Description

TDTG Bucket Elevator – Reliable Vertical Conveying for Efficient Feed Mill Logistics

During feed processing and grain storage, materials need to be moved smoothly and efficiently between different floors. The TDTG series bucket elevator is specifically designed for this purpose. Using either centrifugal or gravity discharge, it lifts material from low to high levels via a belt or chain carrying a series of buckets. It is widely used for raw material intake, intermediate product transfer, and final product elevation before packaging in feed mills. With its large capacity, high lift height, stable operation, and easy maintenance, the TDTG series has become an indispensable logistics machine in modern feed production lines.

1. Series Overview

The TDTG series covers bucket widths from 160mm to 630mm, capacities from 10 t/h to over 200 t/h, and lifting heights up to 40m. Based on the traction element, there are belt type (TDTG) and chain type (TDTGL – plate chain or ring chain), allowing users to select according to material characteristics and working conditions.

2. Working Principle

The TDTG bucket elevator mainly consists of the head (drive section), casing, boot (tension section), traction belt (or chain), buckets, drive unit, and backstop device.

During operation, material enters through the boot inlet and is scooped up by continuously moving buckets. The traction belt (or chain) carries the buckets upward inside the casing, lifting the material to the head. When buckets pass over the head pulley, material is thrown out by centrifugal force (or gravity) and discharged through the outlet. Empty buckets return to the boot to scoop again, forming a continuous cycle.

The belt-type elevator suits powders and small granules (e.g., corn meal, soybean meal) with higher belt speed (1.2-2.0 m/s) and efficient centrifugal discharge. The chain-type elevator handles large, abrasive materials (e.g., whole corn, stones) with lower speed but higher load capacity.

3. Structural Features and Technical Advantages

1. High conveying efficiency, low breakage
   Optimized bucket shape, spacing and speed ensure high throughput while minimising particle breakage and dust generation. For pelleted feed, breakage can be kept below 0.2%.

2. Explosion protection and safety design
   Explosion vents (optional) are provided on head and boot; anti-static belts reduce dust explosion risk. Equipped with backstop and belt deviation monitor to prevent reverse running or misalignment.

3. Wear-resistant, long service life
   Buckets stamped from high-strength wear-resistant steel (e.g., NM400, 16Mn) or made of food-grade plastic (lightweight, corrosion-resistant). Traction belts use polyester fabric or steel-cord rubber, with mechanical or vulcanised joints for high strength and low elongation.

4. Sealed and environmentally friendly
   Casings are joined with flanges or folded edges and sealing strips. Inspection doors and return air connections on head and boot allow integration with dust collection systems.

5. Flexible tension adjustment
   The boot uses screw or gravity tension devices, manual or automatic, to maintain proper belt/chain tension.

6. Easy maintenance, quick‑access doors
   Quick‑opening inspection doors with safety locks are provided on head, boot and mid‑section, allowing visual checks and cleaning. Removable boot bottom plate facilitates cleaning.

7. Customisable for different materials
   Optional anti‑plug level sensors, speed loss alarms, bearing temperature sensors; available in food‑grade stainless steel, heat‑resistant belts, wear liners, etc.

4. Typical Applications

• Feed mills: Lifting corn, soybean meal, fishmeal from receiving pit to cleaners or silos; lifting mixed powder to pellet mill surge bin; lifting cooled pellets to crumbler or grader.

• Grain storage: Vertical conveying into and out of silos and warehouses.

• Flour/Rice mills: Lifting wheat, paddy, rice, bran.

• Oil mills: Lifting soybeans, rapeseed, peanuts.

• Chemical / biomass: Lifting fertilisers, plastic pellets, wood pellets, etc.

5. Model Parameters and Selection Guide

Main parameter range for TDTG series:

Selection considerations:

1. Material properties: Bulk density, particle size, abrasiveness, oil content, moisture. For powders use belt type with wider bucket spacing; for abrasive materials use chain type with wear liners.

2. Lift height and capacity: Determine height from layout drawing; choose model with safety factor of 1.1-1.2 on hourly flow.

3. Explosion protection: In dust explosion hazardous areas (grain depots, feed mills), choose explosion‑proof motor, backstop, deviation switch, speed monitor and explosion vents.

4. Hygiene level: For food‑grade applications, choose 304 stainless steel buckets and casing, polished interior with no dead corners.

5. Installation and maintenance space: Ensure enough headroom for belt jointing and bearing replacement; provide clean‑out access below boot.

6. Maintenance and Care

1. Daily checks: Inspect boot for material build‑up; observe belt/chain tension and listen for abnormal noise; check backstop function.

2. Weekly checks: Check bucket bolts for looseness, buckets for damage; inspect belt joint for peeling or delamination; check head pulley and tail bearings for temperature (≤70°C).

3. Monthly maintenance: Clean accumulated material from boot and lower casing; grease bearings; check belt tracking and adjust tension.

4. Semi‑annual: Inspect belt wear and ageing; measure bucket‑to‑casing clearance; change gearbox oil; tighten all fasteners.

5. Special cases: Empty all material and release tension before long‑term shutdown to prevent belt stretching.

7. Common Problems and Solutions

Conclusion

The TDTG bucket elevator, with its high conveying efficiency, smooth operation, robust construction and easy maintenance, has become the preferred vertical conveying solution in feed, grain and chemical industries. Proper selection, correct operation and regular maintenance will ensure production continuity and significantly reduce operating costs. We offer a full range of TDTG bucket elevators from TDTG16 to TDTG63, complete with electrical control systems, and accept non‑standard customisation and retrofit of old equipment. Please contact us for enquiries or site visits.

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