You've likely encountered a plug-screw conveyor if you work in the food or pharmaceutical industries. This specialized conveyor type is designed to move sticky, viscous, or clog-prone materials from one point to another. Plug-screw conveyors are known for their efficient and reliable performance, but how do they work? In this article, we'll look in-depth at plug screw conveyors, exploring their design, operation, and advantages.

A plug screw conveyor consists of a horizontal or inclined trough or tube that contains a rotating screw or auger. The screw is designed to move material from one end of the trough to the other, but unlike other types of screw conveyors, it does not fill the entire cross-sectional area of the trough. Instead, a portion of the screw is left open, creating a plug that prevents the material from flowing backwards. As the screw rotates, the material is pushed forward, compressing and compacting it to achieve a uniform density.

One advantage of plug screw conveyors is their ability to handle materials with variable characteristics, such as feed rate, moisture content, and particle size. This is due to the compression action of the screw, which allows the material to be handled continuously and uniformly. Additionally, plug-screw conveyors can operate at high speeds, making them suitable for high-volume production environments.

Another advantage of plug screw conveyors is their ability to transport materials over long distances with minimal product degradation. This is because the screw creates a consistent and even pressure throughout the conveyor's length, preventing the material's breakage or separation.

Plug screw conveyors come in various sizes and capacities and can be configured with different options depending on the application. For example, the screw can be designed with different pitches or diameter ratios to achieve specific throughput rates or to handle specific materials. Additionally, plug screw conveyors can be equipped with various sealing options to prevent product leakage and contamination.

Conclusion:

In summary, plug screw conveyors are specialized conveyors designed to handle sticky, viscous, or clog-prone materials efficiently and reliably. They compile and compact the material into a uniform density, allowing for continuous and consistent transport over long distances. Plug screw conveyors offer many advantages in the food and pharmaceutical industries, including handling variable characteristics, operating at high speeds, and minimising product degradation. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient solution for transporting sticky or viscous materials, a plug screw conveyor may be the right choice for your application.