Screw Feeder Jamming? What are the Solutions?

Trantec has been moving and handling materials for over two decades and it is fair to say that we are experts within the bulk solids handling industry.

We ensure that we listen closely to our customers and do our best to solve any potential issues that may occur from time to time.

This article will examine the problems that may arise from flexible screw conveyors and the solutions we have in place.

Installation and Setup − Problems

One of the most common problems that occur that results in the screw conveyor jamming is problems during the installation and setup. We have identified several areas that can play a part in the screw feeder running into issues.

The Conveyor Tube

The first thing you can do is take a closer look at the conveyor tube. Is a bend required for the tube? Is the tube straight? Sometimes, the spiral can break due to the radius being too tight and can also cause excessive wear.

The Conveyor Supports

Problems may also arise due to the problems with the tube support. It is recommended that supports be placed every 6-8 feet (1.8m-2.4m) under normal conditions. This is why as a guideline, it is recommended that supports are strong enough to support the weight of the screw conveyor.

The Drive Assembly Stability

Take a look at the drive assembly stability and assess whether it is strong enough. Is it mounted properly? Often, if the assembly is moving quite excessively, the spiral, tube and steel housing components could lead to a system failure.

The Inlet Housing Setting

Another common problem for the screw jamming or not responding is the inlet housing setting. If this is not adjusted properly then this will cause problems.

Problems in processing material

One of the most common questions some users may ask is ‘why won’t my material convey’? And this could be down to many reasons. Here are the things to look out for.

Direction of the Spiral

The spiral should turn in a counter-clockwise direction, provided you are standing at the inlet and looking toward the outlet. If you are looking at the discharge end and looking forward the inlet, it should turn in a clockwise direction.

Is there enough Material in the Hopper?

There needs to be an adequate amount of material inside the hopper for a screw conveyor to convey material. Flexible Screw Conveyors will not completely empty out and there will always be material in the hopper. This is why it is important to have material inside.

Bridging and Ratholing

This is a common issue that occurs from time to time and the solution for this is to make use of flow aids such as agitators or have silicone or rubber discs inside the hopper.

Feed Restriction

Is there enough space for the material to go into the spiral? Lack of adequate material being fed into the conveyor may not attain the desired conveying rate.

Is the material falling back down in the tube?

If this happens then the solution is to use a centre core. These help lighten the load when moving very dense materials.

What causes the Flexible Screw Conveyor to Jam?

One of the most common problems is the conveyor jamming, stalling or locking. This can be caused by several things.

Spiral Overload

If this occurs then this can result in motor or spiral damage.

Type of Material Used

Certain materials will not convey due to their nature. For example, cohesive materials or materials in high moisture can cause the spiral to lock up. This is why Trantec engage in trial runs and test labs so you can get the best type of conveyor for your application.

Type of Motor

Sometimes there are issues with the motor that can result in the conveyor to jam. If there is not enough horsepower, then this could be one contributing factor.

For more information on Trantec’s screw feeders please visit https://www.trantec.net/products/ or call 01282 777566.