Description

TLSS Screw Conveyor – Simple and Efficient Auger Conveying Solution

In feed processing and grain storage, materials often need to be conveyed horizontally or at a slight incline over short distances between equipment. The TLSS series screw conveyor (commonly known as an auger conveyor) is a general-purpose conveying device designed for this purpose. Using a rotating screw blade to push material inside an enclosed trough, it offers advantages such as simple structure, good sealing, multiple inlets/outlets, and flexible layout. It is widely used in feed mills for feeding batching bins, discharging hammer mills, collecting dust from filters, and horizontal conveying of various powders and granules.

1. Working Principle

The TLSS screw conveyor mainly consists of a drive unit (motor + reducer), screw shaft (with helical flight), U‑trough or tube, inlet, outlet, intermediate hanger bearings (for longer distances), and end bearing.

During operation, the motor drives the screw shaft through the reducer. Material falls through the inlet into the trough. Under the thrust of the rotating screw flight, the material moves forward (or backward) along the trough bottom and discharges by gravity at the outlet. Screw flights can be solid flight (for powders and small granules), ribbon flight (for sticky/wet materials), or paddle flight (for free‑flowing materials). Screw speed is typically 30-120 r/min – lower for powders, higher for granules.

2. Structural Features and Technical Advantages

1. Simple structure, low manufacturing cost
   Few components, no complex chain return mechanisms. Investment cost is only 60%-70% of a scraper conveyor, and maintenance is simple.

2. Fully enclosed conveying, dust‑free
   U‑shaped trough with sealed cover, or tubular fully sealed design. Material travels inside a sealed chamber, preventing dust leakage. Can be connected to dust extraction.

3. Multiple inlets and outlets
   Several inlets (with gates) can be opened on the top cover, and several outlets on the bottom, allowing one machine to serve multiple purposes and simplify layout.

4. Flexible layout
   Can be installed horizontally or inclined (typically ≤20°, max 30°). Efficiency is higher when inclined upward. Length can be customised to suit different distances.

5. Wide material adaptability
   Suitable for powders (flour, bran, soybean meal, corn flour), granules (corn, wheat, pelleted feed), small lumps (cracked feed), and wet materials (fermented feed, high‑moisture grain). Good tolerance to moisture (typically ≤25%).

6. Reliable intermediate hanger bearings
   For longer distances, intermediate hanger bearings are installed. Made of alloy cast iron or ball bearings with lubrication devices, they reduce screw shaft deflection and extend service life.

7. Flexible drive, reversible
   Motor can be left- or right-mounted; variable frequency drive for stepless speed control. Reversible rotation allows bi‑directional conveying (requires appropriate inlets).

8. Comprehensive safety protection
   Equipped with overload protection, speed monitor (optional), and anti‑jam features. Permanent magnet drum at inlet optional to prevent ferrous damage.

3. Typical Applications

• Batching bins feeding: Conveying ground or mixed material to multiple bins.

• Hammer mill discharge: Horizontal conveying of milled powder to elevator or next process.

• Dust collector discharge: Conveying collected dust from pulse filters to central collection point.

• Bulk grain & finished feed: Conveying from silos to packing scales or bulk trucks.

• Biomass pellet plants: Conveying wood chips, straw powder, rice husks.

• Food & chemical industries: Conveying flour, starch, sugar, fertilisers, plastic pellets, etc.

4. Model Parameters 

Main parameter range for TLSS series (horizontal conveying example):

5. Maintenance and Care

1. Daily checks: Observe smooth operation and listen for abnormal noise; check for blocked inlets/outlets; clean material from cover.

2. Weekly checks: Inspect screw flight wear (especially when handling abrasive materials); check intermediate and end bearing temperature (≤70°C); tighten anchor bolts.

3. Monthly maintenance: Grease end bearings and intermediate hanger bearings; check gearbox oil level; clean residual material from trough bottom.

4. Semi‑annual: Change gearbox oil; check screw shaft straightness and flight welds; measure bearing clearance.

5. Long‑term shutdown: Empty and clean the conveyor; rotate periodically to prevent rust.

6. Common Problems and Solutions

Conclusion

The TLSS screw conveyor, with its simple structure, low cost, sealed dust‑free operation, flexible layout, and wide material adaptability, has become one of the preferred choices for horizontal and low‑angle conveying in feed, grain, and chemical industries. Proper selection, correct operation and regular maintenance will ensure conveying efficiency, reduce failure rates, and extend equipment life. We offer the full TLSS series from TLSS16 to TLSS40, and can customise stainless steel construction, explosion‑proof configuration, and non‑standard sizes. Please contact us for inquiries or custom design.

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