Trough Belt Conveyors
Trough conveyors are belt conveyors where the bed or idle pulleys are shaped to bend the belt and cup the product. This improves the belt’s carrying capacity by helping the product mound, and provides a degree of protection from elements and jostling. ABM supplies trough belt conveyors for a great number of applications, most often in bulk product intake for dry ingredients. With relationships with a number of manufacturers, ABM engineers will identify the best-fitting trough conveyors for your application and help you choose the right mix of features.
First picture is a weighbelt in a trough configuration
Details
Ideal Applications
We use trough conveyors for indoor applications where product needs to be mounded and in outdoor applications (for salt, most commonly) when product is moving very quickly or over uneven terrain. They’re also ideal for applications where product needs to be contained but walled beds can’t be used because of their contact with product or cleanability issues:
- Abrasive Products – Stone, minerals, and metals will eat through walled conveyors and screw augers.
- Delicate Products – Walled conveyors or screw conveyors can bruise and cause crushing of some fruits, vegetables, etc.
- Sanitary Applications – Hard angles and crevices require a lot of man-power to clean thoroughly.
While trough conveyors provide versatility and gentle handling, there are a few operational considerations to keep in mind. Because trough conveyors include additional rolling components and rely on a tensioned (negative) drive, they may require periodic maintenance and belt tension adjustments to ensure peak performance. In operations where extremely heavy loads or minimal maintenance cycles are priorities, a flat belt conveyor may offer a better fit.
Materials
Like flat beds, trough conveyors’ belts are available in a wide range of materials depending on the application. The exclusions are belts that can’t handle flexing or tension such as PVC or modular configurations. Filter belts are often used to allow liquid to drain through solids, such as oil through potato chips.
Color
For many applications it’s important to ensure your belt’s color contrasts the product’s as much as possibleso quality control staff or color sorters to more easily catch belt shavings that may come off during a mishap. Having a white belt with a black product, for example, will make even dust visible should a belt start to wear prematurely.
Supports
The type of conveyor support structure directly affects cleanability, durability, and maintenance access.
Open Frames
Open frames are best used in applications requiring frequent cleaning or where sanitation is critical. Their open design allows easy access for maintenance and washdown, making them suitable for food processing or dusty environments.
Closed Frames
Closed frames offer better protection from external contaminants and are more cost-effective to manufacture. Ideal for standard material handling where cleanliness isn’t the main concern, but durability and cost efficiency are.
Trough Belts Vs. U-Belts Vs. Tube Belts
Each belt type offers a unique balance of capacity, containment, and product protection. Trough belts maximize carrying capacity and maintain efficient material flow. U-belts provide a balanced mix of capacity and containment, while tube belts ensure maximum product protection and spillage prevention, even on steep inclines. When slope or containment is critical, trough conveyors can be fitted with cleated belts for improved performance.
Security
Tube Belts > U-Belts > Trough Belts > Flat Belts
Capacity
Trough Belts > Flat Belts = U-Belts > Tube Belts