Screw Conveyor for Residual Materials in the Process Industry

Screw conveyor for residual materials in the process industry designed and manufactured for a customer requiring a flexible setup of the screw conveyor.

Efficient internal transport of residual materials is an important part of operations in the process industry. When materials need to be moved from floor level to a subsequent process stage, there is a need for equipment that is stable, reliable, and easy to integrate into existing workflows. This case describes a technical solution developed by BEMA for a manufacturer who required a mobile and robust screw conveyor for handling residual materials.

Initial Situation and Requirements Specification

The customer had a stationary solution that was difficult to service and required significant manual handling. This resulted in frequent downtime and a working environment characterized by heavy lifting and poor working positions.

The customer requested a solution that could:

• Be moved between multiple production areas
• Ensure stable and controlled transport of residual materials
• Reduce the need for manual handling
• Provide easy access for inspection and service
• Be integrated into existing process equipment without major modifications

Technical Solution

BEMA developed a mobile screw conveyor with inlet hopper, constructed in stainless steel 1.4301 with a screw rotor made in standard steel with screw flights in Hardox 450. The solution is designed to ensure a uniform material flow while providing maximum flexibility in production.

Read about BEMA’s screw rotors here

Construction and Material Selection

The conveyor is built in stainless steel 1.4301, selected for its strength and durability in industrial environments. The frame is designed as an open construction, making it easy for technicians to access components during service and maintenance. The base frame and support legs are dimensioned to ensure stable operation, even when the conveyor is moved frequently.

Mobility

The conveyor is mounted on robust wheels with a brake function. This makes it possible to move the unit between production lines without the use of additional lifting equipment. The mobility allows the customer to optimize capacity utilization and adapt the equipment to changing production needs.

Inlet Hopper

The inlet hopper is designed to ensure controlled and uniform feeding of residual materials into the screw. The geometry reduces the risk of bridging and ensures stable operation. The design is simple and service-friendly, allowing technicians to quickly perform adjustments or maintenance.

Covers Made of Round Steel

The covers above the screw are made of round steel, providing a significant operational advantage: it is possible to look directly into the screw during operation.

This open design makes it easy for technicians to:

• Visually monitor the material flow
• Detect early signs of blockages
• Check filling level and conveying performance
• Respond quickly to irregularities

This reduces the need to stop the system for inspection and results in more predictable and stable operation.

See a similar example of a lifting screw conveyor here

Operational Experience and Results with the Screw Conveyor

After implementing the mobile screw conveyor, the customer achieved a number of concrete improvements in their process environment.

Increased Flexibility

The conveyor can be moved as needed, enabling faster changeovers between production lines and better utilization of existing capacity.

Reduced Manual Handling

The automated transport of residual materials has eliminated the need for heavy lifting and manual handling. This has improved the working environment and reduced the risk of strain injuries.

Stable Material Flow

The inlet hopper ensures uniform feeding of residual materials, reducing the risk of blockages and unexpected stoppages.

Easier Service and Maintenance

The open construction and round steel covers provide technicians with optimal access for visual inspection. This has reduced downtime and made maintenance more efficient and predictable.

Conclusion

The mobile screw conveyor with inlet hopper and round steel covers has provided the customer with a robust and flexible solution for handling residual materials. The combination of mobility, service-friendly design, and stable operation makes the solution particularly suitable for the process industry, where operational stability and efficiency are crucial.

FAQ: Which Industries Can Use This Screw Conveyor?

Food and ingredient production

Suitable for handling residual materials such as trims, by-products, dry materials, or wet materials. The mobile design makes it possible to serve multiple lines and adapt the equipment to frequent changeovers.

Chemical and process industry

Used for granulates, powders, residual fractions, and process by-products. The open design and round steel covers allow technicians to visually monitor material flow during operation.

Feed and agricultural production

Suitable for transporting grain residues, pelletizing waste, and other by-products. The mobility allows the same conveyor to be used across multiple process areas.

Recycling and environmental facilities

Can handle organic residual materials, biomass, and materials with varying consistency. The inlet hopper ensures stable feeding, even with uneven material flows.