Continental screw conveyors: how these systems differ from screw feeders

Screw conveyors are available from Continental.

Screw conveyors make up one of many high-end material-handling options available from Continental Conveyor Ltd. These conveyor systems are important in major industries like construction, food processing, mining, and pulp and paper. But many people in these sectors tend to confuse these systems with screw feeders. This confusion is understandable, since the functions of both system types are similar, including transporting grain and powder. It is important to understand the subtle differences.

Same job, different rate

Screw conveyors move bulk materials from one part of a machine to another, while screw feeders perform essentially the same job, but at a different rate. A screw feeder is specifically used to deliver finer, granular kinds of substances accurately from one part of the feeder mechanism to the other. The main distinction is that a feeder can adjust the speed of the bulk material moving from the hopper, which matches the pace of the feeder when in operation. So users can control the volume rate of material flow discharged from a screw feeder. A screw conveyor can handle free-flowing material, but the discharge speed cannot be regulated.

Another key difference: screw conveyors run at a moderately full capacity. The materials in these conveyors can range anywhere from 15 to 50 per cent capacity, while screw feeders run at a flooded 100 per cent full capacity. The reason for the difference in capacity is that users cannot change the operational speeds of screw conveyors, which are typically set at fixed high speeds. With a screw feeder, one can alter the dispensing speed and flow control of materials from the inlet.

The final distinction between screw conveyors and feeders: users can modulate the flighting, or the diameter and pitch, on the latter devices, depending on the kind of materials they are moving. Overall, there is a fine line between conveying and feeding materials with these two types of equipment.

Businesses can purchase state-of-the-art screw conveyors from Continental, which is always free-flowing with expert advice on industrial solutions. Trust the Continental team as the top source for conveyor equipment and accessories.

To learn more, contact Continental.

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