The performance and longevity of elevator conveyor systems are critically dependent on the correctly determined operating speed. Determining the speed involves a wide range of technical details, ranging from the physical properties of the bulk material conveyed to the type of bucket used. Incorrect selection of elevator conveyor speed leads to serious material damage, equipment wear, and high operating costs.
The Effect of Material Properties on Elevator Conveyor Speed
The particle size, fragility, and abrasiveness of the conveyed material play a key role in adjusting the elevator conveyor speed. For materials with high fragility (e.g., some grains or processed food products), it is essential to operate at lower speeds to minimize the impact and friction that occurs during discharge from inside the bucket; this is a vital requirement for preserving product quality. On the other hand, highly abrasive materials such as sand, cement, or ore can also be operated at a speed slightly below the optimum to slow down the wear on the bucket, belt, or chain; however, as the particle size increases, reaching a certain minimum speed is also required for a reliable discharge.
Optimal Elevator Conveyor Speed Classification According to Bucket Type
The bucket type used in elevator conveyor systems is the most important technical factor that directly determines the speed range and is fundamentally classified according to three different discharge principles:
Centrifugal Type Elevator Conveyors: This type of elevator conveyor system operates at high speeds. The bucket content is discharged by a horizontal or slightly inclined throwing motion under the effect of centrifugal force. This principle is considered the most ideal solution for small-particle, free-flowing, and non-abrasive materials.
Continuous Type Elevator Conveyors: These systems operate at low speeds. The buckets are placed at very close intervals, and the discharge of the material occurs gently by sliding onto the inclined surface of the preceding bucket. This method is preferred especially for the sensitive conveying of large-piece, heavy, or fragile materials.
Scoop/Dredging Type Elevator Conveyors: This type generally works similarly to the centrifugal discharge principle, and its speed requirements are also close to it. The buckets usually move quickly and scoop the free-flowing material from the bottom.
How is the Optimal Speed Determined in Elevator Conveyors?
Determining the elevator conveyor speed requires establishing a delicate balance between efficiency, which theoretically means more capacity, and safety and system integrity. High speed can lead to irregular filling and emptying of the bucket, material spillage (spillage), and noisy operation of the equipment, which offsets the efficiency gains. Therefore, engineering calculations determine the optimal speed that both meets capacity goals and maintains equipment and material integrity for the elevator conveyor by combining all factors such as particle size, fragility, and bucket type. Incorrect speed selection constitutes a critical problem that significantly increases operating costs by causing high energy consumption and frequent maintenance needs. For this reason, careful evaluation of all these parameters is mandatory for the efficient and long-lasting operation of an elevator conveyor.