Shaftless trough conveyors for food industry

Shaftless trough conveyors for food industry designed for a food application where wet potato starch has to be transported. The material has a sticky tendency, and this is the reason for using a shaftless screw spiral.

What design measures have been taken for this food application?

• All used materials are in accordance with EC-1935/2004 – the food directive
• All welding 100%
• All welding TIG with nice and smooth surfaces
• The screw spiral is laying directly in the stainless steel house – to avoid bacterial if a PEHD-1000 plate were used

See another BEMA shaftless screw conveyor application here

Which advantages have shaftless screw conveyors?

1. They are ideal to be used if the material is sticky
2. They can avoid bridge building around the material
3. You can avoid using intermediate bearings

• The shaftless trough conveyors are designed for being a part of a process system
• The screw design made to avoid any kind of bridge building
• Inlet and outlet specially designed to avoid any kind of blocking and bridge building
• All used materials are being in accordance with the food directive EC-1935/2004

In this application BEMA has used our experience with both shaftless screw conveyors and knowledge about the EC-1935/2004 food directive. We have our own design department, where we have engineers and technicians with years of experience. We are under surveillance of the Danish Authorities to ensure that our applications for the food industry is in accordance with EC-1935/2004.

Other applications suitable for shaftess screw conveyors

1. Transportation of any kind of sludge
2. Transportation of residual products from slaugtherhouses
3. Draining processes where the shaftless screw conveyor is used as a classifer – see an example here

In BEMA we always recommend to use a conventional self carried screw conveyor if possible. But there are different applications where a shaftless screw conveyor has certain advantages. In these cases we are ready to assist you.

FAQ: Shaftless Trough Conveyors for the Food Industry

1. What are shaftless trough conveyors used for in food processing?

Shaftless trough conveyors are ideal for transporting sticky or wet materials such as potato starch. Their open‑spiral design prevents material from wrapping around a central shaft, making them highly effective for challenging food‑grade products. All materials used comply with EC‑1935/2004, ensuring safe handling in food environments.

2. Why choose a shaftless screw design for sticky materials?

The absence of a central shaft eliminates common issues like bridging and clogging. This design allows the screw to move sticky materials smoothly while avoiding intermediate bearings, which can otherwise trap product or require frequent maintenance. It also ensures a more consistent and reliable material flow.

3. How does BEMA ensure hygienic and durable construction?

All welding is performed 100% using TIG to achieve smooth, easy‑to‑clean surfaces. The screw spiral runs directly in the stainless‑steel housing to avoid bacterial risks associated with plastic liners. Every component is selected and manufactured according to strict food‑contact requirements.

4. What design considerations are important for food‑grade shaftless conveyors?

BEMA focuses on preventing blockages by designing inlets, outlets, and screw geometry specifically for the material being handled. As part of a larger process system, the conveyors are engineered to avoid bridge building and ensure stable operation. BEMA’s engineers draw on extensive experience and are monitored by Danish authorities to ensure compliance with EC‑1935/2004.