An elevator conveyor lifts product from a low point, such as a feed hopper, a washer outlet or a crate tipper, to the infeed of the next machine. In vegetable and fruit lines three types cover most of the transfers.
Cleated belt elevator
A PVC or PU belt with cleats runs on an inclined stainless frame. The cleats stop the product rolling back down the belt. At the bottom a wide trough takes the product in.
This is the usual choice for dry or lightly wet product at a moderate incline. The belt is closed, so it does not drain water; product coming straight out of a washer is better handled on a perforated belt.
See the cleated belt elevator.
Z-type modular belt elevator
The belt is made of plastic modules joined by rods. It runs horizontally at the bottom, climbs steeply, then runs horizontally again at the top: the Z shape. The horizontal sections make loading and discharge easy, and the steep middle section saves floor space.
The modules are perforated, so water drains through the belt instead of being carried up with the product. The belt also takes high temperatures and comes apart for cleaning. This makes the Z-type elevator suitable after washing and blanching.
See the Z-type modular belt elevator.
Positive-drive cleated elevator
On a standard belt the drive drum moves the belt by friction. On a positive-drive belt, sprockets engage the belt directly. The belt cannot slip on the drum and it does not need the high tension a friction drive needs.
Cleats and side walls keep the product on the belt over the incline. The product is fed from a hopper at the bottom and leaves from the top discharge.
See the positive-drive cleated elevator.
Choosing between them
| Cleated belt | Z-type modular | Positive-drive | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belt | PVC / PU, closed | Plastic modules, perforated | Cleated, with side walls |
| Drive | Drum, friction | Sprockets | Sprockets |
| Wet product | Lightly wet | Drains water | Depends on belt |
| Layout | Straight incline | Horizontal, steep, horizontal | Straight incline |
Three questions narrow the choice:
- Is the product wet? Straight out of a washer, choose a belt that drains.
- How much height is needed in how much floor length? A steep lift in a short space points to the Z-type layout.
- Does the belt slip or wander on the current elevator? A sprocket-driven belt removes slip on the drive drum.
Capacity, belt width, cleat height and the incline are set for each line. The contact page lists the manufacturer.