KWS Provides Field Service to Improve Screw Conveyor Design and Operation

Challenge

Sawdust, bark and shavings are byproducts of the dimensional lumber making process and are used to fuel boilers, make compost or fuel pellets. Screw conveyors are commonly used in sawmills for most bulk material handling. Georgia Pacific had an existing problematic screw conveyor conveying bark. The maintenance manager was concerned that the screw could fail at any moment and did not have a spare on hand. Loss of production or downtime was not an option.

KWS Advantage

KWS immediately made a site visit to review the application with the maintenance manager. The replacement screws were very special in design with hardsurfacing to reduce wear. KWS recommended increasing the center pipe size and flight thickness to increase wear life. KWS delivered the new screws with the improved features in less than five days. No loss of production or downtime occurred, making the maintenance manager very happy.