C:

Screw Conveyor
C1: Description and Characteristics
Screw conveyors are used to transport material (usually fine) from one point to
another. The screw conveyor will vary in size and type depending on the
dimensional standards and the arrangement required. The basic screw conveyor
consists of the screw itself, which is fitted into the trough or screw box, the drive
unit, which transmits rotary motion to the screw and the flights on the screw that
push the material in the trough.
C2: Components of a Screw Conveyor
Following is a break down of the basic screw conveyor, its components and their
function. Keep in mind that there are many different brands available for the
different components, but the basic operation remains the same.
C2.1: Screw Sizes
Screw sizes vary throughout our plants, depending on the application. Basically
when we talk size of a screw we are implying its size in diameter and its length.
Example: 12" X 18'

18'
12"

C2.2: Screw Types

Screws are available as either right or left hand, with the right hand being the
most common. Shown below are examples of a right and a left hand screw and

the combination of the two. Notice the rotation of the screw versus the direction
of the material flow.
To determine whether a screw is right or left hand, a person can use one of the
following methods.
A. When standing at the end of the screw observe the direction of which the
flights wrap around the screw tube or shaft.
If the flights wrap around in a clockwise direction it is a right hand screw.
If the flights wrap around in a counter clockwise direction it is a left hand
screw.
B. The other method used is when standing at the end of the screw a person
can take his right arm and try to wrap it around the screw clockwise, starting
at the bottom and if you can wrap it around without running into the flight it is
a right hand screw. However if you hit a flight you know it is a left hand
screw. The most important thing is to make sure the screw is locked out if it
is hooked to a power unit.
Right Hand

Left Hand

Right Hand

Left Hand

Right Hand

Left Hand

Right Hand

Left Hand

C2.3: Couplings and Shafts

Couplings, drive and end shafts are used to connect and transmit the rotary
motion of the screw conveyor. Couplings also known as gudgeons, are used
when fitting two or more screw sections together. These couplings are sized
according to the end opening of the particular screw being used. Hardened bolts

are used to bolt the screw to the coupling. There are many different gudgeon
and coupling designs - solutions to various problems.
Drive and end shafts are used just as the name implies, drive shaft is at the drive
end of the screw and the end shaft at the opposite end of the drive.
"A"

A - Coupling
B - Drive shafts
C - End shafts
"B"

"C"

C2.4: Hanger Bearings

Hangers are used as a means of an intermediate support for two or more
sections of screw conveyors. In addition, they help maintain alignment and
provide a bearing surface for the coupling shaft. The design of the hanger is
such that it absorbs radial loads primarily, but also provides clearance for axial
movement of the screw conveyor. Hangers may be fitted with a variety of bearing
material to suit many application requirements. Typically they are hard iron,
babbitt or bronze bearings.
Hangers

Hangar Bearings are usually split sleeves

fitted around the screw conveyor shaft and support
arms and/or struts bolted to the casing or trough. Often
there are small inspection doors located at each bearing.

C2.5: Screw Conveyor Casings

Screw troughs, boxes or tubes are available in several standard designs. These
casings enclose and guide material being conveyed. Inlet and discharge
openings may be placed wherever needed.
Casing ends are added for support of the conveyor as well as the casing itself.
End bearings can be mounted on the inside or the outside of the casing end
depending on the application.
Seals are used in the casing ends to eliminate leakage into or out of the trough,
they also give added protection to the end bearings and the shafts if abrasive
material is being handled.

Screw Conveyor Casing Types

Tubular:
(Used for steep
angled
lifts or tight
sealing (choke)
applications.
Maintenance is
inconvenient.)

Trough:
(Most common type
especially for long
horizontal
conveying
distances. Lids can
be difficult to seal.)

Box:
(Common in hopper
applications where
bottom drop doors
makes overhauls
and clean-outs very
easy. Also used for
granular materials
where large chunks
can jam other types.
Re-sealing can be
difficult.)

C2.6: Drive Units

There are many different types and brand names of drive units used throughout
the industry. Most plants use the combination of an electric motor and a speed
reducer as a drive unit.
These drive units are mounted to the trough end plate of the screw conveyor and
are normally on the discharge end of the conveyor. The speed reducer is
equipped with tapered roller bearings to take the thrust from the screw conveyor.
This eliminates the external thrust bearing commonly required. Our reducers
incorporate the oil bath lubrication method meaning the gears turn in the oil.
Most reducers have an upper and a lower oil plug, the upper used for adding oil
and the lower for maintaining the oil level at that point.

C3: Troubleshooting - Screw conveyors

C3.1) Condition: Screw has kicked out
1. Check next section of equipment in system. If not operating, troubleshoot
that section of equipment.
2. If next section of equipment is operating, check screw discharge for plug up.
(To unplug hopper follow lockout procedures and clear material). Reset and
restart.
3. Discharge clear and no reset. Do a visual check on the motor, drive, reducer,
etc.
If a component appears at fault, notify electrical or mechanical maintenance
repairs needed. If a component appears to be okay reset and restart.
Observe operation. If it does not restart contact electrical maintenance.
C3.2) Condition: Restart
Watch motor amps, walk screw box and listen for abnormal operation, if okay
leave running.
C3.3) Condition: Operating at high amps
Screw may be overloaded, of load does not clear, remove or open doors as
required to dump sections or all of the load.
C3.4) Condition: Normal or high amps (no load)
Check for abnormal sounds, possibility of foreign objects causing jam up. Pull
switch - lockout - attempt to clear. If mechanical, call mechanical maintenance.
C3.5) Condition: Drive running, screw turning, but control room has no indication
of movement.
Call electrical maintenance to check motion sensor.
C3.6) Condition: Drive running, but screw not transporting check for cut off.
1. Feel hanger area for vibration
2. Pull slides to check dump area.
If section is determined to be cutoff, sheared pins, pins can be replaced by a
shift operator if other duties are completed, or have them repaired by

mechanical maintenance. Twisted screws or broken gudgeons should be

replaced by mechanical maintenance.
C4: Safety items
1. Never walk, stand, sit or cross over a screw box, except in a designated
cross over area.
2. Always lockout when performing work on a screw conveyor unit.
3. After locking out screw to perform work be aware of the possibility of hot
material in the screw box.
4. Be sure all covers and guards are in place.
5. Report any unusual conditions to the control room operator.
C5: Walk Through Inspection
1. Check drive reducer to ensure seals are not leaking oil.
Note:
Internal gears ride in oil bath.
2. Check for proper drive belt tension.
3. Smell and touch for proper temperature of drive motor and reducer.
4. Listen for possible wear on hangers, bushings and connecting shafts.
5. Check box for leaks and overall condition of the box and discharge hopper.
6. When visible check tail shaft for rotation.
7. Report any unusual conditions.