Bucket Elevator
1. Definition
A bucket elevator is a conveying machine that uses a series of buckets rigidly attached to a traction member (belt or chain) to continuously lift powdery, granular and small-lump materials vertically (or at a steep incline) inside an enclosed casing. It is widely used in grain, cement, chemical, mining and power industries.
Typical parameters: capacity dozens–1,000+ m³/h; lifting height up to ~80 m (belt type); particle size generally ≤60–100 mm; material temperature ≤60 °C (belt) / up to ~250 °C (chain & plate chain) — typical ranges, refer to the manufacturer’s data.
2. Structure & Working Principle
Three sections from bottom to top:
- Boot (feed & tensioning): feed inlet, boot pulley/sprocket, tensioning device;
- Middle (casing & lifting): enclosed casing, traction member (belt/chain), buckets;
- Head (drive & discharge): drive unit (motor + reducer), head pulley/sprocket, discharge outlet.
Working flow: Feeding → Loading → Lifting → Discharging
- Feeding: material is continuously fed into the boot through the bottom feed inlet and accumulates at the base;
- Loading: buckets scoop up material as they pass around the boot pulley through the material pile;
- Lifting: the traction member carries the loaded buckets vertically up inside the casing (empty buckets return on the other side);
- Discharging: at the head, material is thrown out by centrifugal force or slides out by gravity through the discharge outlet.
3. Classification
By traction member:
- Belt type (TD): high capacity, high lifting height, smooth operation, low noise; for powders and small granules, ≤60 °C;
- Round-link chain (TH): simple structure, wear- and impact-resistant; for lumpy, abrasive materials;
- Plate chain (NE): high capacity, resistant to high temperature and wear; for large, hot and fragile materials; often uses gravity/mixed discharge.
By discharge method:
- Centrifugal: belt speed ~1.0–2.0 m/s; for powdery, free-flowing small granules;
- Gravity: belt speed ~0.4–0.8 m/s; for lumpy, fragile, abrasive materials;
- Mixed: medium speed; combines both characteristics.
By installation: vertical (most common, smallest footprint); inclined (steep angle, for confined spaces).
4. Key Technical Parameters (typical ranges)
表格
| Parameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Tens to over 1,000 m³/h, depending on model, bucket volume and material |
| Lifting height | Belt type up to ~80 m; chain type generally 40–60 m |
| Particle size | Generally ≤60–100 mm, depending on bucket size and discharge method |
| Material temperature | Belt ≤60 °C; chain/plate chain up to ~250 °C (higher in special designs) |
| Belt speed | Centrifugal discharge ~1.0–2.0 m/s; gravity discharge ~0.4–0.8 m/s |
5. Advantages & Limitations
Advantages: vertical lifting saves floor space; sealed casing reduces dust; high capacity and lifting height with continuous operation; simple structure, smooth running, easy to automate. Limitations: sensitive to feed uniformity (choking/back-flow risk); traction member and buckets wear relatively fast; not suitable for sticky or caking materials; maintenance requires shutdown.
Typical applications: grain & feed (cereals, soybeans, feed), cement & building materials (raw meal, clinker, mineral powder, aggregates), chemicals & fertilizers (fertilizer, soda ash, plastic pellets), mining & metallurgy (ores, coke, fly ash), power & energy (coal, ash), port bulk handling.
6. Common Faults & Maintenance
表格
| Fault | Main causes & handling |
|---|---|
| Slipping | Insufficient tension or sticky belt; adjust tensioning, clean pulley and belt |
| Belt misalignment | Misaligned pulleys/idlers or uneven loading; correct positions, adjust tensioning |
| Choking / back-flow | Excessive or uneven feed, or wrong bucket selection; control feed uniformity, clean the boot |
| Bucket loss / deformation | Loose bolts or impact damage; tighten bolts, inspect and replace regularly |
| Chain elongation / noise | Wear and poor lubrication; adjust tensioning, re-lubricate, replace worn links |
√ Since our factory belongs to the machinery industry, the equipment needs to be matched with the process.
The size, model and specifications of the product can be customized according to customer needs.
√ All products in this store are for virtual quotes and are for reference only.
The actual quotation is subject to the technical parameters and special requirements given by the customer.
√ Provide product drawing, manufacturing process and other technical services.
1. Can you offer the customized solution to my case?
Our company has a professional R & D team, and be able to customize mechanical products for you according to your needs. At the same time, our company guarantees that every product produced for you is in compliance with the national and industry standard, and no quality problems.
Please send us inquiry if u have any concerns.
2. Is the machine produced safe and reliable?
Absolutely yes. We are a company specializing in the production of machinery. We have advanced technology, excellent R & D team, superb process design and other advantages. Please believe that we can fully meet your expectations. The machines produced are in line with national and industry quality standards. Please feel free to use.
3. What is the price of the product?
The price is determined by the specifications of the product, the material, and the special requirements of the customer.
Quotation method: EXW, FOB, CIF, ect.
Payment method: T/T, L/C, ect.
Our company is committed to selling high quality products that meet your requirements at an acceptable price.
4. Why do I trade with your company?
1. Reasonable price and exquisite workmanship.
2. Professional customization, good reputation.
3. Carefree after-sales service.
4. Provide product drawing, manufacturing process and other technical services.
5. Case experience of working with many outstanding domestic and foreign companies over the years.
Regardless of whether a deal is reached or not, we sincerely welcome your letter. Learn from each other and make progress together. Maybe we can be friends of the other side. 
5. Are you engineers available for overseas installation and training matters?
At the client’s request, Jinte can provide installation Technicians to supervise and assist in the assembly and commissioning of the equipment. And all the costs during the mission needs to be covered from you.
TEL: +86 15737355722
E-mail: jinte2018@126.com
