A hopper conveyor collects and sorts raw materials for transport through a conveyor belt or screw system. The hopper is usually made of steel and can be used in mining or warehouse settings. The size and material of the hopper vary depending on its application. A screw conveyor can also be used for fine materials.
A hopper conveyor is a system used in industrial settings to collect fine raw materials and sort those materials for transport through a conveyor belt or other motion system. The specific design of the hopper conveyor can vary depending on its intended purpose but generally the system will feature a large pyramid shaped container known as a hopper which is used to collect the materials and a belt conveyor or other conveying system which moves the raw materials after they have been funneled through the hopper. The hopper itself is usually made from steel, although other materials can be used for specific applications.
A common application for the hopper conveyor is sorting and conveying of raw materials in mines. Small rocks, sand and other particulate material can be discharged in bulk into the hopper; the materials will then be funneled through the pyramid-shaped container to the open bottom, which will help control the flow of materials in the conveyor system. Once the materials fall from the hopper part of the hopper conveyor, they will land on the conveyor belt for sorting or conveying. The belt can be angled up or down to facilitate loading onto trucks or other long-term containment systems.
The size of the hopper conveyor will vary significantly depending on its application. Systems used in mining environments or other outdoor industrial applications tend to be quite large, so the conveyor can be placed on top of a large truck or storage unit. A larger hopper is also capable of handling more materials at once, as well as larger pieces of raw material. These tend to be made from thick, strong steel to prevent damage. Smaller systems intended for factory or warehouse use may be smaller, although even they are likely made of steel for durability and, in some cases, sanitation. Other materials that can be used include plastics and composites.
Sometimes the hopper conveyor will not have a belt system at all; instead, a screw conveyor can be used. This system features a long screw-shaped shaft enclosed within a metal frame or tube. The small particulate can be carried up or down as the screw rotates and the auger blades push the materials in one direction or another. This system is most appropriate for exceptionally fine materials such as sand and is sometimes used in food processing environments, where materials such as sugar or flour require transportation.
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