Technical information Spiral Conveyors

Spiral conveyors supplied and manufactured by APOLLO VTS are produced according to the highest technical standards. The "heart" of the machine is the special proprietary low friction chain slat arrangement as designed by APOLLO VTS. The spiral chain, together with our modular construction and our safety devices for overload and chain protection, makes the APOLLO spiral conveyor an unique vertical conveyor outperforming any other system in the market.

Proprietary chain slat arrangement

An innovative chain slat arrangement facilitates low friction operation. The conveyor slats are supported by precision steel roller bearings which ride on a polyurethane guide surface. This arrangement efficiently takes up the side forces caused by a tight radius and at the same time increases the load carrying capacity of the chain. This feature also facilitates smooth operation, high speed, low noise level and long operational life. The modular concept of the spiral conveyor, as show, giving flexibility to enable any modifications requered in the (near) future in a simple and easy way.

Chain slat including guiding system, also showing the flexability of the system.

Overlapping slats

Overlapping slats with 100% friction inserts

The overlapping slats provide a smooth and efficient conveying surface suitable for a wide variety of load types and sizes. The standard slats are made of a fibreglass reinforced polycarbonate and are available in widths of 200, 300, 400, 500 and 650 mm. Slats are available for the following applications:

• Standard
• FDA
• Anti-static
• Acid restistance
• Freezers up to -35°C

The slats can also be furnished with friction inserts to accommodate slick products such as plastic totes or frozen items, to prevent any sliding of products.

The standard angle of incline is between 8 or 12 degrees which safeguards against loads sliding or tumbling during operation. Mass flow spiral conveyors are operated between 3 and 6 degrees depending on stability of product to be conveyed.

The overlapping slats ensure additional safety for your spiral system.

Easy to install

Most spirals are shipped in one piece, pre-assembled and pre-tested, thereby drastically reducing the time and cost of installation on site.

1300-400, model C3 completely lifted by one (1) forklift

Low Maintenance

The spiral conveyors are designed for low maintenance and long operational life. Only high quality components requiring little maintenance are used throughout. The roller bearings are sealed and lubricated for life. The chain is of a heavy-duty chrome plated construction, is factory lubricated and needs limited lubrication, depending on  exposure to solvents or extreme temperature fluctuations. The slats and carriers need no maintenance and if required, they can easily be replaced as single components by using a small hand tool.

Safety protection

The spiral conveyor is equipped with two (2) safety protection systems, to prevent any damages which might occur for whatever reason. The specific protection devices are described down below.

Overload protection

The geared motor of the spiral conveyor has been provided with an overload safety device. If a drive overload occurs, such as an overloading or a jammed conveyor chain, the drive, which is mechanically attached to the torque arm, will rotate in an opposite direction, causing the torque arm to move downward. When the proximity switch is activated, then the emergency circuit shuts down the conveyor. A thorough investigation of the problem is required before restart of the spiral.

The drives are also protected against current overload.

We recommend the use of a frequency control unit. Besides a correct speed control with regard to the upstream and downstream conveyors, the start, stop and slow start cycle are adjustable which ensures a longer operational life of the conveying system.

Chain tensioning unit

Tensioning of the conveying chain and safety device

Spiral conveyors are provided with an automatic chain tensioner. In the beginning it is necessary to check the chain tension regularly. New chains always stretch after the first working hours.

The indicator should be positioned between the red and green flags.

From manufacturer’s works the proximity switch has been adjusted in the lowest position at rail. If the chain stretches, the connected flag will decline till the proximity switch reaches the upper part of this connected flag and the magnetic field activates the electrical circuit to ensure that the conveyor units shuts down.

Several models and types of Spiral Conveyors are available

Standard transition, one roller and one nylon transfer plate

Standard transition, one roller and Marbett

Standard transition, two rollers

Special close couple, to allow for smooth transfer of small products

Optional: transition with two (2) driven rollers