Conveying Corn with S-Path Drag Conveyor for Marquis Energy

General Description

Ethanol is a high octane, high performance, renewable fuel used as an additive in gasoline. Most cars on the road in the US run on gasoline blends with up to 10-percent ethanol. In the ethanol making process, corn kernels are taken from the corn plant and only the starch, which represents about 50% of the dry kernel mass, is transformed into ethanol. Corn kernels are ground into flour and then diluted with water. Marquis Energy produces ethanol through the process of fermentation to convert the starch in corn to fermentable sugar.

Bulk material handling and processing equipment is used throughout the ethanol making process. Marquis Energy has numerous screw conveyors, bucket elevators and drag conveyors at the plant. An S-path drag conveyor had become a maintenance problem and needed replacement. KWS worked with Marquis Energy to supply a new S-path drag conveyor.

Design Parameters

1. Product Type: Corn
2. Material Density: 48 Lbs. per Cubic Foot
3. Conveyor System Capacity: 1,050 Cubic feet per Hour
4. Duty: 24 hours per Day, 7 Days per Week

KWS Advantages

KWS has extensive experience with conveying corn and other grain products. Since the new S-path drag conveyor was replacing an existing unit, a KWS engineer visited the site to verify dimensions and review existing equipment drawings. The site visit reduced equipment lead time and any potential errors.

Special Features

The new KWS S-path drag conveyor including chain and sprockets was constructed from 304 stainless steel to eliminate contamination of the corn. Drag conveyor paddles were made of UHMW and designed in two pieces to efficiently convey on the steep incline. The drag conveyor housing had separate channels, one channel for bulk material conveying isolated from the return side channel.

Covers were provided in short lengths for easy removal and maintenance. Inspection doors with hatches were provided at key locations for quick inspection without need for shutting down. Shaft guards with wire mesh protect personnel from injury. A zero-speed sensor located at the tail end of the conveyor was installed to constantly monitor for any failures or plugging of the equipment.