Typically, in the industry and handling of bulk solid products, belt-anchored bucket elevators are used for vertical material lifting due to their higher performance in terms of load capacity and lifting speed. However, a chain bucket elevator emerges as a robust and reliable solution for lifting materials under certain specific conditions. Comparing them with the former, we observe significant differences that influence the implementation decision according to the needs of each project.
Bucket Elevators Chain Type: The Solution for “Heavy-Duty” Materials
Chain bucket elevators stand out for their ability to handle bulk materials of large size, high density, abrasiveness, and under high-temperature conditions. This type of elevator uses robust chains as a means of support and traction for the buckets, which gives it superior resistance to wear and slippage. This feature makes them ideal for applications where materials such as minerals, coal, and chemicals need to be transported vertically.
A key advantage of chain bucket elevators is their ability to operate efficiently with materials exceeding 50mm in granularity and temperatures exceeding 100°C, limits that generally pose a challenge for belt elevators. However, it is important to consider that these elevators have a lower lifting speed.
Belt Bucket Elevators: Efficiency and Versatility
On the other hand, belt bucket elevators are characterized by their suitability for handling fine, light, non-abrasive materials at low temperatures. The use of belts, whether made of synthetic materials or metal with a steel core, allows for smoother operation and with a higher lifting speed, which translates into lower energy consumption. Also, contrary to what one might think, belt elevators require less maintenance than chain ones.
The selection between chain and belt bucket elevators, therefore, is not a matter of preference, but a detailed evaluation of the specific characteristics of the material to be handled and the operational conditions of the environment. Factors such as temperature, granularity, density, abrasiveness, and requirements of speed and lifting capacity must be carefully analyzed to determine the most suitable solution.
Conclusion: Custom Design for Personalized Service
The decision to implement a chain or belt bucket elevator in your operation must be based on the specific characteristics of the project that requires material handling, as well as the characteristics of the bulk solid material to be lifted. Below, we present a summary in the form of a checklist to facilitate the decision based on the specific characteristics of the material and the needs of the operation:
Checklist for Selecting Bucket Elevator Conveyor
Chain Bucket Elevator
- Suitable for temperatures above 100°C.
- Ideal for products with a granularity above 50mm.
- Preferred for high-density and heavy materials.
- Suitable for abrasive materials.
- Lower lifting speed.
Belt-type Bucket Elevator
- Ideal for temperatures up to 100°C.
- Recommended for environments with ATEX certification requirements.
- Suitable for products with a granularity less than 50mm, in certain cases.
- Optimal for light and low-density materials.
- Higher load capacity.
- Higher lifting speed.
At Sinfimasa, we are committed to advising you at every step of this process, offering customized solutions that perfectly fit the particular needs of your project. The key is to select the appropriate technology that aligns with the specific needs of your operation, thus ensuring an uninterrupted, efficient, and cost-effective workflow.
