioning Device

  • Sweeps are available in many angles from 0-90 degrees and in several different radius dimensions to fit restricted spaces.

  • See OPTIONS for additional available options.

Electrical Requirements


  • 1 to 7.5 HP Drive Units

  • The motor is sized to application.

Pneumatic Requirements

  • 60-80 psi

Inlets, Outlets & Feeding


  • Multiple inlets & outlets are allowed.

  • Material can be metered or flood fed. This is product dependent.

  • Inlets can be fitted with baffles, lids, hoppers or agitators.

  • Custom designs available.

Check out our Conveyor Comparison Chart. 

This document compares our conveyor offerings based on application suitability, configurations, specifications, options & cleanability. Our engineers will assess your application needs & recommend the optimal conveyor system.

COMPONENTS & OPTIONS

 

Our Key Components are highly flexible and modular, to facilitate easy access for factory floor needs.

 

Standard Components
Conveyor TubingStraight Tube Sections
Micro-welded 304 stainless steel tubes with tube compression couplings are joined to adjacent sections as required by the specified layout.
Disc & Cable AssemblyDisc & Cable Assembly includes:
  • 1/4” / 65mm stainless steel cable with polyurethane discs molded over stainless steel ferrules on 6” (15cm) centers.
  • The 5”/ 125mm conveyor has 5/8” / 1.50mm cable.
  • A slotted end fitting is used to make an endless cable.
  • The discs are made from USDA accepted UHMWPE polyethylene. Optional Hytrel discs are available for high temperature applications. See optional components below.

    • Straight Tube Sections
    Micro-welded 304 stainless steel tubes are used.
    Tube compression couplings join adjacent sections as required.

    Couplings
    Galvanized or stainless steel couplings are placed every 20 ft (6m) and at every housing, valve, and bend/sweep.
Drive HousingThe Drive Housing Assembly includes:
  • A stainless steel fabricated housing
  • Cover plate on the top face
  • Food grade natural gum rubber gaskets
  • Conveyor tube flared ends for entry and exit into the housing
  • Drive shaft
  • Gearbox mounting flange with packing seal
  • Sprocket with guides
  • Sprocket mounting hub with key and a keeper plate
  • Discharge chute transition to a spigot
Conveyor Drive MotorA 3 - 5 hp / 2.2 - 3.7 kW motor is selected based on application requirements.
Optional explosion proof drive motors are available.
180° Idler Housing & Patented Auto Tensioning DeviceA 180° idler housing & automatic tensioning device is included as part of the base conveyor.

180° Idler Housing Assembly includes:
  • A stainless steel fabricated housing
  • Cover plate on the bottom face
  • Food grade natural gum rubber gaskets
  • Conveyor tube flared ends for entry and exit into the housing
  • The idler shaft, bearing and seal is assembled in a machined aluminum housing
  • Sprocket with guides
  • Sprocket mounting hub with key and a keeper plate
  • Clean out chute with a stub to connect to dust extraction/vacuum

    • Automatic Tensioning Assembly (US Patent 7,798,313)

    Spiroflow’s patented automatic tensioner applies a constant pre-load to the conveyor’s cable and disc assembly and compensates for the natural change in length of the cable during its life cycle.

    A pneumatic actuator anchored at one end applies a linear force to the free moving Cableflow housing mounted on 2 linear bearings. A manually adjustable precision filter regulator is employed to ensure that there is never too much pressure applied to the actuator and this limits the linear force (tension) applied to the conveyor.
    The pneumatic circuit prevents the total loss of linear force and tension if the air supply is interrupted.

    Includes:
    • Mounting hardware
    • Pneumatic Actuator with check valve
    • Precision Regulator and lockout valve
    • Pneumatic hardware and airline
Gravity Inlet ChuteA gravity inlet chute is included in the base model conveyor. Optional tube mounted inlets are available. See optional components.
Gravity Discharge ChuteA gravity discharge chute is included in the base model conveyor. Optional tube mounted outlets are available. See optional components.
Options
Brush BoxBrush box housings can be installed in-line to remove dust and debris via rotating brushes as the cable and disc assembly pass through.
90° Corner Housing Assembly90° Corner Housing Assemblies are included as necessary for the end user’s application requirements & layout.

90° Corner Housing Assembly includes:
  • A sheet metal fabricated housing
  • Cover plate on one face
  • Food grade natural gum rubber gaskets
  • Conveyor tube flared ends for entry and exit into the housing
  • Floor support bracket
  • Idler shaft, bearing and seal assembled in a machined aluminum housing
  • Sprocket with guides
  • Sprocket mounting hub with key
Clear Inspection PortA clear inspection port is a helpful component to most conveyor layouts.
The inspection port is 18” / 450mm) long with a 10” 250mm viewing length. The tube is constructed of clear polycarbonate with carbon steel (mild steel) or stainless steel tube joiners. It is located in the conveying circuit to allow visual access to the system.
Hinged Corner Housing Access CoverA hinged corner housing access cover is available with a compression cam latch.

It includes:
  • NEMA 4 safety switch or Atex equivalent switch
  • Mounting brackets
XP Safety SwitchAn XP rated safety switch is available for the hinged cover (NEMA 7) UK equivalent: Atex version
Coated CablesThese are the flexible stainless steel cables used in our Tubular Drag Conveyors and Aero-Mechanical conveyors. Coated cables isolate the material from the metal stranded rope thereby preventing contamination from metal strands entering the material. They are also easier to clean.

Benefits include:
  • No metal contact with product
  • Easier to clean and clear of dust that may form during conveying of dry materials
  • Fewer materials caught in cable crevices
High Temperature Cable AssemblyA high-temperature cable assembly utilizing Hytrel discs is an available option for materials up to 300°F (149°C).
90° Tube BendsSweeps are available in many angles from 0-90 degrees and in several different radius dimensions to fit restricted spaces.The tube bend radius varies based on the size of the conveyor:
  • 3” / 75mm conveyor: 36” / 900mm bend radius
  • 4” / 100mm conveyor: 48” / 1m bend radius
  • 5” / 125mm conveyor: 60” / 1.5m bend radius

    • NOTE: Tube bends are also available 15°, 30°, 45° & 60° angles. Our engineers will recommend the optimal layout for your application needs and site constraints.
Tube Mounted InletA tube mounted inlet with adjustable baffles can be mounted in the conveying circuit. Multiple inlets can be used in the circuit.
Inlet LidAn inlet lid with a spigot includes a 1” / 25mm square weldmesh in the spigot to prevent an operator from access moving parts. It also includes high flow exhaust.
Tube Mounted OutletA tube mounted outlet can be mounted in the conveying circuit and multiple outlets can be used in the circuit. The outlet is always open.
Transition ChuteA transition chute is a rectangle to round transition chute with 60° walls and is available in 3 sizes: Ø6” / 150mm, Ø8” / 200mm or Ø10” / 250mm
HopperA 3 ft3 / .08m3 hopper can be included and is flanged to suit the conveyor inlet.

It includes four (4) floor-mounted height adjustable feet for leveling.

Alternatively, Spiroflow offers a comprehensive range of bag dump stations or bulk bag unloaders (with or without integral dust extraction or a connection to a central dust extraction system) to facilitate the dust-free loading of material into the conveyor. We can recommend additional equipment to suit your specific requirements.
Hopper LidA hopper can be equipped with a lid that includes a spigot and dust port with dust sock and worm gear clamp.
Dust HoodA dust hood can be added to the hopper. The bolt in place dust hood has a clear strip curtain with vertical sides and a back wall. It includes a 6” / 150mm spigot to connect to your dust extraction system.
Electric VibratorAn electric vibrator can be mounted to the hopper to assist in material flow.
Pneumatic VibratorA pneumatic vibrator can be mounted to the hopper to assist material flow.

It includes a manual on/off pneumatic switch and filter regulator with air fittings.

(Automatic operation can be achieved by replacing the manual pneumatic valve with an electric solenoid valve and integrating it into a control panel.)
Hopper AgitatorA hopper agitator assembly can be installed between the hopper and the conveyor inlet.

It includes:
  • Sheet Metal Body
  • Shaft with Paddles
  • Seal Block
  • Gear Motor 1/3 hp / .25 kW Motor
Level SensorLevel sensors are available for a variety of area classifications.
Air PurgeAn air purge blows material off of the cable & disc assembly as it moves through the outlet housing. This option is not available on the tube valve.
Clean Out DiscA clean out oversize(d) disc is available to assist in cleaning the conveyor.

It includes:
  • Urethane Disc 40 Shore A scale
  • A mounting disc made from UHMWPE & stainless steel hardware attaches the clean out disc to the cable.
Tube Mounted Outlet ValveA pneumatically actuated tube mounted outlet valve is available.

It includes:
  • Stainless Steel Housing
  • Rotating Tube with cut out for material exit
  • Gear from Delrin material
  • Pneumatic Actuator
  • Tube Bearing from UHMWPE
  • Solenoid Valve 24VDC Coil
  • Pneumatic Hardware
Tube Valve Transition ChuteA transition chute is a rectangle to round transition chute with 60° walls and is available in 3 sizes: Ø6” / 150mm, Ø8” / 200mm), or Ø10” / 250mm.
Rotation SensorA rotation sensor assembly is located on conveyor idler shaft to indicate that the system is operating. This requires integration with controls.

It includes:
  • Motion pickup flag
  • Sensor mounting bracket and integral guard with access cover
  • Inductive proximity sensor for safe area application (non-hazardous)
Grounding Lug SystemStatic grounding (earthing) is available. Grounding wire and wire connectors are supplied to attach component parts of the system. All connections are terminated at the grounding lug for the end user to attach to the ground.
ControlsComplete controls are available with or without a VFD.
Internal Minicam & Conveyor Monitoring SystemDiagnostic mini inspection cameras are equipped with removable micro SD cards and self-contained LED lighting units.
Water RinseAs the material has passed out of the system water can be introduced to rinse the inside of the tube, disc and cable.
Foam AgentFoam cleaning agent is introduced into the tube environment to cleanse all parts of the system
Clearvey™Food contact grade polymer tubes prevent the rub marks that stainless steel sometimes produces. The clear resin allows visual observation of the product’s movement without risk of contamination.

Check out our Conveyor Comparison Chart. 

This document compares our conveyor offerings based on application suitability, configurations, specifications, options & cleanability. Our engineers will assess your application needs & recommend the optimal conveyor system.

CAPACITY & SELECTION

Cableflow Tubular Drag Conveyors can operate up to 140 ft/min (43m/min) depending on material characteristics & layout.

The capacity charts below allow you to roughly estimate the size of the conveyor and the speed based on the throughput requirements in cubic feet/minute (cubic liters/min). The horizontal lines represent the velocity at which your product will pass through the conveyor. The vertical lines indicate the volumetric throughput rate in liters per minute. The diagonal lines are the sizes of the conveyors available.

But don’t think you have to figure out which conveyor will work best for your application.  Our sales engineers can do that for you!

Tubular Drag Conveyor Capacity Charts

How to Use the Capacity Charts

  • Based on your material’s bulk density, calculate the required conveying rate in feet/minute or liters/minute. Locate the amount required on the horizontal scale.
  • Move up the vertical line and note where it intersects with one or more diagonal lines. Each intersection point indicates a possible conveyor size.
  • From each intersection point, move left horizontally all the way to the vertical scale, indicating the conveyor cable speed.

There are many factors that enter into the tubular conveyor selection process. Beyond the mechanical selection described above, we carefully consider the physical characteristics of the material to be conveyed and the equipment duty cycle.

Tubular Drag Conveyor Selection Guidelines

  • The Cableflow conveyor can operate at speeds up to 140 ft/min / 43m/min.
  • It is generally advisable to apply a larger conveyor at a slower cable speed if your material has sluggish flow characteristics, is sticky, abrasive or if the equipment operational duty cycle is extensive.
  • Smaller conveyor sizes and faster cable speeds are usually selected when the material is free-flowing and non-abrasive and/or the equipment duty cycle is low.
  • Future capacity requirements should be considered. It may be prudent to install a larger conveyor now at a lower cable speed.  You can increase the cable speed later to accommodate a higher capacity. This can be done with the use of a variable frequency drive or gearing change.
  • Surges and uneven feed conditions should be considered. Surge hoppers may provide more constant feeding and may enable the use of a smaller conveyor.

TYPICAL MATERIALS

Cable drag conveyors can gently transport a multitude of materials.  Here is a list of materials generally considered for this type of conveyor.  Our engineers will carefully assess the properties of your material and likely perform a material test to ensure your cable drag conveyor performs exactly to your expectations.

Food

  • Almonds
  • Bacon Bits
  • Bakery Products
  • Baking Soda
  • Barley
  • Basil, Dried
  • Beans, Dried
  • Black-eyed Peas
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Cashews
  • Cereal Flakes
  • Cereal Grains & Nuggets
  • Cereal Shapes
  • Cereals
  • Chickpeas
  • Chives, Dried
  • Chocolate
  • Cinnamon
  • Cocoa
  • Coffee Beads, Ground
  • Coffee Beans, Whole Bean
  • Coffee, Freeze Dried
  • Coffee, Instant
  • Coffee, Roasted
  • Coriander
  • Corn
  • Couscous
  • Cumin
  • Dill Seed
  • Eggs, Dehydrated
  • Fava Beans
  • Filberts
  • Flax Seed
  • Flour
  • Fruit, Dried
  • Garlic Powder, Dried
  • Ginger, Ground
  • Grains
  • Hops
  • Kidney Beans
  • Lentils
  • Lima Beans
  • Lysine Chunks
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Malt
  • Marjoram
  • Mint, Dried
  • Mustard Seed
  • Nutmeg
  • Nuts
  • Oats
  • Oats, Burned
  • Oilseeds
  • Oregano, Dried
  • Paprika
  • Parsley, Dried
  • Pasta
  • Peanuts
  • Pecans
  • Pepper Corns
  • Pepper
  • Pigment Powders
  • Pinto Beans
  • Pistachios
  • Rice
  • Rosemary, Dried
  • Saffron
  • Sage
  • Seeds
  • Sesame Seed
  • Snack Food Products
  • Snap Peas
  • Soy Beans
  • Spices
  • Split Peas
  • Tea
  • Thyme
  • Titanium Dioxide Powder
  • Tree Nuts
  • Vegetable Scraps
  • Vegetables, Dried
  • Vegetables, Frozen
  • Walnuts
  • Wheat

Agriculture

  • Atrazine
  • Bird Seed
  • Carrot Seed
  • Cottonseed
  • Cottonseed, Coated with Starch
  • Feather Meal
  • Fertilizer
  • Grass Seed
  • Lime
  • Limestone Pellets
  • Pesticides, Granular
  • Tobacco
  • Tomato Seed
  • Waste Cotton

Animal Feed

  • Animal Feed
  • Dog & Cat Food, Dry
  • Dried Feed Grade Egg Product
  • Feed Corn
  • Fish Food
  • Peanut Splits
  • Pet Food
  • Pet Food Chunks
  • Pet Food Kibble
  • Pet Food Pellets

Plastics & Rubber

  • Plastic Flake
  • Plastic Fluff
  • Plastic Pellets
  • Plastic Prills
  • Plastic Regrind
  • PVC, Pelletized Mix
  • PVC, Virgin
  • Rubber, Ground
  • Rubber, Including Fluff

Chemicals

  • Aluminum Oxide
  • Barium Metaborate Monohydrate
  • Boric Acid
  • Carbon Black Powder, Prills
  • Pigment Powder
  • Titanium Dioxide Powder
  • Urea Prills

Other

  • Acordis Cellulosic Fiber
  • Cat Litter
  • Cellulose Flock
  • Detergent Powder
  • Diatomaceous Earth
  • Fiberglass, Chopped
  • Glass Microspheres
  • Ground Paper Product
  • Kaolin Clay
  • Metal Powder
  • Paper, Shredded
  • Silica Sand
  • Sodium Bentonite
  • Water Softener Pellets
  • Wax Pastilles
  • Wood Chips
  • Wood Pellets