What Is a Spiral Conveyor?
A spiral conveyor is a conveyor (transport device) with a circular, curved shape.
Compared to a normal belt conveyor, a spiral conveyor makes more efficient use of space and saves floor space. Since it can transport either upward or downward, it can carry a large volume of goods in a limited space, even when space is restricted. Because they can transport various types of cargo, from small packages to large products, they are used in a wide range of applications.
Uses for Spiral Conveyors
Spiral conveyors are used in many applications in the logistics and food processing industries.
1. Logistics
In logistics, spiral conveyors are used in automated warehouses. They are highly space efficient and can transport a wide variety of products at high speed. Automated warehouses equipped with spiral conveyors may automatically pick up packages when an order is received and prepare them for shipment.
They may also be used in distribution centers. They can receive and sort large volumes of goods. Since space can be used efficiently, it is ideal for urban areas and places with high land prices.
2. Food Processing Line
Food processing lines can transport a variety of foods. Vacuum-packed foods and drinking water in PET bottles are examples. The system can be designed according to the type and shape of food products.
Principle of Spiral Conveyors
The belts of spiral conveyors are mainly made of resin or stainless steel.
It consists of rectangular resin or stainless steel slats that are connected in a bellows-like structure. They are harder to the touch than belts made of softer materials such as those used in rubber belt conveyors.
The conveyor is equipped with a set of left and right guide rails at both ends to prevent products from falling. Chains are laid vertically at equal intervals between the left and right guide rails, and the belt is mounted on top of the chains to maintain the conveyor’s shape. A drive motor transmits rotation to the chain, which drives the belt in the same way as a normal conveyor.
The chain used in spiral conveyors is called a curved chain and has the property of making large lateral bends. This is why the conveyor can maintain its spiral shape. A slat structure is laid on top of the curved chain, and the product is placed on the slat structure and conveyed.
For products with heat sterilization and cooling functions, the perimeter of the conveyor is covered with heat-insulating panels. By exposing the panel-covered interior to steam or cold air, the products on the belt can be heated or cooled.
Types of Spiral Conveyors
There are different types of spiral conveyors, such as drum spindle type and drumless type, which can be used depending on the layout. Products with additional functions such as heating sterilization and cooling are also available.
1. Drum Spindle Type
The drum spindle type has a rotating shaft called a drum at the center axis of the spiral conveyor. It has a high conveying capacity and can efficiently convey large loads. It is also relatively easy to maintain and generates little vibration and noise during operation.
2. Drumless Type
The drumless type does not require a drum on the central shaft, and sprockets connected to the shaft control conveyor operation. Compared to the drum spindle type, the drumless type is more compact and can be operated in locations where space is limited. In addition, the speed of the spiral conveyor can be easily adjusted by controlling the number of sprocket rotations.
A spiral conveyor with a cooling function is called a spiral freezer, while one with a heat sterilization function is called a steamer specification, etc. This function is indispensable in the food manufacturing industry and enables food poisoning prevention measures to be taken in accordance with HACCP standards. In addition, products equipped with the CIP automatic cleaning function are widely used in food factories where the growth of food poisoning bacteria must be controlled, since the parts inside the chamber can be easily cleaned.