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Debunking Three Myths About Continuous Bucket Elevators

June 13, 2019

Continuous bucket elevators are a recognized equipment choice for moving significant volumes of material both vertically and gently. Despite their proven effectiveness, some well-held myths about the performance of continuous bucket elevators have arisen over the years. In this blog, we examine three of these myths and provide the true facts.

MYTH #1: CONTINUOUS BUCKET ELEVATORS REQUIRE LOTS OF MAINTENANCE

Fact: While continuous bucket elevators consist of a number of moving parts, well-designed and built machines, such as the TipTrak™ line from UniTrak, require minimal maintenance.

Unlike units driven by metal chains, TipTrak™ units are designed with a positive drive principle utilizing a rubber beltchain. Drive assemblies are designed to reduce the number of moving parts and components, eliminating many maintenance points. High-wear beltchains and buckets are also available which reduce the need for repair or replacement in severe service applications.

MYTH #2: CONTINUOUS BUCKET ELEVATORS CREATE SPILLS AND JAMS

Fact: Continuous bucket elevators designed with overlapping buckets can create spills as the buckets separate in their ride through the elevator. In addition, overlapping buckets can sometimes jam if two adjacent buckets do not come together in the proper orientation.

In contrast, TipTrak™ units are designed with jam-proof fully interlocking buckets which never separate as they move through the elevator – no separation between buckets means no spillage and no jams!

MYTH #3: CONTINUOUS BUCKET ELEVATORS CAN BE DIFFICULT TO CLEAN

Fact: Enclosed units can be difficult to clean if the equipment designer has not given any thought to accessibility of the equipment interior.

TipTrak™ PEC (fully enclosed) and Monocoque (fully sealed) units are provided with access panels in key locations throughout the bucket elevator, enabling ready access to the equipment interior. Optional cleanout drawers are available and are highly recommended for powders, and granular type products. The fully interlocking bucket assemblies of TipTrak™ units eliminate spillage, reducing the need for the cleaning of accumulated material. Finally, TipTrak™ units can be supplied with optional Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems for easy cleaning and sanitary performance.

Since 1969, UniTrak has been supplying TipTrak™ continuous bucket elevators for high-care applications to companies the world over. Many of our first installs are still in service and running trouble-free today! Available in a variety of construction styles, configurations, and capacities, TipTrak™ continuous bucket elevators are a proven way to move material gently and without spillage. To find out more about TipTrak™ continuous bucket elevators, please contact our sales team directly.

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