Tips to Extend the Life of Your Bucket Elevator

Typically, a well-made bucket lift will last for years due to its resistance to abrasion, corrosion and sparking. If you notice that your bucket elevator is demonstrating damage or abnormal wear, it is likely an indication that the elevator is running outside of standard operating parameters. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to troubleshoot and correct the aforementioned issues.

Diagnose the Issue to Solve It

The best way to assure success when it comes to finding a solution is to accurately pinpoint the issue. While conveyor manufacturers carefully design buckets to operate smoothly, external factors can interfere with performance.

Is the interior surface worn? If this occurs, then you know that the feed velocity of the material into the bucket is too high. You can correct the velocity in one of three ways: replace the plastic bucket with one that is made of urethane, install baffles at the leg entrance or simply reduce the infeed velocity of the material.

If the bucket lift is degraded or weakened in any way, it may be unable to withstand the hot material it may hold during the upstream process. To prevent this from occurring, you can replace it a bucket made from a different type of material, as different materials can withstand varying temperatures, with nylon at one of the highest ranges and polyethylene one of the lowest. In the event that replacement is not an option, you can cool the material prior to conveying it.

The bucket’s front lips can also reveal operating issues. If they are stretched out or broken, there may be obstructions inside of the elevator. There may also be an issue with the tension of the belt or chain. If it is too loose, the belt can flap, making it possible for the bucket to smack components inside of the elevator. To address the first potential cause, inspect each leg casing, as well as the boot and throat-plate clearances, for obstructions. Even if you find obstructions, it is still a good idea to increase the belt tension.

The way the material fills or discharges from the bucket can also indicate a problem. If you notice that the bucket is not completely filled with material or the material is discharging from it in an untimely manner, you should take it seriously, as these inefficiencies can diminish the elevator’s throughput capacity. To correct this issue, you can install vented buckets. Conveyer manufacturers design these buckets in different configurations according to the specific application, so make sure you consult with your manufacturer or supplier to determine which type meets your needs.

Prevention is Key

Regular maintenance goes a long way in diagnosing a problem early or preventing bucket lift issues entirely. Generally, you should conduct elevator inspections at least once a month, following certain procedures including the following each time.

While it may seem trivial, it is critical to tighten the nuts and bolts that affix the bucket to the belt. It is also important to keep all the moving parts lubricated. Of course, you should examine the buckets themselves, replacing any that are damaged or missing.

With proper maintenance, you can help ensure that your bucket elevator performs at its highest capacity for many years.

James Anderson has only one mission: to help inform people. When he first started writing, he was fascinated with his ability to help people understand things.