Abrasive Materials can cause excessive wear on conveyor components. They should be conveyed at slower speeds and at lower trough loads. For very abrasive materials, it may be necessary to use thicker flights, thicker troughs, surface hardeners, or special alloy components.

Contaminable Materials such as certain chemicals and food additives require the use of sealed end bearings and hanger bearings of wood, nylon or other dry operating type. Trough covers should be tightly sealed and easily removable for frequent cleaning and all the internal welds that contact material may require polishing to eliminate material entrapment.

Degradable Materials tend to break up or separate should be carried in large diameter conveyors at very slow speeds to minimize physical agitation of the material.

Extreme Temperatures require conveyors to be constructed from special alloys. The use of jacketed troughs may be advisable, wherein a heating or cooling medium may be circulated to keep the conveyed material within safe operating temperatures. Conveyors handling hot materials may also experience thermal expansion and will increase in length as the temperature of the trough and screw increases wehn the hot material begins to be conveyed. (See Thermal Expansion )

Explosive Materials require conveyors to be designed with non-sparking and explosion proof components and must be tightly sealed. Where hazardous dusts exist, an exhaust system may be needed for venting.

Fluidizing Materials tend to aerate and increase in volume when conveyed. The conveyor size and speed must be designed on the basis of this larger aerated volume and material characteristics.

Hygroscopic Materials readily absorb moisture and tend to become denser and less free flowing. This must be taken into consideration when determining the size, speed, and horsepower of the conveyor. Tightly sealed conveyors that exclude exterior atmosphere are effective in handling these materials.

Mixing in Transit or blending of materials requires a conveyor with ribbon flights, cut and folded flights, or paddles.   These options can be used individually or in combination to achieve the desired mixing action.

Incline Conveying requires greater horsepower and lower capacity rating than horizontal conveyors. The amount the horsepower increases and capacity decreases depends on the angle of incline and the material being conveyed.

Viscous or Sticky Materials require ribbon flights or paddles in order to minimize material build-up.  Polished steel may also aid in diminisioning the build-up.

For materials that have these or other special characteristics, consult our engineering department for design  recommendations.