The versatility of flexible screw conveyor allows for materials to be conveyed in any direction, including around fixed obstacles and equipment, making them a popular choice. However, all systems, from tubular screw conveyors to U-trough conveyors, can experience various problems.
Even well-maintained or high-quality tubular screw conveyors can encounter issues such as locking and wiring. Due to their unique design, flexible screw conveyors may have more specialized and unusual problems compared to other conveyors. Here are some of the most common issues seen with flexible screw conveyors and tips on how to prevent them.
Wear of Tube and Spirals
When handling abrasive materials, the tubes and spirals of conveyors can easily become damaged with frequent use. If you notice premature wear and tear on your tubes and spirals, consider utilizing stronger options such as double wind spirals or more durable materials.
It is also important to inspect the tightness of your tube, as it may cause accelerated wear on the spiral and tube.
Conveyor Locking or Falling
If your conveyor is experiencing random jamming or locking, be sure to check the following items:
Power Supply
In case your spiral cannot be turned automatically, the issue may lie with your conveyor’s electrical components. This is often caused by a malfunction with the thermal overload or the variable frequency drive (VFD).
If either of these issues arises, the controls on your conveyor should be able to detect and identify the problem. Once identified, your manufacturer should be able to help you resolve the issue and minimize any potential downtime.
Wiring
If you are unable to identify the issue, consider examining the wiring of your screw conveyor. It is important to ensure that the conveyor is receiving the proper voltage. Consult your manufacturer’s guide for specific voltage requirements for each part of the conveyor.
If you find that your current voltage supply is not accurate, refer to the guide for guidance or contact your manufacturer for assistance.
Spiral
The spiral should be carefully inspected for proper functioning, with special attention given to the feed restrictor. Incorrectly set feed restrictors can result in locking or falling issues. Be careful not to overload the conveyor, as this can cause damage to the spiral and lead to premature wear.
Issues Conveying Material
If your conveyor is having trouble moving materials effectively, be sure to review the following factors:
Spiral Direction
The appropriate rotational direction of a conveyor depends on the type of helix it has. For instance, some conveyors naturally turn clockwise or anti-clockwise.
Verify the rotational movement of your spiral if you are aware of the desired direction: is it operating properly or rotating in the incorrect direction? Contacting the manufacturer may be necessary to resolve this issue.
The Material in the Hopper
Ensure proper operation of your conveyor by regularly checking for excess material build-up in your hopper. Keep in mind that even with flexible screw conveyors, the hoppers may not be completely empty.
Feed Restriction
Make sure that your spiral is receiving enough material to maintain the desired conveyance rate. If there are any issues with the feed restriction, consult your manufacturer for advice on correcting them. It is important to properly adjust the feed restriction to ensure smooth operation of your flexible screw conveyor.
If any other problems arise with your conveyor, it’s wise to inspect these extra components and factors.
Verify if the motor you are using is appropriate for your conveyor. Evaluate the welding methods utilized to assemble your spiral conveyor correctly.
Ensure that the environmental temperature is not impacting the performance of your conveyor. Confirm that the materials being transported are compatible with a flexible screw conveyor and do not exceed its capabilities.