On the surface, grain conveying seems like a straightforward task. But not all types of grain handling systems are suitable for all kinds of grain. Factors such as product hardiness and available factory floor space can seriously influence your choice of grain conveyor.
Getting a grain handling system that meets your particular needs is the key to unlocking your productivity potential. To help you find your perfect match, here are five tips for choosing the right grain conveyor equipment.
How to select an effective grain handling system
1) Consider your operational challenges
Each grain-conveying facility faces different challenges. So the first thing you need to do is understand yours. Start by conducting a detailed evaluation of your equipment setup with the support of your factory supervisors. This should reveal the main operational challenges that your new grain conveyor equipment should help you overcome.
Common operational challenges to consider as you evaluate your current grain handling system include:
- Product accumulation leading to blocked pipes or contamination
- Number of product destinations
- Dust production
- Ease of cleaning and hygienic design
- Maintenance and repair requirements
- Availability of replacement parts
- Limited floor space
- Equipment aftercare services from the provider
2) Set a budget
The grain conveyor equipment you choose will depend on your available funds. Determine how much you can spend on your new equipment and whether diverting money away from other areas could benefit you in the long run. You might even be able to sell your existing equipment to push your budget even further.
If you’re struggling to raise money for vital equipment, you might want to consider equipment leasing or asset finance. These options allow you to obtain high-quality equipment outside of your budget under an agreed payment plan. This could lead to even greater increases in production and profitability compared to settling for older or less efficient equipment.
3) Compare your options
From pneumatic grain conveying to classic belt conveyors, you have many systems to choose from. By comparing the advantages and drawbacks of each, you can identify which system will offer the greatest benefits.
Factors to consider when comparing grain handling system varieties include:
- Product travel distance
- Available space
- Hygienic design
- Ease of installation
- Maintenance requirements
We cover different types of grain conveyor equipment in more detail down below. So keep reading or skip ahead to explore your available options.
4) Test your chosen grain conveyor
Buying a new grain handling system can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’ve made the right choice for your product. The best way to do this is to contact a conveying test lab.
When you submit a sample of your grain to a conveying test lab, they will evaluate and provide advice on which type of grain conveyor would be most suitable. It’s a quick and affordable process that gives you valuable professional information to guide your equipment purchasing decision.
5) Get your equipment from a reputable source
Once you’ve decided which type of grain conveyor to purchase, it’s important to get a reliable model from a provider you can trust. As well as finding a high-quality machine that suits your factory and grain, this will also ensure you get the aftercare support that you deserve.
When looking for a reputable equipment provider, try to find one that:
- Has a great deal of industry experience
- Can provide positive reviews or references
- Gives you a clear and comprehensive quote
- Offers an affordable installation service
- Also sells replacement parts for your model
Popular types of grain conveyor equipment
Pneumatic conveyor
Using pressurized air of gas, pneumatic grain conveying systems propel dry bulk materials through a series of airtight pipelines.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| + Low maintenance + Less spillage and dust leakage + High sanitation and easy cleaning + Can run long distances horizontally and vertically + Precise atmosphere control |
- Excessive air pressure can damage fragile grains - High noise compared to other systems - Not suitable for wet grains |
Tubular drag conveyor
These machines work by gently dragging grain between two polyethylene discs inside a tube using a cable or chain.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| + Suitable for fragile or specialty grains + Low maintenance + Modular design to fit available space |
- Product can build up on tube walls - Higher energy costs |
Belt conveyor
Motorized pulleys are used to pull a long belt of thick, durable material that carries grain to its destination.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| + Highly affordable + Simple and easy to use + Can be loaded anywhere along the belt |
- Requires more space than other systems - Limited features - Difficult to clean |
Bucket elevators
Bucket elevators feature vertical conveyor belts with cups for scooping and elevating grain.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| + Can move large quantities of material + Suitable for wet and dry grains + Good horizontal and vertical movement |
- Can damage fragile and specialty grains - Higher maintenance requirements - Expensive to install |
Auger conveyor
Also known as screw conveyors, these systems move product through a trough or tube using a helical shaft.
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| + Adjustable and can fit smaller spaces + Safe and easy to install + Long service life |
- Can damage fragile and specialty grains - Limited conveying distance restricts scalability - Limited capacity |
Still can’t decide on a grain conveyor?
With so many grain conveyor options to choose from, it can be tough to decide which would be best for your products and facility. But unless you’re conveying particularly delicate or wet grain, you can’t go wrong with pneumatic grain conveying.
Pneumatic conveying systems can be designed to fit even into small spaces and offer precise flow controls that you can tailor to your specific type of grain. Their low maintenance requirements and easy-clean designs also let you maximize operational uptime while ensuring high product quality. And with plenty of durable pneumatic conveying components available, it’s easy to customize your system to meet your production requirements.
To design and build a highly effective pneumatic conveying system that stands strong against abrasive wear, browse our industry-leading components now.
