Live screw bottom for abrasive material

Live screw bottom for abrasive material designed and delivered for a waste handling system inside an insulation factory.

What are the key points of the live screw bottom?

1. The material is lightly sticky and ribbon screw flights are use to avoid blocking of the material – see an example of ribbon screw flights here
2. Housing manufactured in Hardox-450 due to the abrasive material
3. Chain couplings used between the gear box and the screw rotor. Advantage of chain couplings:
   1. They are economical attractive
   2. They can transfer a high torque
   3. They are flexible and are able to obtain relatively large movements of the screw conveyor shaft
4. Supplied with a bin on the top with man holes for servicing the screw rotors in the bottom
5. Supplied with legs for very easy installation on-site

BEMA has experience for designing live screw bottoms for many different types of material.

Why should you use a live screw bottom?

1. If there is any kind of risk for bridge builidng a live screw bottom shall be seriously considered
   1. Mixing equipment in a a silo above a single screw rotor seldom works and can be very expensive in terms of re-design and modification on-site
2. A live screw bottom can be used for material dosing and is very accurate if it is operated correctly
3. The live screw bottom will empty the bin/silo above in a continously and safe way

See another project of a live screw conveyor bottom here

Which information are important when you design a live screw bottom?

1. Clarify the stickyness and properties of the transported material
2. Design the outlet so you avoid blocking and clocking in the outlet
3. Enure that the gear boxes have enough talk to move the material
4. Design manholes so you are able to service and maintain all parts easily

The engineers and technicians of BEMA can assist you in the design of the live screw bottom on all relevant technical points.

FAQ: Live Screw Bottom for Abrasive Material

1. What is a live screw bottom used for?

A live screw bottom is designed to ensure continuous and reliable emptying of bins or silos, especially when handling abrasive or slightly sticky materials. It prevents bridge building and secures a steady material flow, making it ideal for waste‑handling systems and industrial processes.

2. Why choose ribbon screw flights for sticky materials?

Ribbon screw flights are used when the material has a tendency to stick or pack. Their open design reduces the risk of blockage and allows the material to move more freely through the system, improving operational stability and reducing downtime.

3. What makes this design suitable for abrasive environments?

The housing is manufactured in Hardox‑450, a highly wear‑resistant steel that withstands abrasive materials. Chain couplings are used between the gearbox and screw rotor because they are economical, flexible, and capable of transferring high torque while tolerating shaft movement.

4. What information is important when designing a live screw bottom?

Key factors include understanding the stickiness and flow properties of the material, designing an outlet that avoids clogging, ensuring the gearbox has sufficient torque, and incorporating manholes for easy service access. BEMA’s engineers assist with all relevant technical considerations to ensure a reliable solution.