Debunking misconceptions about tubular drag conveyors
Cable and disc systems gently and precisely convey blends for a range of materials and conditions
In the food processing industry, walking onto the production floor with conveyor tubes winding this way and that, in and out of machinery can seem to visitors like they have stepped into a Dr. Seuss book or Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory movie.
For example, at a glance even industry veterans can be challenged to distinguish whether the conveyor tubes they see are screw (augur), pneumatic, vacuum, aeromechanical, tubular drag chain and disc or tubular drag cable and disc, unless they are the plant engineer or maintenance crew. In fact, many specifiers, architects, engineers and other professionals lack substantial technical or hands-on experience with such conveyors.
This knowledge gap can result in extreme consequences when delicate materials or precise blends must be reliably conveyed, but, instead, costly product destruction or inaccurate blends occur.
Misconceptions about tubular drag cable and disc conveyors are the focus of this assessment, addressing six widely held viewpoints.