Deciding on the single most efficient method to move your material from point A to point B is a matter of simple deduction: just match your material flow characteristics, process parameters and space limitations to the performance windows and dimensional restrictions of conveyors in contention. Then factor-in purchase, maintenance, labor and cleaning costs, and voila', your conveyor choice becomes clear. (Figs. 1, 2)

Because the performance, size and cost of conveying methods vary widely, only a general knowledge of different conveyor types is necessary to determine which is optimum for you, assuming you possess detailed knowledge of your application.

Armed only with the fundamentals outlined below, you can therefore determine whether your application is handled most efficiently by a conveyor that contains a flexible screw.

In basic form, a flexible screw conveyor consists of a spring steel or stainless steel, flexible screw that is enclosed in a flexible or rigid plastic tube, or a rigid steel tube, and driven by an electric motor normally located at the discharge end of the conveyor.