Flexicon Launches Screw Conveyor QuickShip Program PowderBulk Solids

Three new Flexicon divisible conduits make retrofitting cable

Cover Three new Flexicon divisible conduits make retrofitting cable (2048x1408)

Table of Contents

1. What are Tubular Conveyors?
2. How do Tubular Conveyors Work?
3. What are the Benefits of Tubular Conveyors?
4. What Industries Can Benefit from Tubular Conveyors?
5. How to Choose the Right Tubular Conveyor?

What are Tubular Conveyors?

Tubular conveyors, also known as tube chain conveyors, are a type of mechanical conveying system used to transport bulk materials in a closed tube. These conveyors are designed to handle a wide range of materials, including powders, granules, flakes, and pellets.

The tubular design of these conveyors offers several advantages over traditional belt conveyors or screw conveyors. The closed tube prevents material spillage and dust emissions, making them ideal for industries with strict environmental regulations. Additionally, the enclosed design protects the materials from contamination and moisture, ensuring product integrity.

Flexicon, a leading manufacturer of bulk handling equipment, has recently introduced a new line of tubular conveyors that offer improved performance and efficiency. These conveyors are designed to meet the specific needs of various industries, providing reliable and cost-effective material handling solutions.

How do Tubular Conveyors Work?

Tubular conveyors operate on a simple principle of conveying materials through the tube using a flexible chain or cable. The chain or cable is driven by a motor, which moves the materials from one end of the tube to the other. The materials are gently transported without any damage or degradation, making tubular conveyors suitable for fragile or delicate products.

The chain or cable is equipped with discs or paddles spaced at regular intervals. These discs or paddles push the materials forward as the chain or cable moves. The tubular design of the conveyor ensures that the materials remain enclosed and contained within the tube, preventing spillage or contamination.

The speed and capacity of tubular conveyors can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of the application. The conveyor can be inclined or declined to accommodate different angles and heights. Additionally, the tube can be straight or curved, allowing for flexible routing options in tight spaces or around obstacles.

What are the Benefits of Tubular Conveyors?

Tubular conveyors offer several advantages over other types of conveying systems:

• Efficient Material Handling: Tubular conveyors can transport materials over long distances and at varying inclinations, making them suitable for complex material handling tasks.
• Minimal Maintenance: The enclosed design of tubular conveyors reduces the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. The absence of exposed moving parts also minimizes the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Space-saving Design: Tubular conveyors can be installed in tight spaces and can be routed around existing equipment or structures, maximizing the use of available space.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: The closed tube design of tubular conveyors prevents material spillage and dust emissions, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The enclosed design also prevents contamination and moisture ingress, preserving the quality of the materials.
• Flexible Configurations: Tubular conveyors can be customized to meet the specific needs of different industries and applications. They can be equipped with additional features such as sensors, weighing systems, and dust collection systems.

What Industries Can Benefit from Tubular Conveyors?

Tubular conveyors find applications in a wide range of industries, including:

• Food and Beverage: Tubular conveyors are used for the transportation of food products, such as grains, cereals, sugar, and spices. The enclosed design ensures hygienic handling and prevents contamination.
• Pharmaceuticals: Tubular conveyors are suitable for the handling of pharmaceutical powders and granules. The closed tube design prevents cross-contamination and protects the integrity of the products.
• Chemicals: Tubular conveyors are used in the chemical industry for the transportation of bulk materials such as polymers, resins, and pigments. The enclosed design prevents material loss and ensures safe handling.
• Mining and Minerals: Tubular conveyors are utilized in the mining industry for the transportation of ores, minerals, and aggregates. The enclosed design prevents material spillage and protects the environment.
• Agriculture: Tubular conveyors are used in the agricultural sector for the handling of seeds, grains, and fertilizers. The enclosed design prevents material contamination and ensures efficient handling.

How to Choose the Right Tubular Conveyor?

When selecting a tubular conveyor for your application, consider the following factors:

• Material Characteristics: Understand the properties of the materials you need to transport, such as particle size, density, and flowability. This information will help determine the appropriate conveyor design, including tube diameter, disc or paddle spacing, and chain or cable strength.
• Capacity Requirements: Determine the desired conveying capacity in terms of volume or weight per hour. This will help determine the appropriate conveyor size and motor power.
• Operating Conditions: Consider the environmental conditions in which the conveyor will operate, such as temperature, humidity, and presence of corrosive substances. Choose materials and components that can withstand these conditions.
• Space Constraints: Evaluate the available space for conveyor installation, including height limitations and any obstacles that need to be bypassed. Choose a conveyor with a flexible routing option if necessary.
• Maintenance and Safety: Consider the maintenance requirements and safety features of the conveyor, such as ease of cleaning, access to moving parts, and emergency stop systems.
• Cost Considerations: Assess the initial investment cost as well as the long-term operating and maintenance costs of the conveyor. Choose a conveyor that offers the best balance between performance and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Flexicon's new line of tubular conveyors offers a reliable and efficient solution for the transportation of bulk materials. The tubular design of these conveyors provides numerous benefits, including improved material handling, minimal maintenance, space-saving design, reduced environmental impact, and flexible configurations.

Various industries, such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, mining and minerals, and agriculture, can benefit from the use of tubular conveyors. These conveyors ensure hygienic and safe handling of materials, protecting product integrity and complying with environmental regulations.

When choosing a tubular conveyor, it is essential to consider material characteristics, capacity requirements, operating conditions, space constraints, maintenance and safety aspects, and cost considerations. By selecting the right conveyor, you can optimize your material handling processes and improve overall efficiency.

Flexicon's new line of tubular conveyors provides a versatile and customizable solution for various industries. Whether you require gentle handling of fragile products or efficient transportation of bulk materials, these conveyors offer the performance and reliability you need.