BUCKET ELEVATOR

INTRODUCTION

1. INTRODUCTION
2. BUCKET ELEVATOR FEATURES
3. TYPES OF BUCKET ELEVATOR
4. INSTALLATION
5. MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
6. OPERATION
INTRODUCTION
What Is Bucket Elevator

What is the bucket elevator? A bucket elevator, also called a material handling elevator, is a kind of conveying equipment to automatically lift raw materials
from low place to high place. It is widely used in grain factories, the food industry, the chemical industry, etc.
BUCKET ELEVATOR FEATURES

1. Wide Application. The bucket elevator has few requirements for the type, characteristics and block size of materials. It can lift high-temperature
materials with no more than 250 ℃.
2. High Capacity. Its capacity can reach 4-600m³/h.
3. Low Power Consumption. The bucket elevator adopts the gravity discharge method and large capacity buckets. Its chain speed is low and the lifting
capacity is large, so the driving power is small.
4. Long Service Life. Its traction parts adopt the wear-resistant chain and wire core belt, which prolongs the service life. Under normal circumstances, the
service life of the conveyor chain is more than 5 years, the steel belt is more than 3 years.
5. High Lifting Height. Bucket elevator running stable, the lifting height is up to 40m or even higher.
6. Reliable Running. The advanced design principle ensures the reliability of the whole machine.
7. Low Cost. Less maintenance and less wearing parts bring you a low production cost.
8. Good sealing, less environmental pollution.
9. This bucket elevator has a small size, small floor area and simple process layout
TYPES OF BUCKET ELEVATOR
Continuous Bucket Conveyors
The purpose of continuous bucket conveyors, which sets them apart from other
bucket conveyors, is to move delicate or light materials. There is no gap between the
buckets to stop spills, and they travel at significantly slower speeds (3-5 feet per
second). The intake fills each bucket separately (no digging is done), and then the
buckets are deposited such that the product is solely affected by gravity. As a result,
they handle fragile or friable materials and inhibit aeration from reducing product
damage. Depending on the situation, they can be in an S, Z, or C form and come in
various shapes and capacity ratings. They are used in severe-duty applications, the
mining and plastics industries, and other fields where little agitation is needed.
TYPES OF BUCKET ELEVATOR
Positive Discharge Conveyors
The buckets of positive discharge conveyors run over an additional sprocket, which
jolts the material out of the discharge end, making them a unique type of centrifugal
conveyor. As a result, they move at slower rates (2-4 feet per second), preventing
excessive spilling and material breakage. Each manufacturer has their design for these
conveyors' buckets, which are larger to make up for their slower speeds. They are
especially helpful when maintaining the integrity of the product is a top priority, such
as when moving cereal, nuts, dried fruit, and other similar products. However, they
are often more expensive than other bucket conveyors and exist in various
configurations and sizes.
TYPES OF BUCKET ELEVATOR
Centrifugal Bucket Conveyors
Free-flowing material is moved by centrifugal force using centrifugal bucket conveyors.
To optimize centrifugal force, evenly spaced buckets on a chain gouge into the
material at the inlet before throwing it out of the discharge throat, usually directly
after the top turn of the chain. Any material left over will fall back down, and the
conveying process will start again since these buckets are enclosed in a metal
enclosure that prohibits material from exiting anywhere other than the discharge end.
They can run up to 350 feet per minute and have a capacity of up to 100 pounds per
cubic foot. They are capable of both low and high speeds. Some centrifugal elevator
versions can travel up to 1000 feet per minute, although these are only appropriate
for lighter materials. Centrifugal bucket conveyors are a desirable option for grain,
mineral, sugar, and chemical applications because they perform best with fine
materials and are suitable for higher-speed applications.
TYPES OF BUCKET ELEVATOR
Chain Bucket Elevators
Chain bucket elevators can be used successfully for dry work despite having various
wearing and breakable elements. To perform dry work, however, they must be
lubricated with thick grease to reduce the impact of grit. Their capacity is only
constrained by the size of buckets that they can support. Certain varieties can combine
the duties of an elevator and a conveyor, giving them a clear benefit by being able to
accept or discharge at various points along their path. A chain bucket elevator benefits
from a conveyor belt because it can carry heavy loads and lift material vertically. The
buckets' unique construction ensures high stability and a low chance of spilling.
A chain bucket elevator uses two chains to pull the buckets from point A to point B.
The rejected material is subsequently lifted and returned to the main flow using a
chain bucket elevator.
TYPES OF BUCKET ELEVATOR
Belt Bucket Elevators
To lift ore, whether wet or dry, belt bucket elevators are the most popular device. They
have a benefit over chain-bucket elevators for wet operations because they do not
require complicated or expensive lubrication and have less wear- and friction-causing
surfaces. However, the capacity of a particular belt is constrained by its adherence to
the head pulley; this is improved by wrapping the pulley in less slick material. They
take up significantly less floor space than inclined conveyors and can lift thin pulps.
When repairs are required, it is crucial to have a way to empty an elevator's boot,
ideally in a location where the material may be quickly rinsed or moved to another
elevator
TYPES OF BUCKET ELEVATOR
Multiple-Discharge Bucket Conveyors
Using multiple-discharge bucket conveyors, a product can be elevated and transported
to numerous locations, such as nearby feeding numerous bagging or
packaging machines. This bucket conveyor design also allows for many infeed points,
making it a more affordable option than multiple conveying machines.
INSTALLATION
1. Boot Assembly
2. Inlet Spout
3. Removable Sprocket/Pulley Access Door
4. Curved Boot Plate
5. Intermediate Section. Access Doors Maybe Located At Any Convenient Position
6. Plain Intermediate Section
7. Plain Intermediate Section. Usually the Odd Length Located Under Lower Head Assembly
8. Lower Head Assembly
9. Back Section of Hood
10. Front Section Of Hood
11. Discharge Spout
12. Adjustable Bibb
13. Discharge Spout Liner (Optional item)
14. Elevator Chain or Belt
15. Elevator Buckets
16. Boot Take-up
17. Head Shaft Pillow Blocks
18. Pillow Block Stops (Optional)
INSTALLATION
CASING (All Elevators)

A. Insure that anchor bolts are securely placed and conform to the pattern of the boot section mounting holes.

B. Set boot in place insuring that boot section top flange is level and casing is plumb.
This is accomplished by shimming under the bottom flange. Use shims only next to anchor bolts—not elsewhere along
flange.
Any gap resulting from shimming is generally sealed with a strong structural grout.

C. It is essential that the boot be set accurately.

D. Check drawings to determine correct sequence of erecting intermediate casing. Caulk or gasketing (if provided)
should be placed between all casing flanges to provide dust tight sealing.

E. Normally the erection crew should build a lifting bracket to avoid distortion to fabricated assemblies.
INSTALLATION
CASING (All Elevators)
F. Each and every intermediate section must be level and plumb. It is common to find minor deviations in these types of
fabricated
assemblies.
Most often they can be corrected by rotating 180° or turning end for end.
If this does not solve an out of level or out of plumb condition it will be necessary to use metal shims and caulk
(silicone) he resulting gap.
When a gap occurs in a corner of the casing, metal shims should be used and should extend a minimum of six inches in
both directions. Insure that shims do not project inside of casing.
Each intermediate section must be plumbed to less than 3mm deviation before proceeding to the next section. Casings
must be braced or anchored to a rigid structure every 6m. and not more than 1.2m. below the head section . If a rigid
structure is not available, guy wires may be used with the same spacing.

G. After all intermediate sections are correctly placed, remove the front and back sections of the hood and set the lower
head using
the same procedures as with the intermediate sections. Replace hood sections after performing all installation steps H

H. It is critical that the head shaft be exactly level. Minor pillow block shimming may be necessary. Check head shaft
pillow block set screws for tightness.
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Buckets:
 q Check buckets periodically for bucket damage and loose bolts.
All damaged buckets should be replaced or properly repaired.
Discharge Bibb:
 Check adjustable discharge bib for wear after a month of operation and replace discharge bibb if worn.
Inspect discharge bibb on a regular basis.
Sprockets, Traction Wheels
 Check sprockets and traction wheels for excessive, uneven, or unusual wear.
Replace sprockets or traction wheels if worn. On segmental sprockets, check and re-torque bolts on the replacement
segments on both the head and boot shafts.
Chain, Belt
 Check the take-up for bucket clearance in the bottom of the boot housing.
To add clearance, remove (1) two-link section, as required.
 Inspect chain/belt regularly. Consult manufacturer for wear guidelines
Important !!
Correct all deficiencies before continuing/restarting operation of any machinery.
Caution:
Practice good housekeeping and use proper LOCK OUT/TAG OUT ALL POWER procedures.
Keep the areas around loading, discharge, drive and control points, clean and free from obstructions to maintain a
safe environment for all personnel.
OPERATION
Elevator Vibrates
1. Foreign matter in boot
2. Excessively tight chain/belt
3. Excessively loose chain/belt
4. Loose or broken buckets
5. Buckets hitting bibb plate
6. Misaligned elevator head and boot shaft
7. Elevator is not adequately braced. See para. F., installation
8. Chain/belt hitting inside of casing when casing is not plumb
OPERATION
Elevator Will Not Start
1. Obstruction in boot
2. Electrical problem
3. Backstop incorrectly installed
4. Broken V-Belts or drive chains
5. Reducer failure
6. Boot excessively plugged with material
7. Excessively tight chain/belt
OPERATION
Pillow Blocks Get Hot
1. Speed incorrect - consult factory
2. Air cushion - vent compartment being discharged into
3. Light fluffy materials - reduce speed up to 15%
4. Certain materials may require perforated buckets*
5. Some materials may be affected by static electricity*

Pillow Blocks Get Hot

*Consult Factory
REFERENCE LINKS

https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/bucket-elevators-and-conveyors.html
https://www.martinsprocket.com/docs/safety/material%20handling/2_bucket%20elevator%20safety%20&%20inst
allation%20instructions/bucket-elevator-safety.pdf