Material Transfer

Material handling/transfer conveyors start by moving material to a staging area.  Then, depending on the material, to the processing area. Finally to the packaging area where the final product is palletized and distributed. Depending on the product, environment, and the area where the material it is to be transferred to, there are several types of material transfer conveyors are available. 

Belt conveyors move product long distances at high speeds. They do not break up products like other conveyors but are not good for heavy or abrasive products. 

Bucket conveyors, also called bucket elevators, move the product vertically in buckets that stay level preventing their contents from spilling out. They are best for dry, light, or powder material and are typically not used to move wet or sludge-like substances. 

Drag conveyors are also called: drag chain conveyors, scraper chain conveyors or en-masse conveyors are used to move solid material along a trough. Drag conveyors can fracture materials and are used in non-sanitary, non-abrasive applications. 

Pneumatic conveyors move fine, dry material using pressure or vacuum. The material is totally enclosed within tubes or pipes that are best suited for small, dry, low bulk density products. 

Screw conveyors, also known as auger conveyors, where material is fed into the screw conveyor’s inlet hoper and is moved through the conveyor via the turning auger where it is then discharged out the outlet spout. There are four types of screw conveyors: horizontal, incline, shaftless, and vertical. 

Vibratory conveyors are horizontal conveyors used to transport dry materials that can transport fragile products like chips without damage. They are specified when horizontal or shallow incline conveying is needed.