Selecting the suitable screw conveyor or feeder configuration during the design and procurement phase is critical for ensuring consistent material flow, reducing maintenance needs, and optimizing overall plant performance. Understanding the key design considerations is the first step toward choosing the most effective solution for your specific application. What makes Polimak a preferred choice in the bulk material handling industry is its expertise in delivering both standard and customized screw conveying systems tailored to the specific requirements of various bulk materials, processes, and operational environments.
Screw Conveyor Types, Models, and Configurations
Polimak designs and manufactures a wide range of screw conveyors and feeders to meet the diverse needs of different industries, materials, and process requirements. Depending on factors such as material properties, hygiene standards, flow rates, and space constraints, different types and configurations can be selected for optimal performance. The following is an outline of our common models, classified by key design parameters:
Based on the Shape of the Conveyor
- Tubular Screw Conveyors – Enclosed, cylindrical design for controlled, dust-free transport of bulk solids. Commonly used in food, chemical, and polymer industries.
- U Type Screw Feeders – Open trough design allows easy maintenance and visual monitoring. Ideal for sticky or cohesive materials like clays, resins, or pastes. Removable lids above the screw mechanism simplify cleaning, inspections, and part replacements without full dismantling, reducing downtime and maintenance effort.
Based on the Material of Construction
- Stainless Steel Screw Conveyors – Corrosion-resistant and easy to clean. Suitable for hygienic applications in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing.
- Hardox Screw Conveyors – Made from wear-resistant Hardox steel. Built to handle abrasive materials such as minerals, ores, and industrial powders.
Based on the Number of Inlets or Outlets
- Screw Conveyors with Multiple Inlet Ports – Collects bulk materials from various points and directs them into a single flow channel for efficient handling. Increases flexibility and reduces the need for multiple conveyors.
- Screw Conveyors with Multiple Outlet Ports – Transfers bulk material to several discharge points using slide gate or butterfly valves for flow control, enabling efficient and controlled conveying in multi-stage processes.
Other Specialized Configurations
- Mobile Screw Conveyor with Hopper – A portable bulk material handling solution for flexible transfer within a facility. Optional weighing systems enable precise loading and batching.
- Dosing Screw Feeder – Delivers precise material control through either volumetric or gravimetric feeding. Volumetric feeding conveys bulk solids based on volume, while gravimetric feeding uses weight measurements for greater accuracy.
- Microdosing Screw Feeder – Provides extremely small, consistent quantities of powders or granules. Ideal for applications in pharmaceuticals, food additives, and specialty chemicals.
- Custom-Designed Screw Feeders and Conveyors – We provide fully customized screw feeders and conveyors designed to match specific application needs, including layout, capacity, material characteristics, and environmental conditions—ensuring optimal performance in any process.
Polimak’s wide selection of screw conveyors and feeders is designed to support efficient, reliable and dust-free bulk material handling solutions across many industries. For standard or highly specialized needs, we deliver solutions that combine performance, flexibility, and long-term reliability.
Common Applications of Screw Conveyors and Feeders
Polimak designs screw conveyors and feeders that are essential for efficiently transporting and controlling the flow of bulk materials in industries such as food, chemicals, cement, plastics, and mining. Below are some of the most common applications:
- Silo and Hopper Discharge – Installed under silos, hoppers, and storage bins, screw conveyors ensure efficient and controlled discharge of bulk materials into downstream equipment. They prevent clogging, sudden surges, and irregular feeding, which can disrupt production. This supports consistent operation of mixers, conveyors, or dosing systems by delivering precise quantities of material.
- Dust Collection and Baghouse Systems – Screw conveyors can be installed under baghouse filters and dust collectors to remove captured dust, reducing airborne particles and minimizing the need for manual handling. This contributes to a safer working environment, maintains a cleaner environment, and supports efficient filtration system operation.
- Mixing, Batching, and Dosing Systems – In these applications, screw feeders provide precise control over bulk material input. Volumetric feeding delivers a consistent volume based on screw speed, while gravimetric feeding regulates screw speed according to real-time weight measurements for accurate dosing. Both methods ensure product consistency in industries like food, chemicals, and plastics.
- Feeding and Discharging of Bulk Solids Processing Equipment – Screw conveyors enables continuous flow of raw or processed materials to crushers, mixers, fillers, packaging machines, and more. Their versatile design handles a variety of materials, including abrasive, fragile, and free-flowing bulk solids. This minimizes product degradation and optimizes overall process efficiency.
Diverse Industries and Key Applications of Screw Feeders & Conveyors
Screw feeders and conveyors are highly versatile and find extensive use across a wide range of industries, enabling efficient handling, transport, and precise control of bulk materials in various processes. Some of the primary industries and applications include:
- Chemical and Process Technology – Ensure exact transfer and dosing of powdered chemicals during the manufacturing process. This ensures precise control and consistency in production.
- Power Plants – Handle bulk materials such as ash, coal, and other bulk solids used in combustion and waste management, supporting efficient fuel handling and environmental compliance.
- Cement and Lime Industry – Convey raw materials and additives throughout cement and lime production. Effective transport ensures continuous operation and high-quality output.
- Food Processing – Efficiently handle ingredients and additives with strict adherence to hygiene standards. Maintaining cleanliness prevents contamination and protects consumer health.
- Paper Industry – Transfer powdered fillers and coatings essential for paper production. These substances are key to meeting specific performance and quality standards in the final paper.
- Flour Mills – Transfer flour and grain products between different processing stages. Smooth movement reduces waste and improves production efficiency
- Iron and Steel Foundries – Safely handle abrasive materials such as sand, slag, and metal powders. Proper handling protects equipment and minimizes downtime.
- Dust Collection Systems – Collect and transport dust and fine particles for disposal or recycling. This helps maintain a clean working environment and supports sustainability efforts.
- Painting Machines – Feed powdered paint materials consistently to spray systems. Consistency in feeding enables a flawless and even coating.
- Grain Handling – Convey grains and seeds during storage, cleaning, and processing. Proper handling preserves product quality and reduces spoilage.
- Agricultural Applications – Efficiently transfer feed, fertilizers, and other bulk agricultural products. Reliable transport is essential for timely and effective farm operations.
POLİMAK, with 45 years of technical expertise and industry experience, delivers high-quality, reliable, and durable screw conveyors and feeders designed to meet diverse bulk material handling requirements. Offering a comprehensive range of standard and custom-engineered solutions, we ensure efficient, controlled, and dust-free transport of dry bulk materials across multiple industries. With cutting-edge technology and a focus on customer satisfaction, POLİMAK offers advanced equipment that optimizes material handling processes.
