A trough conveyor moves materials in a scoop-shaped conveyor system to prevent spillage and protect loose products. These devices can handle liquids, slurries, and mixtures of small items like grain or glass beads. They can operate with belts or rollers at the base of the trough, gravity-fed sealed troughs, and other systems, depending on the type of product being handled. Trough conveyor designs are available for indoor and outdoor applications in systems of varying length.
The basic design includes walls made from rubber, plastic, or metal to protect the contents of the conveyor. Some take the form of sealed containers to convey fluids and very small items that might slip through cracks, usually with gravity as the driving force to keep materials moving. Others handle larger items, like products moving through a recycling center, and can operate on a belt or series of rollers. Belt conveyors can be flat, while rollers usually operate with the aid of gravity and require a slight incline.
One use for a trough conveyor is in the movement of raw materials for production. Hoppers can feed into the conveyor, moving goods where they need to go within a factory. Trough conveyors can be used in materials handling for food and products with small components. On a job site, these devices are used for activities like pouring concrete and shunting excavated material to the side of a site. Similar designs can also be employed on feedlots to provide a steady supply of grain and supplements to cattle and other animals.
Some designs can be configured for different applications. The sides of the trough conveyor may lift away when they are not explicitly needed, for example, to allow the underlying belt or rollers to be exposed. Temperature control is possible with some products, when it may be necessary to keep goods within a specific temperature range for safety during handling. It’s also possible to weigh products or attach measuring equipment for volume-based measurements as part of a packaging conveyor.
Companies may be able to rent or lease a trough conveyor for temporary use or a trial to determine whether a product will suit their needs. New and refurbished products are available for sale, offering several options for prospective buyers. The system may come with a guarantee from the company, which may include free servicing and maintenance visits for a set period of time. Extended service packages are also available for buyers who want technicians on call to handle problems with their conveyor systems.
