Cattle Operation Thrives with KWS Solution

General Description

Local ranchers across the nation grow and raise livestock on open prairies keeping millions of people fed. While the land provides some sustenance, ranchers also must provide nutritional supplements to the cattle. Cattle feed and supplements are stored in silos or bins and distributed every day. Many of these locations are remote and on ranches without power sources normally available for most conveyor applications. Portable conveyors are used in some instances with single phase generators/welders providing the needed power.

Ranchers in northwest Texas provide cattle for JBS in Cactus or Tyson Foods in Amarillo. One of the ranching operations contacted KWS to solve a cattle feed problem and make their operations more efficient. Cattle feed and supplements arrive by semi-truck and are off-loaded with inclined portable grain augers for storage in two 30-foot tall silos. KWS provided a diverter gate and screw conveyor to alternately fill the two silos. The solution was permanent, cost-effective, and required some ingenious engineering.

Design Parameters

1. Product Type: Cattle Feed – Grains, Dried Protein
2. Material Density: 45 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
3. Capacity: 3,500 Lbs. per Hour or Cubic Feet per Hour
4. Duty: 8 Hours per Day, 7 Days per Week

KWS Advantages

KWS stocks CEMA (Conveyor Equipment Manufacturer Association) standard screw conveyor components that are available for same-day shipment. Combining standard components with industry experience and application knowledge sets KWS apart from all competitors. Advantages of this design include parts availability, easy access to maintenance points, elimination of made to order parts, and reduction of required electrical components resulting in total customer satisfaction with long term results.

KWS Special Features

For each screw conveyor, KWS used stock screws, one right-hand and one left-hand. Each conveyor had discharges on both ends, with a diverter gate in the center. Stock troughs, trough ends and covers were also used, creating a very cost-effective design. A gear reducer with a single-phase electric motor was located on one end. Once the screw conveyor was energized, cattle feed was conveyed from the center of the unit to either end depending on which direction the divertor was opened. This unique feature eliminates reversing contactors, extreme wear, and torque overloads on motor/gearbox, providing uninterrupted operation. The right and left-hand screws simply convey cattle feed to each end without any additional equipment or controls. A hanger bearing was required for connection of the two screws. The hanger was specifically located beneath the “Y” of the diverter and would virtually never be exposed to the cattle feed, reducing wear on the hanger bearing. A special door was provided over the hanger for inspection. Ingenious creativity using stock parts in a unique manner allowed for rapid delivery at an economical price.