Screw Conveyor Systems: Compact and Efficient Bulk Material Handling
Screw conveyor systems are industrial equipment used for horizontal, inclined, or vertical transportation of powder, granular, and crushed materials within a closed housing structure, ensuring hygienic and dust-free conveying. Also known as auger or helical conveyors, these systems provide continuous and uniform material flow and are indispensable in food, cement, chemical, and agricultural sectors.
How Does a Screw Conveyor Work?
The working principle of a screw conveyor is based on a rotating helical screw shaft that pushes material forward by friction within a closed pipe or U-profile trough. Drive power from the motor is transmitted to the screw shaft via a gearbox. The rotating helix transports material from the inlet to the outlet in a controlled flow. The enclosed housing prevents dust from being released into the environment, ensuring hygienic conveying critical for food and pharmaceutical industries.
Technical Configurations and Variants
Mastron screw conveyors offer a wide range of configurations to meet different process requirements. Housing type can be selected as U-type open trough or fully enclosed tube type. U-type conveyors allow easy access and cleaning, while tube-type conveyors provide complete sealing and hygienic conveying. Mounting position can be horizontal, inclined, or vertical. For inclined applications, special helix geometry is used to prevent back-flow.
Helix type selection is made according to the properties of the conveyed material. Standard helix is suitable for general-purpose powder and granule conveying. Ribbon helix is preferred for fragile and sticky materials. Half-pitch helix is ideal for highly viscous materials. For highly abrasive materials, the helix and housing surfaces can be protected with special wear-resistant coatings.
Capacity and Size Options
Mastron screw conveyors offer diameter options ranging from 100 mm to 600 mm. Conveying capacity varies between 1 and 150 m³/hour depending on material density and screw speed. Standard lengths range from 1 to 12 meters, but longer lines can be created thanks to the modular structure. Carbon steel, stainless steel AISI 304, or AISI 316 options are available for housing and helix material.
Application Areas
Widely used in the food sector for hygienic conveying of flour, semolina, starch, sugar, and powdered spices. In cement plants for cement, clinker, and ash transfer; in agriculture for grain and fertilizer conveying; in chemical industry for powder chemical transfer; in plastics for granule and powder resin feeding. Gypsum and lime transfer in construction is also a significant application area.
Automation and Integration
Screw conveyors can be easily integrated into existing production lines and automation systems. Speed control via frequency converter allows the material flow rate to be adjusted according to process requirements. Fill level sensors, temperature sensors, and torque monitoring systems create a safe and traceable working environment. PLC-controlled systems offer fully automatic operation capability.
Maintenance and Long Service Life
Screw conveyors have very low maintenance requirements. Bearing lubrication and helix wear inspection are covered in annual periodic maintenance. Any section can be easily replaced thanks to the modular structure. Spare parts supply is fast and economical. Under correct operating conditions, trouble-free service life of 15 to 20 years can be achieved.
Contact Mastron engineering team for your screw conveyor requirements. We offer process-specific sizing and technical consulting services.