The bucket elevator serves as a key piece of equipment in vertically transporting material throughout a facility, whether it is a mine site or production plant. The selection of a well-built elevator often means the difference between an operation that runs smoothly and reliably, and one that experiences excessive downtime and problems.
With an extensive history in custom bucket elevator design and manufacturing, FEECO has become a preferred supplier of this diverse equipment, recognized for efficiency and longevity. Here are seven reasons why producers in nearly every industry turn to FEECO when they are in need of a bucket elevator.
Flexibility in Handling
One of the primary reasons for which FEECO bucket elevators are so popular for vertical handling is their ability to accommodate both gentle and tough handling requirements.
Bucket elevators are available in a variety of configurations to suit the specifications of the job at hand. They can be designed for careful handling of fragile or easily aerated materials, or for rugged, high-capacity settings such as those found in the mining industry.
When a job calls for gentle handling, continuous-style bucket elevators offer an optimal handling solution. This type of elevator avoids any “throwing” action, instead utilizing bucket configuration and carefully designed feeding systems to facilitate smoother loading and discharge of material. Transitions are designed for careful transfer of material to further minimize the potential for degradation.
When fragility and aeration are not a concern, the centrifugal-style bucket elevator is the preferred choice, offering high-capacity, rugged handling. Various elevator bucket designs and sizes (typically ranging from 8 – 52” wide) are available depending on the duty and unique requirements of the intended application.
Continuous discharge belt elevator (left) and centrifugal discharge belt elevator (right)
Safety First
When it comes to equipment with moving parts, safety must be the foremost priority, and bucket elevators are no exception.
FEECO utilizes OSHA- and MSHA-compliant guarding on elevators to reduce the potential for injury to personnel. We also recommend E-stop switches for added safeguarding against injury. All guards are painted safety yellow and access ladders (when selected) include an OSHA-compliant cage and swing gate.
FEECO Bucket Elevator with platforms, ladders, and explosion panel venting (panels not yet installed).
Long-Term Dependability
While most new elevators perform reliably at first, long-term dependability is unfortunately often more elusive. A bucket elevator that stands up to the rigors of handling throughout its lifetime begins with solid engineering and design practices. Strict quality standards must be carried all the way through fabrication of the unit to maximize long-term reliability. This involves following engineering best practices, as well as using fabrication techniques that improve equipment longevity, such as horizontally and vertically heavy-reinforced jig-welded head, boot, and intermediate sections.
FEECO Dual-drive bucket elevator at a frac sand facility
In addition, FEECO also employs a variety of measures that help operators extend the life of the unit through improved operation and safeguards:
- Zero-speed switches
- Bucket motion switches
- Plug chute switches
- Gravity take-up over travel switches
- Boot overfill switches
Further, all FEECO bucket elevator components are compatible with IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) integration, allowing operators to easily monitor bearing, reducer, and motor life.
Customized Handling
As mentioned, bucket elevator configuration is flexible, offering gentle or rugged handling, but this flexibility extends far beyond the handling action.
Additional customizations include the choice between belt or chain (or double chain for especially high-capacity handling), an extensive range of available sizes and capacities (typically between 10 – 625 TPH, though this depends on material density), various materials for bucket construction, and more. Surface treatments such as hot-dip galvanizing are also available for added protection from the elements.
FEECO Bucket elevators at a manure granulation plant
Further customization comes into play in the design of feeding, discharge, and transitions, as well as system integration for challenging spatial restrictions and site-specific limitations.
Ease of Maintenance
Maintenance accessibility should never put personnel at risk of injury or limit an elevator’s ability to perform. That’s why each and every FEECO bucket elevator is designed with ease of maintenance in mind from the start. From safety cages and service platforms, to access doors, removable top covers, and inspection doors on both sides of the discharge, FEECO bucket elevators improve maintenance accessibility to the unit without sacrificing safety.
Bucket elevator head section with inspection door
Belt Conveyor Support
Rarely are bucket elevators not supported by various belt conveyors to create a network of material transfer throughout a facility. Because FEECO provides a range of bulk material handling equipment such as conveyors and feeders, we are able to offer complete handling system supply. As experts in aspects of handling outside of the bucket elevator, we can design elevators and supporting conveyor equipment for seamless material flow throughout the facility.
FEECO Conveyor System
Bucket Elevators Backed by More Than 70 Years of Handling Expertise
FEECO has been building custom bucket elevators and conveyor systems since 1951. Our experience spans nearly every industry, from mining and minerals, to fertilizer and chemical production. This expertise provides a solid foundation for unmatched bucket elevator customization and quality, and is why FEECO bucket elevators are chosen by producers looking to maximize equipment life and minimize unnecessary downtime.
Bucket elevator at a frac sand unloading facility
Conclusion
Choosing a quality bucket elevator is the first step in building an efficient and reliable bulk material handling system. FEECO elevators not only ensure an optimal bulk handling solution, but also yield a system that is safe, customized for streamlined handling, and backed by extensive expertise.
Many of the world’s foremost companies rely on FEECO for the best in custom bucket elevator and conveyor systems. Equipment is supported by our Customer Service Team, which provides a comprehensive line of services to keep handling systems running their best. For more information on our custom bulk material handling equipment, contact us today!