Screw Conveyor: Precision Material Handling for Bulk Solids
Botek machinery’s industrial screw conveyors provide reliable, cost-effective solutions for moving bulk materials horizontally, on an incline, or vertically. Engineered for durability and flexibility, these conveyors handle everything from powders and granules to flakes and small lump materials across diverse industries. With customizable designs and robust construction, our systems ensure smooth, consistent material flow while minimizing degradation and maintenance requirements.
How Screw Conveyors Work: Simple Yet Effective Technology
A screw conveyor operates through a rotating helical screw blade (flight) within a tubular or U-shaped trough. As the screw rotates, material moves forward along the trough through the combined action of gravity and friction. This straightforward mechanism offers precise control over material flow rates and direction, making it ideal for both short-distance transfers and complex multi-point distribution systems.
Our Screw Conveyor Range: Engineered for Every Application
We design each screw conveyor type to excel in specific scenarios, ensuring optimal performance across diverse materials and industries.
1. Standard Horizontal Screw Conveyors
The reliable solution for free-flowing bulk materials.
Best For: Powders, grains, seeds, granules
Key Features: U-trough/tubular design, customizable flighting, multiple inlet/discharge points, easy maintenance
2. Inclined Screw Conveyors
Efficient elevation up to 45°, perfect for space-constrained layouts.
Best For: Feed, grain, plastic pellets
Key Features: Reduced-pitch design prevents backflow, heavy-duty troughs, robust drive systems.
3. Shaftless Screw Conveyors
Ideal for challenging materials that clog traditional conveyors.
Best For: Sticky, fibrous, high-moisture waste (wastewater solids, food waste, wood chips).
Key Features: No central shaft prevents jamming, high-strength spiral, minimal maintenance.
4. U-Trough Screw Conveyors
Versatile workhorse for general-purpose conveying.
Best For: Most dry to semi-moist bulk solids.
Key Features: Easy access for inspection/cleaning, removable covers, multiple material options.
5. Tubular Screw Conveyors
Fully enclosed system for demanding environments.
Best For: Dusty, hazardous, or valuable materials; outdoor installations
Key Features: Dust-tight sealed design, weather-proof construction, ideal for fine powders.
Configuration and application of the Screw Conveyor
Carbon Steel Vibrating Spiral Elevator
Upward Vibrating Type Vibrating Spiral Elevator
Vibrating Spiral Elevator With Air Cooling System And Acrylic cover
Vibrating Spiral Elevator With Water Cooling System
Beyond the Screw Conveyor, do you need other equipment?
FAQS
A U-trough conveyor has an open-top, trough-like shape that allows for easier access and maintenance, making it ideal for general-purpose applications. A tubular conveyor features a fully enclosed, circular housing that provides total dust containment and weather protection, making it better for fine powders, toxic materials, or outdoor use. The choice depends on your material characteristics and operational environment.
Our standard inclined screw conveyors can effectively operate at angles up to 45°. For steeper inclines, we recommend specialized designs with reduced pitch or tapered flighting to prevent material rollback and ensure consistent flow. Inclines above 45° typically require vertical screw conveyors or bucket elevators.
Choose a shaftless screw conveyor when handling materials that tend to wrap, clog, or build up around a central shaft. These include sticky, fibrous, or high-moisture materials such as wastewater screenings, food waste, sludge, wood chips, and certain chemical by-products. The absence of a central shaft eliminates common bridging and jamming issues.
For food, pharmaceutique, or sanitary applications, we offer:
Polished AISI 304 or 316L stainless steel
USDA and 3A compliant surface finishes
Quick-release covers and clamps for easy cleaning
CIP (Clean-in-Place) compatible designs
Gasket-free connections where required
The correct size depends on:
Material characteristics (density, flowability, abrasiveness)
Required capacity (cubic meters per hour)
Conveying distance and incline angle
Material temperature and moisture content
We provide free application analysis and can test your material samples to recommend the optimal configuration.
Yes. We can design screw conveyors with multiple feed points along the length and discharge outlets at various locations. These are ideal for batching systems, distribution to multiple process lines, or collecting material from several sources to a central location. Custom gates and diverter valves ensure precise material control.
Regular maintenance includes:
Periodic inspection of flighting wear, especially in abrasive applications
Lubrication of bearings and drive components
Checking seals for proper containment
Cleaning of trough interiors between product changes
Monitoring drive system alignment and tension
Most components are designed for easy access and replacement to minimize downtime.
Absolutely. We offer weather-resistant designs featuring:
Fully enclosed tubular housings
Corrosion-resistant coatings or stainless steel construction
Sealed bearings and moisture-proof electrical components
Heat tracing or insulation for cold environments
Explosion-proof motors and components for hazardous areas (ATEX certified)
Yes. We specialize in custom-engineered solutions. Conveyors can be built to virtually any length (using intermediate hanger bearings as needed) and configured with bends, multiple sections, or specialized transitions to fit your existing plant layout. We provide detailed CAD drawings for approval before manufacturing.
