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Subject - Material Handling Systems (ME 40042 / MA/MP 40042)
Branch - Mechanical Engineering
Semester - 4th Semester
Conveying Machinery – Detailed Explanation with Working Principles & Applications
Conveying machinery is essential for moving materials efficiently in industries, warehouses, and construction sites. These systems help reduce labor, increase safety, and improve productivity. Conveyors can be classified into traction type and traction-less type based on their working mechanisms. Additionally, surface transportation equipment helps transport materials over short distances within industrial areas.
3.1 Traction Type Conveyors
Traction-type conveyors use a continuous pulling mechanism such as belts, chains, or cables to move materials. These are widely used in industries where continuous movement of goods is required.
1. Belt Conveyors
Construction:
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A continuous belt made of rubber, fabric, or metal runs over rollers.
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Two pulleys (one driving pulley and one idler pulley) guide the belt.
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Supporting rollers are placed at intervals to hold the belt.
Working:
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The motorized pulley rotates, pulling the belt forward.
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Materials placed on the belt move along with it.
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Speed and direction can be adjusted using variable speed drives.
Applications:
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Used in airports (for baggage handling).
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Mining and cement industries (to transport bulk materials).
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Manufacturing plants and assembly lines (for automated production).
2. Chain Conveyors
Construction:
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Uses endless chains running over sprockets at both ends.
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Chains are attached to metal slats, rollers, or buckets to carry loads.
Working:
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The chain is driven by a motor, causing the materials to move forward.
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Suitable for carrying heavy and abrasive materials.
Applications:
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Used in automobile industries (moving parts between workstations).
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Steel plants and foundries (for moving hot metal parts).
3. Bucket Elevators
Construction:
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Series of buckets mounted on a rotating chain or belt.
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Enclosed within a vertical casing.
Working:
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The buckets scoop materials from the bottom and discharge them at the top.
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Used for lifting materials to higher levels.
Applications:
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Grain storage facilities (lifting wheat, rice, etc.).
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Cement plants and fertilizer industries (lifting powdered materials).
4. Escalators
Construction:
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Made of metal steps attached to a continuous chain.
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Handrails move at the same speed as steps for support.
Working:
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A motorized system moves the steps continuously in a loop.
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Used for transporting people between floors.
Applications:
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Shopping malls, airports, metro stations, and public buildings.
3.2 Traction-less Type Conveyors
Unlike traction-based conveyors, traction-less conveyors do not use chains or belts. Instead, they use gravity, vibration, screws, air, or liquid to move materials.
1. Gravity Type Conveyors
Construction:
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Consists of inclined chutes or roller tracks.
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No motor or power is required.
Working:
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Materials move downward due to gravity.
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Used for free-flowing materials like boxes, grains, and powders.
Applications:
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Warehouses and packaging industries (moving packed goods).
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Supermarkets (cart return systems).
2. Vibrating & Oscillating Conveyors
Construction:
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A vibrating tray mounted on springs.
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Electric motors create vibrations.
Working:
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Vibrations cause the material to move in small jumps.
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Useful for delicate or sticky materials.
Applications:
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Food processing industries (moving fragile materials like chips and biscuits).
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Pharmaceutical and powder handling industries.
3. Screw Conveyors
Construction:
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A helical screw (auger) inside a cylindrical pipe.
Working:
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The screw rotates, pushing materials forward.
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Used for slow and controlled movement of materials.
Applications:
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Cement and chemical industries (moving powders).
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Agriculture (moving grains).
4. Pneumatic & Hydraulic Conveyors
Construction:
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Uses pipes and tubes with compressed air or fluid flow.
Working:
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Pneumatic Conveyors: Compressed air pushes materials through the pipeline.
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Hydraulic Conveyors: Liquid pressure moves slurry or wet materials.
Applications:
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Grain transport, cement industries, and pharmaceutical industries.
5. Hoppers, Gates & Feeders
Construction:
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Hoppers: Funnel-shaped containers for temporary storage.
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Gates & Feeders: Control material flow.
Working:
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Materials are stored in hoppers and released in a controlled manner.
Applications:
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Cement plants, mining, and bulk material handling industries.
3.3 Surface Transportation Equipment
These are mobile equipment used for transporting materials within factories, warehouses, and construction sites.
1. Hand Operated Trucks
Construction:
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A platform with wheels and a handle.
Working:
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The operator pushes or pulls the truck to move materials.
Applications:
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Warehouses and factories (moving small loads).
2. Powered Trucks
Construction:
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Battery-operated or diesel-powered trucks with hydraulic lifting systems.
Working:
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Uses motor power to transport heavy loads.
Applications:
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Logistics, warehouses, and industrial plants.
3. Tractors
Construction:
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Heavy-duty vehicles with large wheels and powerful engines.
Working:
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Used for towing or pushing heavy loads.
Applications:
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Agriculture, construction, and material handling industries.
4. Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
Construction:
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Autonomous vehicles with sensors, cameras, and navigation systems.
Working:
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Moves automatically along programmed paths.
Applications:
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Automobile industries, warehouses, and smart factories.
Key Advantages of Conveying Machinery
✅ Reduces manual labor and improves efficiency.
✅ Ensures smooth and continuous material flow.
✅ Reduces transportation costs and enhances safety.
✅ Handles different types of materials (solids, liquids, powders, fragile goods).
Conclusion
Conveying machinery is a backbone of industrial automation and material handling. Industries use different types of conveyors and transportation systems based on material type, distance, and operational needs. With advancements in automation, AGVs and smart conveyors are replacing traditional manual handling methods.
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