Plug and Play Screw Conveyor Replacement
Introduction
Smithers-Oasis Company operates a floral foam manufacturing plant in Kent, OH. Floral foam is a dense, lightweight, and porous material primarily used by florists and hobbyists to secure flower stems in place and keep fresh blooms hydrated. A dust collection system at the plant discharges floral foam dust into a hopper, which feeds an airlock. The airlock discharges into an existing inclined screw conveyor.
Challenge
After decades of service, the existing screw conveyor needed to be replaced. The new conveyor had to fit the same location precisely, without field modifications. Exact dimensions were essential to align the inlet, discharge, supports, drive, and overall geometry with the dust collection system and surrounding equipment. Motion in North Canton, OH, contacted KWS to provide the replacement.
KWS Advantage
KWS manufactured a complete replacement screw conveyor that dimensionally matched the original equipment with a few design improvements. Formed flange split tubular troughs with heavy-duty sectional screw sections, upgraded hanger bearings, a new drive unit and a pneumatic slide gate made the new system even better. KWS provided detailed approval drawings to verify fit before fabrication. The replacement conveyor installed properly and operated exactly as required, minimizing risk for Motion and Smithers-Oasis.
Customer Testimonial
“KWS provided excellent support throughout the entire process, from reviewing the original equipment details to making sure the replacement conveyor fit properly. Their communication was very good during the project and their support after the sale gave us confidence that Smithers-Oasis had the right solution.”
Paul Soukup, Branch Manager – Motion Industries North Canton
New Screw Conveyor Fit Same Location Precisely
Design Upgrades Included Split Tubular Troughs and a New Drive Unit
