Bucket Elevator

A bucket elevator is a machine designed for the continuous vertical transport of materials using buckets rigidly attached to a traction element—such as a belt or chain—arranged at regular intervals. This equipment is primarily suited for conveying powdery, granular, and small-lump materials. Selecting the appropriate model requires a comprehensive assessment of factors including material characteristics, conveying capacity, lifting height, and operating environment; proper selection is crucial for ensuring long-term, stable operation and minimizing operating costs.

Structural composition of the equipment

Bucket elevators are primarily composed of the following components:

(I) Traction elements: These include two types—rubber belts and chains. Rubber belts are suitable for conveying materials with temperatures not exceeding 60°C, while heat-resistant belts can handle materials up to 150°C. Chains are categorized into single-chain and double-chain types; single chains are used for bucket widths of 160–250 mm, and double chains are used for bucket widths of 320–630 mm.

(II) Buckets: Containers that hold the material. Different bucket designs can be selected based on material characteristics and conveying requirements.

(III) Drive unit: Includes the electric motor, gearbox, drive shaft, etc. The drive unit is located at either the top or the bottom of the bucket elevator.

(IV) Head and tail wheels: Includes the top pulley (or sprocket) and the bottom pulley (or sprocket).

(V) Tensioning device: Used to adjust the tension of the traction elements.

(VI) Casing: Includes the top section, middle casing, and bottom section.

Application scope of equipment

Bucket elevators are widely used across various industries requiring the vertical transport of materials. In fertilizer production: for the vertical transport of materials such as compound fertilizers, organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and controlled-release fertilizers. In mining and metallurgy: for conveying materials such as ore, coal, cement, crushed stone, sand, and clay. In the grain and food sectors: for conveying grain, cereals, animal feed, and similar materials. In construction materials and chemicals: for conveying cement, fertilizers, chemical raw materials, and other substances. In the power and environmental protection sectors: for conveying materials such as fly ash.

Types of usable raw materials

Bucket elevators are suitable for conveying powdery, granular, and small-lump materials that are non-abrasive or mildly abrasive. Examples include: fertilizers (compound fertilizer granules, organic fertilizer granules, NPK fertilizers, etc.); grains (wheat, corn, paddy, cereals, etc.); minerals (coal, cement, crushed stone, sand, clay, ore, etc.); and chemicals (chemical fertilizers, chemical powders, etc.). Material temperatures generally do not exceed 250°C.

The working principle of the equipment

The bucket elevator operates by having buckets scoop up or receive material from a bottom storage zone and ascend to the top via a traction mechanism; after passing over the head pulley, the material is discharged into a receiving chute through centrifugal force, gravity, or a combination of both. The entire process takes place within an enclosed casing. The system utilizes gravity-fed loading, induced discharge, and a high-capacity, closely spaced bucket arrangement, resulting in virtually no material backflow or digging resistance during the lifting process.

Equipment operating instructions

(I) Pre-start inspection: Check that the reducer oil level is within the specified range. Verify that safety devices are complete and securely fastened. Perform a manual rotation (barring) to ensure there are no abnormalities before attempting a test run.

(II) No-load test run: Operate at rated speed for no less than 2 hours. Monitor the operation of moving parts (chains, buckets). Observe bearing temperature rise to ensure it is within normal limits. Check the performance of the drive mechanism.

(III) Load test run: Conduct the load test immediately following the no-load run. Monitor the motor current under load to ensure it does not exceed the rated value. Verify that the conveying capacity meets design specifications. Check that temperature rise at lubrication points is normal.

(IV) Normal operation: Start the elevator under no-load conditions. Feed material and adjust the flow rate to prevent material clogging or spillage.

Equipment maintenance methods

(I) Daily Inspection: Check chains and buckets for deformation and wear; verify proper chain tension; check for material blockages at the inlet and bottom; inspect fasteners for looseness or detachment; and listen for abnormal noise from the speed reducer.

(II) Periodic Maintenance: Tighten all loose bolts; check the quality and level of the lubricating oil; inspect drive components for wear; and replenish lubricating oil as needed.