In the cleaning and processing production line of granular materials such as grains and beans, the core function of the elevator (also known as a “bucket elevator”, which is the most core vertical conveying device in the grain cleaning machine) is to transport materials vertically or at a large angle from low places (such as the bottom of the silo, the feed inlet of the cleaning machine, the end of the conveyor belt, etc.) to high places (such as the feed end of the subsequent cleaning machine, grading screens, storage hoppers, etc.), thereby solving the “height difference” in material transportation between different processing links.
1. The core structure of Taobo elevator
The elevator’s structure may appear simple, but the coordinated function of its components is key to achieving stable conveying. It primarily consists of the following six parts: hopper, traction mechanism, drive unit, tensioning device, casing, and inlet and outlet ports.
2. Taobo elevator Operation
The physical properties of granular materials such as grains and beans (granular shape, fluidity, and resistance to clumping) dictate that elevators often utilize a centrifugal discharge method (suitable for small and medium-sized particles and high lifting speeds). The entire operation process consists of three consecutive stages: material collection, lifting, and discharge, forming a closed loop:
Bottom Removal (the hopper “scoops” the material).
The bottom of the elevator (the tail wheel end) is typically designed as the “feed section.” The bottom of the housing connects to the discharge port of a silo, conveyor belt, or other feeding equipment, allowing material to naturally accumulate in the “hopper circulation area” at the bottom of the housing.
To ensure sufficient material is drawn from the hopper without jamming, a “splitting plate” at the feed port controls the material feed rate to prevent excessive material accumulation from causing the hopper to jam or overloading the traction mechanism.
Vertical Lift (the hopper drives the material upward).
The fully filled hopper completes a “bottom turn” (switching from downward to upward motion) with the traction mechanism and enters the “lift section.” 3. Stage 3: Top Discharge (Material Discharge Under Centrifugal Force + Gravity)
When the hopper, along with the traction mechanism, reaches the top of the elevator (at the drive roller/sprocket end), it enters the “discharge stage.” At this point, the hopper rotates in a circular motion around the drive roller (or sprocket), switching from upward to downward motion.
During this rotational motion, the material within the hopper, due to the combined effects of centrifugal force (generated by the circular motion) and gravity, is “thrown” (or dumped) out of the hopper opening, leaving the hopper.
The “discharge port” at the top of the casing faces the hopper’s discharge direction. The ejected material slides along the “discharge guide” on the inner wall of the casing toward the discharge port, ultimately entering subsequent cleaning equipment (such as an air screen, specific gravity cleaner, destoner, etc.) or a silo, completing the conveying cycle.
After emptying, the hopper continues its downward motion along the traction mechanism, returning to the bottom and re-entering the reclaiming stage, forming a continuous “reclaim – lift – discharge” cycle.
3. Core Advantages of Elevators in Grain and Bean Cleaning Production Lines
Efficient Space Utilization, Reduced Floor Space
Vertical conveying minimizes floor space in the workshop, especially in multi-equipment tandem environments such as grain processing plants and bean cleaning plants. It can replace inclined conveyor belts, allowing for a more compact production line layout.
Stable Conveying Capacity, Suitable for Continuous Production
The continuous circulation of the hopper enables “uninterrupted conveying.” The conveying volume can be flexibly controlled by adjusting the traction member speed and hopper size, perfectly matching the continuous feeding requirements of subsequent cleaning equipment (such as air screens and destoners).
Low Material Breakage, Maintaining Quality
For materials such as grains and beans that require particle integrity, the material breakage rate can be kept below 0.5% by selecting an appropriate discharge method (such as gravity) and optimizing the hopper material (using wear-resistant plastic or stainless steel to avoid particle breakage caused by metal friction). Good sealing reduces dust pollution. The fully enclosed casing design effectively prevents dust generated during material transportation from escaping. This not only meets food processing hygiene standards (preventing dust from contaminating the material), but also improves the workshop working environment and protects the health of operators.
In short, our Taobo elevator serves as the “conveyance bridge” of grain and bean cleaning machine. Its working principle revolves around the “hopper circulation movement”. Through precise material collection, lifting and unloading design, it realizes efficient vertical transportation of materials. It is the core equipment to ensure the continuous and stable operation of the cleaning production line.
Post time: Sep-09-2025
