Helical vs Sectional Conveyors: What to Know
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By PAGE Editor
Conveyors are essential components in industries requiring efficient material handling processes. Among the most common types are helical and sectional conveyors, each with distinct designs and benefits. Understanding the differences between these conveyors can help industries select the best system for their specific needs. This blog explores the advantages, limitations, and applications of helical and sectional conveyors.
1. What Are Helical Conveyors?
Helical conveyors, often referred to as screw conveyors, are constructed with a continuous helical flight around a central shaft. These systems are particularly popular for transporting free-flowing materials like grains, sand, or powders.
Advantages of Helical Conveyors:
Cost-Effective: Helical conveyors are often less expensive to produce, making them a budget-friendly option for basic material transport.
Efficient for Bulk Handling: Their continuous flight design allows for steady and consistent movement of large loads.
Limitations of Helical Conveyors:
Restricted to Shaft Design: The continuous flight construction depends on the central shaft, which can limit its ability to handle more complex material flows.
Less Customizable: Helical conveyors have fewer options for specialized designs, making them less versatile in industrial applications requiring unique configurations.
2. What Are Sectional Conveyors?
Sectional conveyors are built using sectional flights, which are individual metal pieces formed into a helix and welded together. This construction offers precise customization for various industrial needs.
Advantages of Sectional Conveyors:
Customizable Designs: The segmented flight structure allows for tailored configurations, accommodating unique industrial requirements.
High Durability: Sectional conveyors are ideal for handling abrasive materials, as they are often designed with heavy-duty materials and coatings.
Versatility: Sectional conveyors can accommodate varying flow rates and directional changes, making them suitable for diverse industries such as machining and tool production.
For industries dealing with precision requirements, such as the sectional flight auger, tailored designs ensure efficiency and reliability in operations.
Limitations of Sectional Conveyors:
Higher Initial Cost: The customization and robust materials result in higher upfront costs compared to helical conveyors.
Longer Manufacturing Time: The segmented flight construction can increase lead times, especially if highly specialized designs are required.
3. Performance and Efficiency
When comparing helical and sectional conveyors, performance will often depend on the material handling requirements and operational complexity.
Helical Conveyors are well-suited for straightforward material transport, boasting steady throughput for bulk applications like agriculture.
Sectional Conveyors, on the other hand, excel in intricate operations requiring precise flow control, exceptional durability, and adaptability to challenging environments.
4. Applications and Industry Usage
Helical Conveyors:
Industries: Common in agriculture, food processing, and bulk material transport.
Applications: Ideal for simple tasks like moving grains, seeds, and powders over short distances.
Sectional Conveyors:
Industries: Frequently used in machining, heavy manufacturing, and mining.
Applications: Best suited for tasks requiring precise configurations, such as transporting abrasive materials or managing varying flow rates.
5. Material Efficiency
Material efficiency is a crucial consideration when selecting a conveyor system.
Helical conveyors are typically constructed from carbon steel or stainless steel, focusing on general-purpose applications.
Sectional conveyors stand out for their adaptability, offering a wider range of material options like high-strength alloys, coated metals, or wear-resistant materials. This makes them better suited for harsh working environments.
6. Choosing the Right Conveyor for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal conveyor depends on specific operational requirements, including the type of material, flow rate, and environmental conditions.
Opt for helical conveyors if you need a cost-effective solution for transporting non-abrasive, free-flowing materials in straightforward applications.
Invest in sectional conveyors if your process demands a robust, durable, and highly customizable system capable of handling complex material flows and harsh environments.
Final Thoughts
Both helical and sectional conveyors play essential roles in enhancing material handling processes across various industries. Understanding their differences allows you to make an informed decision tailored to your specific operational needs.
For businesses seeking a balance between efficiency, durability, and customization, sectional conveyors often provide the flexibility required to maximize performance. Thoroughly assess your requirements to ensure you select the right conveyor system for your industrial applications.
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