はじめに
When it comes to moving bulk materials like 穀物, セメント, or sludge efficiently, few solutions match the versatility of a スクリューコンベア (also called an auger conveyor). But how exactly does this industrial workhorse operate? What makes it different from other conveyor types? And what should you know before selecting one?
✔ What is a screw conveyor? – Core components & uses
✔ How screw conveyors work – With animated diagrams
✔ 6 key types and their ideal applications
✔ Screw conveyor vs. bucket conveyor – Critical differences
✔ Common problems and how to avoid them
As a leading screw conveyor manufacturer, Darko Machinery has helped hundreds of clients optimize their material handling. Read on for expert insights – or contact our engineers for personalized advice.
1. What Is a Screw Conveyor?
A screw conveyor (or auger conveyor) is a mechanical system that uses rotating spiral blades to move powder, particles, or semi liquid materials through pipes or grooves.
Key Components:
| パート | 機能 | Material Options |
|---|---|---|
| Trough | Contains material during transport | Carbon steel, stainless steel, polyethylene |
| Screw Flight | Rotating blade that moves material | Hardened steel, abrasion-resistant coatings |
| Drive Unit | Provides rotational power | Electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic motors |
| Bearings | Support screw rotation | Self-lubricating, sealed designs |
| Inlet/Outlet | Material entry & exit points | Flanged, sliding gate, or custom designs |
Where Are Screw Conveyors Used?
✔ Agriculture: Grain, feed, fertilizer handling
✔ 食品加工： Flour, sugar, powdered ingredients
✔ Wastewater: Sludge dewatering, biosolids
✔ Construction: Cement, sand, dry mortar transport
✔ 鉱業だ： Coal, ores, tailings conveyance
*(Pro Tip: For food-grade applications, choose 304/316 stainless steel with sanitary finishes.)*
2. How Does a Screw Conveyor Work?
When the spiral shaft rotates, due to the gravity of the material and the frictional force generated with the groove wall, the material can only move forward along the groove bottom of the conveyor under the push of the blades, as if a nut that cannot rotate moves in translation along a rotating screw. The main driving force of the material is the upward and forward force exerted by the spiral blades when rotating in the axial direction along the tangential direction of the blades.
In order to keep the screw shaft in a favorable tension state, the driving device and discharge port are generally placed at the same end of the conveyor, while the feed port is placed as close to the tail of the other end as possible. The rotating spiral blades push the material for transportation, and the force that prevents the material from rotating together with the spiral conveyor blades is the weight of the material itself and the frictional resistance of the spiral conveyor housing to the material.
The surface shape of the blades varies depending on the type of material being conveyed, including solid surface, belt surface, and blade surface. The screw shaft of the screw conveyor has a thrust bearing at the end of the material movement direction to provide axial reaction force to the screw along with the material. When the machine is long, an intermediate suspension bearing should be added.
3. Types of Screw Conveyors Compared
| タイプ | 最適 | メリット | 制限事項 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal | Short-distance material transfer | Lowest cost, easy maintenance | Max 15° incline |
| Inclined (≤45°) | Elevating materials | Space-saving design | Capacity drops ~30% at 45° |
| 縦型 | High lift applications | Compact footprint | Higher power needs |
| Shaftless | Sticky/sludge materials | No central shaft = no clogging | 研磨材は不可 |
| Flexible | Multi-directional routing | Portable, easy installation | Lower capacity |
| Tubular | Dusty/pungent materials | Fully enclosed design | Harder to clean |
4. Screw Conveyor vs. Bucket Elevator: Key Differences
| 特徴 | スクリューコンベア | バケット・エレベーター |
|---|---|---|
| 素材の種類 | Powders, granules, sludge | Mostly dry granules |
| Incline Ability | Up to 45° (standard) | Vertical (90°) |
| Capacity Range | 1-300 m³/h | 5-500 m³/h |
| メンテナンス | Low (few moving parts) | Moderate (belts/buckets wear) |
When to choose a screw conveyor?
取り扱い sticky or fragile materials
必要性 variable discharge points
Require containment of dust/odors
5. Common Screw Conveyor Problems & Solutions
Problem 1: Material Buildup/Clogging
Causes:
Sticky materials (e.g., wet sludge)
Incorrect screw pitch design
Overloading the trough
Solutions:
→ Use shaftless screw design
→ Install clean-out access points
→ Add vibrators or air knives
Problem 2: Excessive Wear
Causes:
Abrasive materials (sand, ores)
High RPM speeds
Poor material alignment
Solutions:
→ Apply wear-resistant linings (ceramic, AR steel)
→ Reduce operating speed by 20%
→ Use hardened flight edges
Problem 3: Seal Failures
Causes:
Dust infiltration
Bearing misalignment
Thermal expansion
Solutions:
→ Upgrade to labyrinth seals
→ Install condition monitoring sensors
→ Use self-aligning bearings
As a professional screw conveyor manufacturer, we provide customized design solutions. If you have any questions or requirements regarding conveyors, please お問い合わせ—our engineers will tailor the optimal solution for your needs.
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