A bucket elevator that moves material in three directions gives you a good deal of flexibility in planning a material handling system. Gough Econ is a manufacturer of bulk material handling systems with a range of bucket elevators for sanitary and industrial applications.
The multi-axis Gough Elecon™ bucket conveyor and elevator system suits applications requiring gentle handling as well as industrial applications, such as delivering blanks to stamping presses at The Royal Australian Mint in Canberra, Australia.
Known as the ‘Go Anywhere Conveyor,’ it uses cantilevered buckets that move vertically, horizontally, and can turn any direction up to 90° without having to transfer the conveyed load. This unique feature lets users fit the conveyor within a production facility instead of modifying the facility to accommodate the material handling system.
The multi-axis capability comes from a patented chain design and chain tension—a heavy-duty proprietary tri-planar chain, a tubular track, and a vertical drive plate for power transfer—and the cantilevered wedged shaped buckets that come together and overlap at the load station. The chain is constructed of investment cast Piad alloy links, forged cruciforms, and sealed roller bearings. The chain’s wash through design meets food sanitation requirements. The rack and pinion system assures full discharge with a 360° bucket rotation on selection and quick return to the upright position.
The result is a simpler system with fewer pieces of equipment. It frees up critical floor space since much of the movement can occur overhead. Because it is flexible, the system can handle virtually any circuit designs and configurations.
Buckets for the conveying system are made of polypropylene and have a smooth interior surface to eliminate any product trap areas and cleanliness concerns.
Four different bucket configurations are available: Standard, Mid-Size, the specialist Pasta bucket, and the Max-Elecon. The bucket configuration required depends on the throughput and the type of product being conveyed. The Elecon™ family of buckets has a capacity from 222 in.3 up to 1.5 ft3 for the Max Elecon.
The tubular track is made of stainless steel and is housed in track plates for easy and smooth gliding of the chain without wear. Plates and tracks are completely interchangeable for easy maintenance.
An optional wheel-turn design instead of a static track can be incorporated at certain points increasing the life of the chain by transferring loads to these wheels.
Multiple cover panel options are available to meet specific needs. Made of folded steel, the panels can be enclosed with steel or Lexan panels or they can be left open with the tubes exposed. Open construction allows for easier cleaning and maintenance whereas the two enclosed cases are appropriate for safety applications or to maintain a controlled environment.
Gough-Econ
www.goughecon.com
Filed Under: Conveyors, Material handling • converting, Packaging, LINEAR MOTION, Motion control • motor controls