screw conveyor suppor

huangyhg

screw conveyor support
i need to support a 63' screw conveyor between two structures.  since there is a lower roof under where the conveyor will be going it would be difficult to design and install supports from below.  it has been suggested that we use cables attached to one or both of the structures and hang the conveyor from those.  i am concerned that selecting the wrong attachments could allow wear in the fittings due to sway and/or vibrations.
any suggestions or other info would be appreciated.
thanks,
-mike
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mrmikee - i agree that cables for this application could create more problems than they solve - screw conveyors can create a lot of torque. an underslung structural steel frame may work. in any event, i suggest having a maintenance walkway along the entire length of the screw conveyor - depending on the material being transported, they can "plug" at any location. then the fix (for the ones i am familiar with) is to "pop" the covers, and dig them out - by hand, with shovels.
one other issue:  check with the conveyor vendor on allowable deflection.  if the screws inside are long, you may have to make the truss very stiff to ensure that the screw doesn't grind on the interior walls.
also, i agree with slideruleera, you really do need a continuous walkway on these.  i've designed many that are integrated into the truss itself or hanging off one side where the conveyor acts as one side's handrail.
thanks slideruleera and swearingen.
i see now that there are issues here i had not thought about.
regards,
-mike
mrmikee (structural
have you considered the use of a super flo drag conveyor in this application? they can take a longer span deflection and because of their method of operation do not have the problem of the screws binding, and they are self cleaning.
b.e.
berkshire,
i will look into the super flow conveyor for future jobs.  in this case however i was not involved in the quoting or sale of the project and am trying now to figure out how i can get this system to work for the price it was sold.
thanks,
-mike