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Incline conveyors and steep incline conveyors may seem similar, but they differ greatly in function and design. Selecting the right system can make all the difference in your operations.
In this article, we will discuss the key differences between incline conveyors and steep incline conveyors, such as the angle of transport, spatial footprint, and capacity. You’ll learn how to choose the best conveyor system based on your facility’s needs and constraints.
Feature | Incline Conveyors | Steep Incline Conveyors |
Angle of Transport | Up to 18° | Up to 90° |
Spatial Footprint | Requires longer conveyor lengths | Compact design, saves floor space |
Transfer Points | More transfer points, increased material loss risk | Fewer transfer points, more continuous handling |
Belt Type | Smooth or cleated belts | Sidewall or pocket belting |
Capacity | Higher capacity due to wider belts | Slightly lower capacity due to sidewalls |
Material Handling Efficiency | Moderate; suitable for light materials | High efficiency; ideal for bulk materials at steep angles |
One of the most significant differences between incline conveyors and steep incline conveyors is the angle of transport. The angle at which material is conveyed determines the type of conveyor that is appropriate for a given operation.
● Incline conveyors: These conveyors are designed to handle angles up to 18°. Incline conveyors are well-suited for conveying materials over a moderate incline. At these angles, material slippage on the belt is a manageable issue, allowing for smooth and reliable material transport. They are ideal for applications where the transport needs to cover moderate elevation changes over longer distances.
● Steep incline conveyors: On the other hand, steep incline conveyors can handle inclines as steep as 90°. This type of conveyor is essential for operations where vertical elevation changes need to occur in a compact space. They are perfect for transporting materials in environments with limited floor space while still achieving significant height gains in a short distance.
The angle of transport directly impacts how materials behave during transport. Steep incline conveyors are designed with features that ensure that even at extreme angles, materials are securely contained. These conveyors often use sidewalls or pockets to keep materials from slipping, making them ideal for bulk materials that need to be moved vertically with high efficiency.
In many facilities, space is a premium resource. Understanding the spatial requirements of a conveyor system can help you maximize the available floor area.
● Incline conveyors: These conveyors require a relatively large spatial footprint due to the longer conveyor lengths needed to achieve a specific elevation gain. As the incline angle increases, the conveyor length also increases, which can be a limiting factor in smaller facilities.
● Steep incline conveyors: Because of their ability to handle steeper angles, these conveyors take up significantly less floor space. A steep incline conveyor can achieve the same vertical rise as an incline conveyor, but with much less horizontal distance. This reduced length allows facilities to make more efficient use of their available space, especially in environments with space constraints.
In applications where space efficiency is crucial, steep incline conveyors offer a clear advantage by reducing the overall spatial footprint required for material transport. This makes them an excellent choice for facilities with limited floor space or those looking to optimize their layout.
Material handling systems often involve several steps, including transfers between different conveyor sections or stages. The number of transfer points in a conveyor system can have a significant impact on material integrity.
● Incline conveyors: Incline conveyors typically require more transfer points as materials are moved from one section of the conveyor to another. Each additional transfer point introduces the potential for material degradation, contamination, or spillage. This can lead to material losses, dust generation, and a decrease in product quality over time.
● Steep incline conveyors: Steep incline conveyors are designed to minimize the need for multiple transfer points. These systems often feature continuous material handling from start to finish, reducing the chances of material degradation. By consolidating horizontal and vertical movement into one continuous system, steep incline conveyors eliminate the need for additional transfer points, which not only reduces the potential for material losses but also maintains a cleaner, more efficient transport process.
By using steep incline conveyors, you reduce the number of manual interventions needed, and with fewer transfer points, there’s less risk of damage or contamination to the transported material.
Capacity is a critical factor when determining which conveyor system is best suited to your needs.
● Incline conveyors: These conveyors typically offer larger capacity compared to their steep incline counterparts. The absence of sidewalls allows for a wider belt, which means more space for materials to be conveyed. This larger capacity is advantageous when handling high volumes of bulk materials over longer distances.
● Steep incline conveyors: Steep incline conveyors have a slightly reduced capacity due to the sidewalls, which are necessary to keep materials from slipping at steeper angles. These sidewalls take up some of the usable belt width, which slightly reduces the overall carrying capacity of the conveyor. However, despite the reduced capacity, steep incline conveyors offer high efficiency in applications where space is limited and vertical elevation is required.
For applications that demand high material throughput, incline conveyors provide the larger capacity needed. However, for operations where space efficiency and vertical transport are prioritized, steep incline conveyors can still offer significant handling capacity, albeit with a slight reduction.
Conveyor Type | Capacity | Efficiency | Ideal For |
Incline Conveyors | Larger capacity due to wider belts | Moderate efficiency | High-volume transport over longer distances |
Steep Incline Conveyors | Slightly reduced capacity (sidewalls reduce usable belt width) | High efficiency, especially in compact spaces | Transporting materials at steep angles in limited spaces |
Due to their operational requirements, incline conveyors and steep incline conveyors also have differences in belt configuration and structural design.
● Incline conveyors: Incline conveyors typically use smooth or cleated belts. When higher angles are required, cleated or chevron belts are used to prevent material from slipping. These belts are generally effective for angles up to 30°, depending on the material characteristics.
● Steep incline conveyors: For angles exceeding 30°, steep incline conveyors use sidewall or pocket belting. These belts form pockets or troughs at intervals along the conveyor to securely contain materials. This design is necessary to ensure that materials stay in place at steep angles and do not slide off the conveyor during transport.
Structurally, incline conveyors often use a truss or channel stringer frame, while steep incline conveyors typically use only the channel stringer type frame. The different frame requirements are designed to support the higher stresses experienced by the belt and materials at steeper angles.
Incline Angle Range | Belt Type Used | Purpose/Usage |
Up to 18° | Smooth or cleated belts | Suitable for moderate inclines |
18° to 30° | Cleated or chevron belts | Helps prevent material slippage |
Over 30° | Sidewall or pocket belts | Used to contain materials at steep angles |
● Steep incline conveyors are particularly well-suited for operations where space is at a premium. These conveyors allow you to achieve the same vertical rise as an incline conveyor while occupying much less floor space. For smaller facilities or areas with limited vertical clearance, steep incline conveyors are the ideal solution.
● Incline conveyors require more horizontal space, which can be a drawback in tight spaces. However, when space is not a constraint, incline conveyors provide higher material throughput and may be the better choice for large-scale operations.
Understanding the available space and your material handling needs will guide you toward the right conveyor choice.
● Incline conveyors are generally easier to maintain due to their simpler design and fewer components. The absence of sidewalls and complex belting systems means fewer parts to replace or service over time.
● Steep incline conveyors, while offering more continuous material handling, are more complex and may require more frequent maintenance due to their specialized sidewall belts and structural requirements. However, their design allows for fewer transfer points, which can reduce the frequency of wear and tear from material handling.
The decision between these two types of conveyors will depend on your maintenance resources and priorities. If ease of maintenance is a top priority, incline conveyors may be a more straightforward option.
Conveyor Type | Maintenance Complexity | Frequency of Maintenance | Ideal for Maintenance Resources |
Incline Conveyors | Simple, fewer components | Less frequent maintenance | Operations with limited maintenance resources |
Steep Incline Conveyors | More complex due to sidewalls and specialized belts | More frequent maintenance, but fewer transfer points reduce wear | Operations with space efficiency priority and maintenance resources |
The efficiency of a conveyor system is largely determined by the material being transported and the operational requirements.
● Incline conveyors are best for materials that do not require steep angles and are less prone to slippage. They are effective for handling bulk solids over moderate distances and angles.
● Steep incline conveyors are designed for materials that need to be moved at a higher elevation and in a more compact space. These conveyors provide an efficient solution for bulk materials that need to be transported at steep angles without the risk of spillage.
Understanding the nature of the materials being handled will help you determine the most efficient conveyor for your operation.
For industries with limited space, steep incline conveyors offer a compact solution. Their ability to handle steeper angles means that they can transport materials vertically with a smaller footprint, making them the ideal choice for small warehouses or manufacturing plants where space is limited.
In applications where continuous material handling is required, steep incline conveyors offer a more efficient solution. By minimizing the number of transfers between conveyor sections, they reduce interruptions and ensure smoother material transport.
Tip: For operations that require continuous and uninterrupted material handling, steep incline conveyors can help streamline the process and improve operational efficiency.
Both incline and steep incline conveyors serve to transport materials on an inclined plane. However, each offers distinct advantages depending on operational needs. Incline conveyors are ideal for larger capacity requirements and applications where space is not a limiting factor. Steep incline conveyors, on the other hand, excel in space-constrained environments and applications requiring vertical elevation and continuous material handling.Choosing the right conveyor system depends on understanding the operational requirements, including material type, space limitations, and desired capacity. By considering these factors, you can select the most efficient and cost-effective conveyor system for your material handling needs.
Zhejiang Rigor Logistics Technology Co., Ltd. offers innovative conveyor solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of various industries. Their products, including both incline and steep incline conveyors, provide excellent value by optimizing space, increasing efficiency, and ensuring reliable material handling.
A: The main difference lies in the angle of transport. Inclined Belt Conveyors are suitable for angles up to 18°, while steep incline conveyors can handle inclines up to 90°.
A: If space is not a constraint, Inclined Belt Conveyors are ideal for larger capacity. For compact spaces and vertical elevation, steep incline conveyors are more efficient.
A: Steep incline conveyors take up less floor space because they can handle steeper angles, offering a compact solution compared to Inclined Belt Conveyors.
A: Inclined Belt Conveyors are ideal for lightweight and non-slippery materials. Steep incline conveyors are suited for bulk materials that need to be moved at steep angles.
A: Inclined Belt Conveyors typically offer a higher capacity, as they lack sidewalls. Steep incline conveyors have reduced capacity due to sidewalls, but are more space-efficient.
