Conveyor System Types vs. Material Types: A Practical Selection Guide
Choosing the right conveyor system is crucial for efficient material handling. Different materials require different handling strategies—whether it’s fine powders, heavy items, or fragile units. This guide will help you identify which conveyor type best suits the material you’re working with, complete with a comparison table and practical insights.
Why Conveyor-Material Matching Matters
The efficiency, maintenance, and safety of your process can hinge on selecting the right conveyor. Choosing incorrectly can lead to system clogging, product damage, or excessive downtime.
Let’s explore the best conveyor matches based on the physical properties of the materials being transported.
Conveyor Type vs. Material Type: Comparison Table
| Conveyor Type | Ideal Material Types | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Belt Conveyor | Granular, lumpy, unit loads, light to medium weight | Coal, boxes, grain, packaged goods |
| Screw Conveyor | Fine powders, semi-solids, sticky or abrasive materials | Cement powder, sludge, lime |
| Roller Conveyor | Flat-bottomed, rigid unit loads | Cartons, pallets, drums |
| Chain Conveyor | Heavy, hot, bulky discrete items | Vehicle bodies, billets, metal castings |
| Bucket Elevator | Fine or granular bulk solids, vertical lifting | Fertilizer, raw meal, grains |
| Slat/Apron Conveyor | Sharp, hot, oily or heavy materials | Scrap metal, casting molds, hot ash |
| Spiral Conveyor | Light to medium unit loads, space-saving vertical transport | Bottles, boxes, bakery trays |
| Pneumatic Conveyor | Lightweight fine powders or granules | Cement, fly ash, plastic pellets |
| Overhead Conveyor | Hanging discrete items or parts needing processing | Meat carcasses, auto parts, garments |
| Modular Plastic Belt | Wet, hygienic, oily unit products | Bottled drinks, meat, dairy, bakery items |
| Vibratory Conveyor | Fragile, abrasive, sticky small parts or granules | Nuts, metal parts, silica |
| Drag Chain / En-Masse | Fine, abrasive bulk materials in closed systems | Coal fines, clinker dust, abrasive grains |
Matching by Material Properties
Use this chart to quickly find which conveyors work best for your material’s physical traits:
| Material Property | Recommended Conveyor Types |
|---|---|
| Fine Powder (e.g., flour) | Screw, Pneumatic, En-Masse, Covered Belt |
| Granular (e.g., grain) | Belt, Bucket Elevator, Screw, Pneumatic |
| Fragile (e.g., baked goods) | Vibratory, Modular Belt, Spiral, Belt |
| Hot (e.g., ash, clinker) | Chain, Slat, Apron, Heat-resistant Belt |
| Sticky (e.g., wet clay) | Screw (coated), Belt with scraper, Drag Chain |
| Heavy Items (e.g., engine) | Chain, Roller, Overhead, Slat |
| Unit Loads (e.g., cartons) | Roller, Modular Belt, Spiral, Belt |
How to Select the Right Conveyor (Quick Tips)
- Start with the Material – Is it hot, sticky, abrasive, or fragile?
- Define the Flow Direction – Horizontal or vertical? Consider spiral and bucket conveyors for vertical lift.
- Assess the Environment – Wet conditions? Go for modular plastic belts. Dusty? Enclosed drag chains may help.
- Factor in Space & Maintenance Needs – Overhead and spiral conveyors save space, while belt conveyors offer simplicity.
Real-World Examples
- Cement Plant: Fine cement powder is efficiently handled by screw or pneumatic conveyors due to their enclosed systems.
- Packaging Line: Modular plastic belts are ideal for hygienic transport of dairy or bakery products.
- Scrap Yard: Apron conveyors handle hot, oily scrap metal where traditional belts would fail.
Make an Informed Decision
Selecting the right conveyor can reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and protect your materials. When in doubt, consider consulting a system engineer or supplier with experience in your industry.