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Engineering
The following information is provided as a guide to assist the designer in evaluating the specific operating characteristics and drive requirements for various conveying applications. It is not intended to provide overall engineering for those not thoroughly familiar with the basics of en-masse conveying.
We recommend that all design criteria be presented to factory engineers for evaluation and recommendations.
Conveying Speeds
In general, the maximum recommended chain speed is 160 FPM Total conveyor life increases rapidly as this speed is reduced. Severe duty service conveyors should be limited to approximately 120 FPM or less.
Capacities
When the input is controlled (Figure 1, page 124) the conveyor should be run at 105% of the maximum capacity that can be input. This will assure enough volume within the material chamber to eliminate the possibility of material backup or plugging.
When flooding feeding (Figure 2, page 124) the capacity is exactly that of the Table 1 shown on page 128. In this condition, the conveyor material chamber is nearly 100% full and the capacity is adjusted by regulating the conveyor speed. This type of feeding does require the use of a by-pass style inlet.
Horsepower
There are many factors that must be considered when determining horsepower requirements. Different materials have varying friction factors and weights that will determine the actual horsepower required.
It is beyond the scope of this brochure to show and explain the many calculations required in order to figure the horsepower requirements for the different styles of incline conveyors. We strongly recommend that our sales engineers be consulted for final horsepower and drive selection.
Maximum Lengths
The maximum length of a Powerflow Incline Conveyor is limited by the pull required on the conveying chain. This is a function of the conveyor style selected, material weight per foot of conveyor, the friction factor of the material, elevating height of the conveyor, length and number of inlets, breaking load of the chain, chain safety factors and finally chain wear. Accept-able chain life is normally the most important factor.
It is not within the scope of this brochure to cover all the possible factors, applications and conveyor styles that will make the final determination as to the maximum allowable length. We cannot stress strongly enough the need to consult our sales engineers for final selection.
Inlets
The typical inlet used on an incline conveyor is the by-pass style so that the operator does not have to be concerned with over feeding the conveyor. If a by-pass inlet is not used then care must be taken to be certain the inlet is well ahead of the tail sprocket as well as being careful not to plug the conveyor by over feeding. Unusually long inlets or multiple inlets can require design changes in the conveyor. The factory should always be notified when this is the case.
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