Mục lục
How do you move heavy goods vertically? Although initially difficult, this challenge can be easily overcome with material handling equipment, which is machinery specifically designed to handle the safe transportation of items. Conveyor technology allows operators to increase production speeds and these machines are now used in every industry.
Bucket conveyors, also known as bucket elevators, are used to transport materials vertically and are a popular choice in many applications. Their types, designs and applications will be detailed in this article to show where they should be used and who can benefit from them.
Bucket conveyors, also known as bucket elevators, are used to transport materials vertically and are a popular choice in many applications. Their types, designs and applications will be detailed in this article to show where they should be used and who can benefit from them.
What is a Bucket Conveyor?
A bucket elevator (Bucket Conveyor) is a specialized equipment used to transfer materials from low to high in a vertical direction. It is used to easily transfer powdery and small granular materials to high places in large quantities and with adjustable transport speeds. Bucket elevators are used in the food, mining, and clay industries for high conveying efficiency.
A bucket elevator moves products vertically through a reciprocating bucket. The conveyor is made of a series of interconnected troughs that remain in place as they move from horizontal to vertical, preventing their contents from spilling out. The conveyor is loaded with material at the front and each bucket is automatically deposited at the end of its run, also known as the discharge process.
This process is a fast and automatic method of vertical conveying, as the same material pick-up bins are used to deposit that material. The design of these machines depends largely on the material being conveyed as well as the desired height to which it must travel, but they are reliable and efficient if built correctly.
Basic construction of a vertical bucket elevator:
- The drive pulley is the main moving part of the bucket elevator. Pulley manufacturing material is standard steel
- Passive pulley is installed with the bucket rope tensioner, helping the bucket rope always have the necessary tension to ensure the friction force between the conveyor belt and the pulley.
- Bucket frame: Made of steel reinforced with stiffening ribs to ensure that it is sturdy and solid when installed at high altitudes, the outer layer of the frame is covered with a layer of sheet metal to prevent dust and prevent materials from falling out.
- Bucket rope: Made of rubber, stainless steel or plastic with high durability. High abrasion and friction resistance. A very important factor is that the expansion coefficient of the bucket rope must be very low.
- Bucket discharge pipe
- The bucket feed pipe is designed appropriately. Materials can move into the bucket easily without being blocked.
Bucket conveyor operating principle
The bucket conveyor operating principle is simple, materials are poured into the bucket through the hopper, the operating control system helps the bucket move, pulling the bucket to scoop the raw materials. The bucket dumps the materials mainly by centrifugal force and internal force.
With a simple operating principle, the bucket conveyor is widely used in many heavy and light industries. They help load goods vertically easily, efficiently and safely.
Outstanding advantages of vertical bucket elevators:
- Transport a variety of materials of different sizes
- Easy vertical transportation, safe for products
- Adjustable transportation speed
- Occupies small space, consumes little electricity, operates stably
- Materials do not fall out during transportation
Applications of vertical conveyors:
Bucket conveyors work best when moving dry, light or powdery materials and are generally not used for moving wet substances, as any accumulation in the bucket will cause discharge problems.
Bucket conveyors are a popular choice for vertical transportation and are widely used in industries. They keep products contained in discrete units, unlike screw conveyors, which help homogenize the product and excel at handling abrasive, free-flowing aggregates. Bucket conveyors do not accumulate and are available in C, S, Z or vertical arrangements, depending on the type. They can also be used horizontally but are best suited for inclined and vertical runs, as most are designed to be vertical.
Some examples of bucket conveyor applications:
- Bucket conveyors are commonly used in industrial production, especially for moving loose, small, granular, and powdery materials.
- Conveyors are commonly used in the food, feed, and fertilizer processing industries
- With a sturdy structure, bucket conveyors can be used in the mining industry, transporting coal, iron ore, bricks, etc.
Types of Bucket Conveyors in Use Today
There are three basic types of bucket conveyors: centrifugal, continuous, and positive. This section will explore each to show how they differ and to illustrate their most important uses.
1 - Centrifugal Bucket Conveyors
Centrifugal bucket conveyors move free-flowing material using centrifugal force. Regularly spaced buckets on the chain dig into the material at the inlet and then throw the material out the discharge chute, usually immediately after the first turn of the chain to maximize centrifugal force. The buckets are housed in a metal housing that prevents the material from falling out during conveying. They are capable of both low and high speeds
2 - Continuous Bucket Conveyors
Continuous bucket conveyors differ from other types of bucket conveyors in that they are used to transport fragile or light materials. They move at a much slower speed, and there is no gap between buckets to prevent any spillage. The buckets are filled individually by the inlet and the buckets are settled so that only gravity acts on the product.
They minimize product damage by preventing aeration and handling fragile products. They can come in a variety of shapes and can be S, Z or C shaped, depending on the need. They are found in plastics and mining applications, heavy duty applications and other applications that require minimal agitation.
3 - Positive Discharge Conveyors
Positive discharge conveyors are a special type of centrifugal conveyor in which their buckets pass over an auxiliary sprocket to push the material out of the discharge head. They move at a slow speed which helps prevent unnecessary spillage and breakage of material. The bucket design of these conveyors is unique to each manufacturer and is made larger to compensate for their slower speeds.
They are most useful in applications such as moving grains, nuts, dried fruits, and other similar products where the priority is to preserve the integrity of the product. They come in a variety of arrangements and sizes and are typically more expensive than the previous two-bucket conveyors.
Bucket Conveyor Specifications and Selection Criteria
Selecting the right type of bucket conveyor can be a challenge, so this article will help make the process easier by outlining the basic specifications your supplier will need. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it will provide the most relevant information to consider when contacting your supplier to help them determine your needs.
- Capacity Rate Output, Bucket Design, and Distance
How much material must be conveyed per unit of time, and how far must it travel? The answers to these questions will determine what types of conveyors can and cannot be used, as well as the ideal bucket shape and size.
- Product Needs and Protection
Determine the material you are conveying and whether it needs protection from aeration, adhesion, or the environment. For example, if the conveyor is moving granules, a faster, rougher conveyor such as a centrifugal type will work best. However, a slower, gentler bucket conveyor will be best for dusty products such as sand. Knowing your material will also determine the maximum speed and bin size.
- Special Controls and Considerations
Some applications require variable speed feedback and control, if this is important to your project, make sure your supplier is aware of this. There are conveyors that allow for operator and sensor inputs, but these are not typically found in more general conveyor models unless specified.
In addition, if your material is chemically active, hazardous, or unique in any way, make sure your supplier is aware of this so that appropriate steps can be taken to address these needs.
Effective Bucket Conveyor Maintenance and Service Guide
Regular maintenance and service of bucket conveyors is important to ensure good performance, safety, and longevity of the equipment. Here are some steps and suggestions for bucket conveyor maintenance and service:
- Regular maintenance schedule: Develop a regular maintenance schedule for your bucket conveyor. This helps you keep track of when maintenance is needed, avoid missed steps, and ensure that the equipment is always running smoothly.
- Pre-operation inspection: Before starting the bucket conveyor, check the major components such as the bucket, chain, rollers, gears, motor, and drive system. Make sure that all are working properly and are free of damage.
- Cleaning: Remove dirt, debris, and unwanted objects from the conveyor, bucket, and related systems. Dirt can reduce performance and cause damage.
- Belt Inspection: Inspect chains, belts, or conveyors for signs of abnormal wear, breaks, or deformation. Replace damaged parts immediately to avoid operational problems.
- Bucket Inspection: Check the condition of the buckets to ensure they are not broken, cracked, or deformed. Ensure that the buckets have sufficient circuitry to safely hold the material.
- Engine and Drive System Maintenance: Inspect the engine system, gears, and other engine-related components. Perform lubrication and maintenance according to the manufacturer's schedule.
- System Adjustment and Maintenance: Adjust and test devices such as sensors, safety switches, and control systems to ensure they are operating properly.
- Recording and Tracking: Keep detailed records of maintenance activities, replacement parts, and problems. Track performance and improve maintenance procedures based on previous experience.
Regular maintenance and servicing helps optimize the performance and life of your bucket conveyor, while reducing the risk of breakdown and keeping both operators and equipment safe.
