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Different Types of Conveyor Systems
Automating your material handling operations improves productivity, increases workplace safety and promotes the integrity of your goods while in transportation.
Conveyor systems are a reliable and well-established piece of material handling equipment. There are several common types of conveyor systems, whether standard models or custom designed pieces, ensuring suitability across a wide range of industries and operations.
Summit Dynamic Solutions provides standard and bespoke material handling systems to boost your facility’s efficiency. Here, we take a look at the different types of conveyor systems available, helping you to find the right fit for your operations.
Belt Conveyor Systems
Belt conveyors are one of the most common conveying systems and are widely used across various industries for their versatility and efficiency while carrying all types of bulk materials.
This system consists of a continuous belt, looped around a series of pulleys and driven by a motor, to move materials from one location to another.
There are different types of belt conveyor systems – including flat belt conveyors, cleated belt conveyors and inclined belt conveyors – each designed for specific applications.
Applications
Belt conveyors are used within manufacturing, distribution and packaging industries as well as industrial sectors.
In industrial settings such as mining, agriculture and construction, belt conveyor systems are commonly used for handling bulk materials like ores, crops, grains and seeds, plus aggregates. These systems offer advantages in terms of continuous operation, high capacity and cost-effectiveness.
Types
Some common types of belt conveyors include flat belts, cleated belts and inclined belts.
Inclined belt conveyors are equipped with cleats or grip face rubber to securely hold products in place on slopes. These types of conveyors are ideal for transporting items up or down inclines or declines without the risk of product slippage.
Similarly, cleated belt conveyors use strategically placed cleats to space products or keep them in place during transport. They are commonly used for inclines and declines where items need to be kept in a specific position.
Flat belt conveyors are suitable for light to heavy duty loads and are versatile enough to handle a wide range of products.
Benefits
Belt conveyors are highly efficient systems for transporting bulk materials, offering several key benefits across industries. They provide continuous, smooth movement, ideal for long distances and handling large volumes of materials. With a simple design and low energy consumption, they are cost-effective and easy to maintain
Screw or Auger Conveyor Systems
The screw conveyor (also known as an auger conveyor) utilises a helical blade to move bulk materials within a tube. You can find screw conveyors in various applications such as agriculture, food processing and wastewater treatment.
One of the main advantages of using a screw is its ability to efficiently transport materials with minimal spillage or contamination.
Applications
Screw conveyors are widely used across various industries, including agriculture, mining, food, and chemicals. They efficiently transport a range of materials, from grains and cereals to sand, powders, and even hazardous substances. In agriculture, they handle crops and feed; in mining, they move raw materials like ore and gravel. In food processing, screw conveyors ensure hygienic transport of ingredients, while in the chemical industry, they safely handle corrosive or toxic materials. Their versatility, reliability, and ability to meet sector-specific requirements make them essential for safe and efficient material handling.
Benefits
These systems offer a wide range of benefits, especially when it comes to handling semi-solid materials. Their ability to transport materials of varying densities with ease makes them versatile in industrial settings.
From powdery substances to larger particles, screw conveyor systems can help minimise the risk of material spillage and contamination, maintaining a clean and safe environment. Their adaptability ensures smooth operations and increased productivity, saving time and labour costs.
Chain Conveyor Systems
Chain conveyors are commonly used in industries where heavy materials need to be moved. They feature a continuous chain, driven by a motor, to transport materials along a track or path.
These conveyors are ideal for applications such as automotive manufacturing, steel production and large-scale assembly operations, where they provide a reliable and efficient way to transport bulk materials with larger particle sizes.
Applications
Applications for the chain conveyor include construction, power and steel industries. Typically, this involves the movement of heavy, abrasive or high-temperature materials; for example, cement or raw materials.
Chain conveyors also find use within the automotive manufacturing sector, where they are utilised in assembly lines, transporting components during vehicle production.
Benefits
Chain conveyors offer several significant benefits, making them ideal for handling heavy and bulky materials. They are highly durable and reliable, designed to transport materials through rugged environments, including high-temperature or corrosive conditions.
Pneumatic Conveyor Systems
Pneumatic conveyor systems use air pressure to transport materials (often dry bulk materials) through an enclosed pipeline. They are ideal for applications where traditional conveyor systems may not be suitable, such as transporting materials over long distances or in complex layouts.
One of the main advantages of pneumatic conveyor systems is their ability to operate in a sealed system, preventing contamination and dust emissions.
Applications
When transporting fine powders, dust and granular materials in industrial settings such as food processing and chemical manufacturing, pneumatic conveyor systems are used to streamline operations and ensure efficient and hygienic material handling.
They can also be used for long distances, around existing plant equipment and through complex routes.
These systems are commonly used for transferring materials such as flour, sugar, chemicals and plastic pellets. They're also ideal for handling fragile materials that may break or degrade when transported using traditional mechanical conveyors.
Pneumatic conveyor systems offer flexibility, automation and dust-free operation, making them a popular choice for industries that require gentle and sanitary material handling processes.
Benefits
One major advantage of pneumatic conveying is its ability to handle hazardous materials with ease and efficiency. This system is suitable for enclosed material transfer, ensuring the safety of both the materials being transported and the workers involved; additionally, this system is suitable for handling fine particles that could pose a risk if not contained properly, preventing contamination and spillage.
Pneumatic conveying systems can also operate at high speeds, increasing productivity and reducing the risk of accidents.
Vibrating Conveyor Systems
A more specialist form of conveying is the vibrating conveyor system. A vibrating conveyor system works by using vibrations to move bulk materials along a trough or tube. Through either mechanical or electrical means, the conveyor trough oscillates in a controlled back-and-forth or up-and-down motion. This motion, when combined with gravity, moves the material along the surface of the conveyor.
Applications
Vibrating conveyors are used across a number of industries, including mining, construction and food.
In these applications, they are used to sort and transport bulk materials by size such as coal ore, aggregates and food products.
In the food industry, vibrating conveyor systems are also commonly used to transport products through seasoning processes, ensuring seasoning is evenly dispersed over the food product.
Benefits
Vibrating conveyors provide gentle material handling, which is especially important for fragile materials, ensuring minimal damage.
These conveyors are capable of transporting a wide range of materials, from fine powders to large particles and can even operate at high temperatures, making them suitable for demanding environments like foundries.
Bucket Conveyor Systems
Bucket conveyor systems are a type of conveyor designed for transporting bulk materials vertically or at steep inclines using buckets attached to a rotating belt or chain. These buckets scoop up material from a feed point, carry it to a designated height and then release it at a discharge point, making them ideal for moving heavy materials in a controlled manner.
Applications
Bucket conveyor systems are commonly used in industries such as agriculture, mining and construction, where they are used to carry all types of flowable materials.
In agriculture, these systems are employed to transport grains, seeds and other agricultural products from one location to another. In mining, bucket conveyors are essential for moving minerals and ores up and down different levels of a mine.
Construction sites also benefit from bucket conveyor systems, as they can efficiently transport aggregates, sand and gravel to different areas of the site.
Benefits
One of their main advantages is the ability to efficiently move materials vertically or at steep inclines, making them perfect for applications with limited space or where vertical movement is required.
They also provide gentle handling of materials, minimising damage to fragile products such as grains, food items or powders. Bucket conveyors are highly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of materials, from fine powders to larger, more abrasive items.
Which is the Best Conveyor System?
No one type of conveyor system is best – it all depends on the unique requirements of your facility and material handling operations.
If you’re unsure, there are several considerations that can help you determine the right type of conveyor system, including:
- The dimensions of the conveyor system and facility
- Industry standards and regulations
- The material being handled
- Maintenance costs
For example, if hygiene is a top priority, enclosed systems could be the best option to prevent contamination. On the other hand, if your facility requires frequent cleaning, a system that is easy to maintain and clean would be ideal to minimise downtime.
Consulting a professional on the right type and design of conveyor for your facilities and operations is recommended. Working alongside a materials handling expert to design, manufacture and install your system ensures you will be provided with a bespoke solution that promotes efficiency and effectiveness.
Summit Dynamic Solutions provides a range of pneumatic and mechanical conveying systems for our clients. We work across industries to provide a custom solution for the requirements of your facility, no matter your industry.