Moving materials gently and safely with a tubular chain drag conveyor
Transferring a fragile, dusty, or hazardous material presents many challenges for bulk solids handlers. One solution for moving such materials is to use a tubular chain drag conveyor. The conveyor prevents product loss and protects the plant environment by conveying materials inside a sealed tubular housing. This article gives a brief introduction to the conveyor, with information covering applications, conveyor operation, chain and flight details, and advice on selecting the conveyor.
A tubular chain drag conveyor provides high-capacity, continuous transfer of fine, free-flowing materials and is widely used in food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Its chain-and-flight conveying mechanism provides gentle handling, minimizing degradation of fragile materials such as cereals and aspirin powder and minimizing segregation of blended products and other easily separated materials. The conveyor's tubular housing completely encloses the conveyed material, containing hazardous dust and fumes from easily aerated materials such as flour and hazardous materials such as corrosive chemicals. The conveyor can also handle hygroscopic and sticky materials such as instant coffee, abrasive materials such as metal chips, and hot materials up to 500°F.