Key Considerations When Choosing the Right Mechanical Conveyor
Selecting the ideal mechanical conveyor can be a daunting task – possibly even a nightmare – for buyers who may not be aware of the features and benefits of the different types available.
Here are some key considerations for choosing the right mechanical conveyor.
1 – Material Characteristics
Arguably the most critical aspect to consider is the type of product you are trying to convey. Issues such as product flowability, abrasiveness and cohesiveness should always be taken into account whereas product degradation or the need to maintain a blend may be key aspects to consider in some applications. It is therefore vital to look for a conveyor supplier with a comprehensive material test database as well as a test laboratory equipped with a complete range of conveyors to enable adequate testing of the specific application prior to making an investment in new equipment.
2 – Rate, Layout & Safety
How far do you need to move the material and at what rate? Does the conveyor need to pick up from or feed multiple locations or follow a complex route around other equipment or structures? Are there any special safety considerations based on Area Classification, traffic, or other processes? Understanding the system requirements, possible conveying routes and identifying any possible hazards is critical in conveyor selection and design.
3 – Hygienic / Sanitary Requirements
A crucial deciding factor in choosing a conveyor is the hygiene specification. With food and pharmaceutical grade applications requiring some of the highest sanitation standards, a fully enclosed, clean and dust-free conveyor is essential. In addition, choosing a conveyor that incorporates easy to clean or ‘clean-in-place’ features will be another key consideration. The Cablevey Tubular Drag Conveyor offers a fully enclosed system that minimizes the risk of dust emission or product contamination and can be fitted with a variety of clean in place solutions to speed up the sanitation process. Cablevey conveyors can also be supplied with FDA-compliant coated rope to eliminate product contact with the metal-stranded cable, thereby reducing possible harborage points and reducing the risk of metallic contamination. Many of these features are also available on an Aero-Mechanical Conveyor which, due to its near-to-total product transfer capability, also helps minimize any residual product in the system between batches.
4 – Installation Speed or Mobile Requirement
For applications that require versatility or rapid, flexible installation options, a mobile conveying solution might be the best option. Aero mechanical conveyors and flexible screw conveyors can readily be mounted on wheeled frames, complete with integral controls and a power connection fly lead. This makes it possible to use one conveyor to serve several processes or to remove it to a remote wash-down area for cleaning.
Still unsure of which conveyor is right for your process? Call Spiroflow. With over 40 years of experience in moving materials, our engineers can help you determine the best application for your process needs. We have a complete range of conveying systems that can be customized to best fit your application. We exist to offer the right solution, not just any solution for your bulk material handling needs.
