Flexible screw conveyors are one of the most common types of conveyors used by manufacturers because of their low cost and simple construction. Although it isn’t a complicated piece of equipment, and is still reliable with a straightforward operation, many users fail to see important factors that could possibly lead to poor performance, excessive power usage, severe wear, and material degradation. These factors all make it vital that you consider all system parameters when reviewing conveyor options.
Understand the Basics of Flexible Screw Conveyor Design
A flexible screw conveyor uses a rotating helicoid screw inside an enclosed tube to move materials. These conveyors typically range from 2½ to 8 inches in diameter and can transfer material horizontally up to 80 feet, or on inclines up to 60 degrees. Hapman’s designs use stainless steel augers available in round, flat, square bar, and beveled edge configurations to match specific application needs.
Know Your Material Characteristics
Flexible screw conveyors can handle powders, granules, pellets, flakes, and irregular shapes. But not all materials behave the same way. Materials like salt, for example, create friction that can generate heat and cause particles to chip or degrade. Matching your conveyor design to the material’s characteristics prevents these issues and ensures consistent flow.
Choose the Right Screw Type
Different auger designs perform best with specific material types:
- Round wire: For general-purpose conveying.
Adding a centercore—a small internal tube running the length of the auger—reduces the load on the screw and helps control flow for light, aerated materials. - Flat wire: For light, free-flowing materials.
- Square or beveled bar: For heavier or more abrasive materials.
Optimize Flow Rate, Capacity, and Power
Flow rate depends on auger type, speed, conveyor angle, and material flowability. Similarly, power requirements vary with conveyor length, pitch, and diameter. Reviewing all of these parameters during design ensures you get consistent throughput without overloading the system.
Simplify Cleaning and Maintenance
Some residual material may remain in the inlet tube after discharge, but the conveyor can be easily cleaned by removing the end cleanout cap and reversing the screw rotation.
For full wash-down applications, Hapman’s Hi/Lo flexible screw conveyor allows quick disassembly, tilt-down access, and fast auger changeovers—saving time during cleaning and changeovers.
Get the Complete Guide
Flexible screw conveyors are a dependable, cost-effective choice for a wide range of materials. With the right design considerations, you can enhance performance, reduce wear, and extend system life.
Download the full white paper to explore additional design factors and tips for maximizing productivity.