Bucket Elevator
- Vertical Material Transport
- Energy Efficient
- Wide Material Compatibility
- High Reliability
- Gentle & Durable
Industry-Leading Bucket Elevator Manufacturer
As one of the leading bucket elevator manufacturers, DARKO brings over a decade of vertical conveying expertise to global industries. Our ISO-certified lifting systems, exported to 30+ countries, provide reliable material handling solutions for cement, mining, grain, chemical, and construction applications – delivering high-capacity vertical transport with energy-efficient operation.
Bucket Elevator Working Principle
The buckets scoop material from the lower storage area and carry it upward via conveyor belt or chain. When reaching the top, the buckets rotate over the head pulley/sprocket and tilt downward to discharge material into the receiving trough. Belt-driven bucket elevators typically use rubber belts installed on drive pulleys (top or bottom) and return pulleys, while chain-driven models feature two parallel transmission chains with drive sprockets (top or bottom) and return sprockets. The entire system is enclosed within a casing to prevent dust emission.
Bucket elevators are designed for vertical material transport from low to high elevation. Materials are fed into the buckets through a vibrating feeder, enabling continuous automated upward conveying operation.
Advantages of Bucket Elevator
Bucket elevators offer compact design, high conveying efficiency, excellent sealing, smooth operation and easy maintenance, providing an ideal vertical conveying solution for various powdered, granular and lump materials in industrial applications.
Features modular construction with minimal footprint, ideal for space-constrained industrial sites.
Combines gravity-fed loading with induced discharge, reducing energy consumption by over 30% compared to conventional conveyors.
Handles materials ranging from powders to lumps up to 5cm, including highly abrasive substances.
Double-sealed construction maintains dust concentration below 10mg/m³, meeting environmental standards.
Wear-resistant alloy steel components deliver 8-10 years lifespan under normal operating conditions.
Standard PLC monitoring provides real-time operation data and fault alerts.
Single-unit vertical lifting reaches up to 80m, accommodating diverse elevation requirements.
Requires only monthly lubrication, with annual upkeep costs below 3% of equipment value.
Our Service Process
Our end-to-end service ensures high-efficiency material handling solutions with reliable performance and fast technical support.
We analyze your production requirements to provide customized equipment selection ensuring perfect system compatibility.
Our senior engineers create personalized solutions with optimized system configuration based on your specifications.
Detailed pricing covering equipment, installation, shipping and after-sales service with no hidden costs.
Strict quality control at our ISO-certified factory guarantees reliable equipment performance.
Dedicated logistics team ensures on-time delivery with complete installation guidance and training.
24/7 technical support with scheduled maintenance alerts and fast spare parts delivery.
What is a Bucket Elevator?
The bucket elevator vertically conveys materials from low to high positions via vibration-fed buckets. It features adjustable speed, customizable height, and food-grade PP buckets, with automatic start/stop control for packaging systems.
Darko provides professional bucket elevator solutions. We also produce explosion-proof bucket elevators compliant with the EU ATEX Directive. We ensure accurate selection and efficient conveying for your needs!
NE/NSE/NB Series Plate Chain Bucket Elevator
The NE Series chain bucket elevator is an innovative design that utilizes chain plate transmission, differing from the older TB Series models. Notably, its model numbering reflects hourly capacity (tons) rather than bucket width – for example, NE150 denotes 150-ton/hour capacity, not 150mm bucket width. This series delivers exceptional lifting efficiency, with variants including the NSE type and high-speed chain bucket elevators for different operational speeds.
TH Series Bucket Elevator
The TH series bucket elevator is a widely used lifting equipment featuring forged circular chains for enhanced mechanical strength. Designed primarily for conveying powders, small granules, and lump materials, it delivers greater capacity and higher operational efficiency compared to the TD series, making it particularly suitable for handling higher-density materials.
TD Series Bucket Elevator
The TD series bucket elevator is a heavy-duty vertical conveying system that utilizes rubber belt transmission with reinforced steel cord cores, offering superior flexibility and impact resistance compared to chain-driven models. Designed for continuous operation in demanding industrial environments, this series excels in handling abrasive and high-temperature materials up to 250°C, featuring deep-profile buckets for optimized material retention and spill-free operation. The modular design allows customizable lifting heights up to 60 meters with standard capacities ranging from 5 to 365 m³/h, while its belt tension monitoring system ensures reliable performance in cement, mining, and grain processing applications.
Main Components and Selection of Bucket Elevators
The bucket elevator is an efficient device for vertically conveying powdered and granular materials, primarily consisting of the following core components:
1. Conveying Traction Mechanism: Core of Power and Load-Bearing
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Rubber Belt: Ensures smooth operation with low noise, ideal for dry, non-abrasive materials (e.g., grain, cereals). Heat-resistant belts can handle materials up to 150°C.
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Chain (Single or Double Strand): Offers high strength and impact resistance, suitable for heavy, abrasive materials (e.g., ores, cement clinker). Wider buckets typically require a double-strand design for optimal stability and durable performance.
2. Buckets: Material Carrying Units
Precise selection based on material characteristics is key to ensuring conveying efficiency and cleanliness:
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Deep/ Cylindrical Buckets: Best for free-flowing, dry granular materials (e.g., cement, grain, sand).
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Shallow Buckets: Designed for moist, sluggish materials to prevent adhesion and ensure complete discharge.
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“V” or Acute Angle Buckets: Specifically engineered for sticky, cohesive, and heavy bulk materials, facilitating smooth discharge.
3. Drive and Transmission System
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Drive Unit: An integrated assembly including industrial gear motor, speed reducer, and backstop (prevents reversal), delivering reliable power for material handling.
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Head Pulley/ Sprocket and Boot Pulley/ Sprocket: Precisely engineered and manufactured to ensure smooth engagement with the traction mechanism, effectively transmitting power and maintaining tension.
4. Casing and Tensioning Device
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Elevator Casing: A fully enclosed structure for dust-free operation and environmental protection, featuring inspection windows for easy maintenance.
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Tensioning Device (Often Automatic Gravity Type): Automatically maintains optimal tension on the traction member, ensuring stable operation and preventing slippage.
Own Factory, High Quality Manufacturing Power
As a professional cement equipment manufacturer and an established bucket elevator conveyor wholesaler with 10 years of industry experience, Darko combines innovative engineering with reliable production capabilities. Our ISO-certified facility produces 400+ dust collection systems and 450+ conveying systems annually, serving 500+ global clients with complete solutions from cement silos to dust control systems.
Backed by patented technologies and an experienced R&D team, we specialize in customized, non-standard designs to meet diverse project requirements. Equipped with advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality control, we ensure every product meets the highest international standards while delivering cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions for cement plants and industrial applications worldwide.
How to Choose the Best Bucket Elevator for Your Sector
Selecting the right bucket elevator for different industries is not just an equipment procurement decision; it is a strategic choice that impacts production line efficiency, operational costs, and long-term reliability. We specialize in bulk material handling and provide professional selection guidance to help you make informed decisions.
Core Industry Challenges and Targeted Solutions
1. Cement Industry (Cement Bucket Elevator)
Sector-Specific Challenges: Handling hot clinker (up to 400°C+), highly abrasive raw meal powder, and finished cement. Equipment faces extreme wear, dust containment, and continuous 24/7 operation pressure.
Our Solutions:
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High-Temperature Specific Design: TH/NE series featuring heat-resistant alloy steel chains and buckets, equipped with special heat dissipation structures, specifically designed for clinker cooler discharge points.
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Abrasion-Resistant Configuration: Tungsten carbide wear strips welded on bucket lips, with replaceable wear liners on key contact surfaces.
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Dust Control: Multi-layer sealing structure combined with a slight negative pressure system to prevent cement dust escape.
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Recommended Models: TH Series (Circular Chain Type, Heat-Resistant) and NE Series (Plate Chain Type, Heavy-Duty) are the preferred choices for the cement industry.
2. Grain & Food Industry (Grain Elevator & Food Grade Bucket Elevator)
Sector-Specific Challenges: Strict hygiene standards (FDA/USDA certification requirements), prevention of cross-contamination, explosive dust environments (flour, sugar powder), and material fragility prone to breakage.
Our Solutions:
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Hygienic Grade Design: Full stainless steel or food-grade coated surfaces, radiused transitions with no dead corners, compliant with CIP/SIP cleaning requirements.
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Explosion-Proof Configuration: Anti-static buckets and traction components, explosion-proof motors and monitoring systems, suitable for ATEX Zone 21/22 areas.
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Gentle Handling: Low fill-factor design and slow operating speed to reduce grain breakage rate.
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Recommended Models: TD Series (Belt Type, Smooth Operation) and Stainless Steel Custom Series (Fully compliant with food-grade standards).
3. Mining & Coal Industry (Mining Bucket Elevator & Coal Bucket Elevator)
Sector-Specific Challenges: Handling large, irregular ores and coal lumps subjects equipment to extremely high impact loads; confined underground space; highly humid and corrosive environments.
Our Solutions:
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Superior Impact Resistance: Reinforced heavy-duty buckets (8-12mm steel plate), strengthened traction chains, and connecting parts.
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Compact Design: Narrow-body models for underground applications, with modularly adjustable height.
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Corrosion Protection: Hot-dip galvanizing or special anti-corrosion coatings to adapt to high-humidity mine environments.
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Recommended Models: NE Series (Plate Chain Type, Ultra-High Strength) and Reinforced TH Series (For heavy-duty ores).
Bucket Elevator Selection Decision Matrix
| Selection Factor | Cement Industry | Grain/Food Industry | Mining/Coal Industry | Recommendation Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Consideration | Heat Resistance, Wear Resistance | Hygiene Standards, Explosion-Proof | Impact Resistance, Compactness | – |
| Traction Element Choice | Alloy Steel Chains | Food-Grade Stainless Steel Belt/Chains | Heavy-Duty Alloy Steel Chains | Chains vs. Belt |
| Discharge Method | Centrifugal Discharge (High Speed) | Gravity Discharge (Low Speed) | Primarily Centrifugal Discharge | Based on Material Characteristics |
| Operating Speed | Medium-High Speed (1.2-1.8 m/s) | Low Speed (0.8-1.2 m/s) | Medium Speed (1.0-1.5 m/s) | Affects Capacity & Wear |
| Sealing Requirements | Dust Containment Sealing | Cross-Contamination Prevention Sealing | Dust & Waterproof Sealing | Industry-Specific |
| Safety Features | Overload Protection, Temperature Monitoring | Explosion-Proof Design, Emergency Braking | Explosion-Proof, Spark-Resistant Design | Complies with Industry Codes |
| Maintenance Priority | Ease of Wear Parts Replacement | Quick Cleaning and Inspection | Maintainability in Underground Settings | Affects Downtime |
Expert Bucket Elevator Solutions: Driving Efficiency in Cement and Food Industries
Explore our proven bucket elevator solutions designed for demanding industrial applications. From heavy-duty cement conveying to hygienic food-grade handling, our NE Series and TD Series elevators deliver reliable performance, enhanced durability, and operational efficiency for leading manufacturers like Huaxin Cement. Discover how our customized engineering solves material handling challenges across sectors.
- Industry Application: Cement
- Equipment Model: NE50 Plate Chain Bucket Elevator
- Key Parameters: Handling Capacity 20 t/h, Lifting Height 20m
- Project Highlight: Provided continuous and reliable vertical conveying of finished cement for Huaxin Cement’s grinding plant. The plate chain design ensures long-term stable operation with easy maintenance.
- Industry Application: Cement
- Equipment Model: NE300 Plate Chain Bucket Elevator
- Key Parameters: Handling Capacity 250 t/h, Center Distance (Head to Tail) 15.27m
- Project Highlight: Served Huaxin Cement’s high-output production line. Featuring ultra-high-strength double-strand plate chains and deep wear-resistance technology, it meets the demands of 24/7 continuous, high-capacity conveying, ensuring uninterrupted operation of the entire production line.
- Industry Application: Grain / Food
- Equipment Model: TD Series Belt-Type Bucket Elevator
- Key Parameters: Capacity 50 t/h, Lifting Height 25m
- Project Highlight: Features food-grade hygienic design, operates smoothly with low noise, effectively reduces grain breakage, and meets clean production requirements.
Professional Customized Conveying System Solutions
Precision-engineered material handling systems tailored to your production requirements
We provide complete standard and custom conveying systems tailored to your material handling requirements. Our engineering team designs reliable bucket elevators, belt conveyors, screw conveyors and pneumatic systems using premium components and smart configurations. All equipment is manufactured in-house with strict quality control to ensure seamless integration with your operations. We optimize each system for your specific materials, capacity needs and facility layout to deliver maximum efficiency and longevity.
Our conveying systems come with comprehensive worldwide service and maintenance support. From installation supervision to operator training and 24/7 technical assistance, we ensure your equipment maintains peak performance. We offer remote monitoring options, preventive maintenance programs and genuine spare parts to minimize downtime. Our durable, wear-resistant designs coupled with responsive after-sales service guarantee smooth material handling operations throughout your system’s lifecycle.
More about Bucket Elevators
By fully understanding the relevant technical parameters and structural technology of the bucket elevator , you will have a clearer understanding of the performance advantages and application value of the equipment.
- Technical Parameters
- Series Comparison Table
- Technologies
- Bucket Elevator Diagram
| Parameter Category | Technical Specifications | Remarks/Calculation Formula | Typical Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Theoretical Capacity (m³/h) | Q=3.6×V×a×ψ×γ | 10-500 m³/h |
| Actual Capacity (m³/h) | Q’=Q×K (K=Operating Factor 0.7-1.2) | 7-420 m³/h | |
| Operating Parameters | Lifting Speed (m/s) | Centrifugal:1.5-3.5｜Gravity:0.4-1.2 | 1.8 m/s |
| Drive Power (kW) | P=Q×H×g×γ/(367×η) | 3-75 kW | |
| Mechanical Structure | Bucket Volume (L) | Shallow Bucket:0.5-7.6｜Deep Bucket:1.0-29.6 | 3.2 L (Shallow) |
| Bucket Spacing (mm) | Determined by bucket type & speed | 200-600 mm | |
| Chain/Belt Specification | Round Chain:Φ10-Φ32｜Belt:EP300-EP800 | Φ18×64-MT | |
| Material Compatibility | Max. Particle Size (mm) | ≤1/3 bucket width | Powder/≤30mm Particles |
| Operating Temperature (℃) | Standard:≤80｜High-Temp:≤200 | 80℃ (Standard) | |
| Material Bulk Density (t/m³) | Standard Range:0.5-1.6 | Cement:1.2 | |
| Dimensional Parameters | Lifting Height (m) | 5-60m (Sectional Design Required) | 25m |
| Head Section Dimensions (L×W×H) | Determined by capacity | 1800×1200×800mm | |
| Electrical Parameters | Motor Protection Rating | IP55/IP65 (Dust/Waterproof) | IP55 |
| Gearbox Ratio | Selected based on speed requirements | 1:31.5 |
| Model | TD Series | TH Series | NE Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | Rubber Belt + Shallow Buckets | Round Chain + Deep Buckets | Plate Chain + Medium Buckets |
| Speed | 1.5-2.5m/s | 0.4-1.2m/s | 0.5-1.5m/s |
| Temp. Resistance | ≤80℃ | ≤120℃ | ≤200℃ |
| Industries | Grain/Fertilizer | Cement/Mining | Chemical/High-Temp Materials |
Bucket elevators consist of several essential components, including buckets, drive assemblies, head and tail pulleys (or sprockets), belts (or traction chains), tensioning devices, and enclosures .
Traction Elements
(1) Rubber Belts
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Buckets are mounted to belts using screws and elastic washers.
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Belts should be 35–40 mm wider than the buckets.
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Standard belts can handle materials up to 60°C, while heat-resistant belts are suitable for temperatures up to 150°C.
(2) Chains
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Single chains are attached to the back wall of buckets.
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Double chains connect to both sides of buckets.
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Selection guidelines:
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Single-chain for bucket widths of 160–250 mm.
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Double-chain for bucket widths of 320–630 mm.
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Disadvantage: High wear between chain links increases maintenance frequency.
(3) Sprockets
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Sprockets engage with precision-pitch chain links to transmit motion.
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They can be solid or spoked gears, designed for smooth interaction with roller chains.
Sprocket Design Considerations:
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Tooth profile must ensure smooth engagement/disengagement of chain links.
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Minimizes impact and contact stress during operation.
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Material selection:
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Must provide high strength and wear resistance.
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Heat-treated surfaces for enhanced hardness.
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Bucket Types & Applications
| Bucket Type | Design Features | Recommended Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical Deep Bucket | Slanted opening, deep design | Dry, free-flowing granular materials (e.g., grains, sand) |
| Shallow Bucket | Slanted opening, low depth | Moist, cohesive granular materials (e.g., wet clay, sugar) |
| Triangular Bucket | Self-discharging design | Directional material flow (e.g., seeds, small pellets) |
| Sharp-Angle Bucket | Extended sidewalls act as guide rails | Highly viscous or heavy lump materials (e.g., coal, ore) |
Key Features of Sharp-Angle Buckets:
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Sidewalls extend beyond the base, forming a discharge chute.
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Ideal for sticky or heavy block materials due to forced discharge.
A bucket elevator vertically transports bulk materials using motor-driven buckets attached to a belt/chain. Key stages:
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Loading: Material fed into the boot (gravity or screw-fed)
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Lifting: Buckets carry material upward at 0.3-3 m/s speeds
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Discharge: Centrifugal force (high-speed) or gravity (low-speed) empties buckets at the head pulley
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Return: Empty buckets descend back to the boot
| Factor | Bucket Elevator | Pneumatic Conveyor |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | High (up to 500 m³/h) | Moderate (<100 m³/h) |
| Energy Use | Lower (0.5-5 kW per ton) | Higher (2-10 kW per ton) |
| Maintenance | Chains/buckets need replacement | Filters/pipes wear out |
| Best For | Heavy/fragile materials | Dusty/explosive materials |
Common causes & fixes:
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Cause 1: Worn/loose belt → Tighten or replace belt
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Cause 2: Moisture buildup → Install boot heaters
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Cause 3: Overloading → Reduce feed rate by 15-20%
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Cause 4: Misaligned pulley → Laser-align pulleys
Related Products
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Ideal for horizontal or inclined transportation of bulk materials with low energy consumption. Features durable construction, smooth operation, and customizable lengths/widths for mining, grain, and packaging applications.
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Enclosed structure effectively prevents dust and leakage, specially designed for powders and small particles. Can be integrated into automated conveying systems, widely used in chemical and food processing industries.
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Heavy-duty version for larger-capacity conveying of granular or semi-fluid materials. Features enhanced torque resistance and wear-resistant coatings for cement, fertilizer, and wastewater treatment plants.
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Pneumatic conveying solution for fine dry powders (e.g., cement, fly ash). Zero moving parts, energy-efficient airflow design with minimal maintenance requirements.
Scientific Selection Guide for Bucket Elevators
As a critical lifting equipment in industrial production lines, the proper selection of bucket elevators directly impacts operational efficiency and long-term costs. Incorrect model selection can lead to insufficient capacity, accelerated wear, material buildup, and other operational issues. Below is an engineered, step-by-step selection methodology validated through industrial applications.
1. Material Characteristics Analysis (Selection Basis)
① Physical Properties Inspection
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Powdered Materials (e.g., cement, fly ash)
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Granular Materials (e.g., grains, plastic pellets)
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Lump Materials (e.g., coal, ores)
② Special Property Evaluation
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Adhesiveness: Anti-stick designs required for cohesive materials
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Moisture Content: >5% requires drainage provisions
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Corrosiveness: Stainless steel buckets for acidic/alkaline materials
③ Bulk Density Verification
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Standard models suit materials with density ≤1.6 g/cm³
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High-density materials (e.g., metal powders) require recalculation of:
✓ Traction force coefficient
✓ Shaft tensile strength
✓ Motor power compensation
2. Key Parameters Matching
| Factor | Calculation Basis | Adjustment Coefficient |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Capacity | Bucket volume × Speed × Fill rate | Material flowability (0.7-1.2) |
| Actual Capacity | Theoretical value × Conditions | Temperature/humidity factors |
3. Discharge System Optimization
✔ Centrifugal Discharge (Best for powders)
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Applications: Dry, free-flowing powders
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Bucket Type: Shallow/curved buckets (+30% efficiency)
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Speed: 45-60 rpm
✔ Gravity Discharge (For lump materials)
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Applications: Fragile or large particles
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Bucket Type: Deep buckets (anti-spillage design)
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Speed: <30 rpm
Replacement intervals depend on:
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Material Abrasiveness: Cement plants: 12-18 months | Grain mills: 3-5 years
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Maintenance: Proper lubrication extends life by 30%
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Signs of Wear: >3% chain elongation or cracked bushings
Cement industry requires:
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Type: Centrifugal discharge with heavy-duty buckets
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Material: Ni-hard coated buckets (lasts 3× longer)
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Safety: ATEX certification for dust explosions
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Capacity: Minimum 20% over design throughput
| Feature | Grain Leg | General Bucket Elevator |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Optimized for grain | Versatile material handling |
| Bucket Type | Shallow/spiral buckets (residue-resistant) | Deep/angled buckets (heavy-duty) |
| Hygiene | Food-grade cleanability | Standard industrial cleaning |
| Material | Stainless steel/galvanized | Carbon/wear-resistant steel |
| Sealing | Dust/pest-proof sealing | Basic sealing |
Not necessarily. One-sided chain wear is often a symptom of issues with the equipment’s installation foundation (like casing verticality) or alignment, rather than being the root cause itself. We recommend following a systematic diagnostic process: Observe → Measure → Correct → Replace.
Before rushing to replace parts, it is essential to first check and correct the verticality of the casing and the alignment of the head and tail sprockets. Otherwise, new components will quickly wear out again. We have written a detailed technical guide titled [One-Sided Wear on Your Bucket Elevator Chain? Don’t Rush to Replace It!] that breaks down the root causes and standard correction procedures step by step.