Flexible Screw Conveyor

Flexible screw conveyors utilize an open-helix, shaft-less auger design where the auger system can be bent along its length. The outer tube of a “flex auger” is commonly extruded plastic tube or pipe. The screw can be driven from either end. The rate or volume transfer is determined by auger diameter and RPM. Flex augers are normally smaller in diameter than conventional screw conveyors; for example, 2″ through 6″ diameter are common. Larger sizes can be built, but they become less flexible the larger they get.

Systems can be built to:

• Meet food-grade USDA sanitary specifications
• Easy disassemble for cleaning
• Install horizontally, inclined, or with a slight bend or arch
• Range in size – 25′ or less, or multiple augers can feed each other for greater distance
• Portable bases and hoppers can be added for flexibility and mobility

Simple design for efficiency

Also known as spiral conveyors, screw conveyors, helix conveyors, or centerless auger conveyors, these conveyors consist of a spring-steel or stainless-steel flexible screw that is enclosed in a flexible or rigid plastic or tube—or sometimes a rigid steel tube—and driven by an electric motor normally located at the discharge end. This simple design delivers efficient performance and high reliability while reducing maintenance and cost. When properly engineered according to the specific characteristics of the material being conveyed and the process into which it will be integrated, a flexible screw conveyor can outperform rigid screw conveyors, bucket elevators, drag chain conveyors, aero mechanical conveyors, and other equipment intended to transport powder and bulk solid materials.