BETHLEHEM, PA — A new Flexicon^® flexible screw conveyor with trough hopper can receive material from multiple outlets of feeders, grinders, blenders and other process equipment.

The hopper features an extended-length charging adapter that exposes 45 in. (1143 mm) of the flexible screw rotating within an inclined U-shaped trough to charge material entering the hopper at any point.

The rugged inner screw is the only moving part contacting material, and is offered in numerous designs to handle

both free- and non-free-flowing materials including products that pack, cake or smear, with no separation of blends. As it rotates, the flexible screw self-centers within the tube, providing ample clearance between the screw and tube wall to eliminate or minimize degradation. Material exits the conveyor below the drive point, precluding contact with bearings or seals.

The hopper is equipped with a stainless steel grate for worker safety, and to prevent oversized particles from entering the conveyor.

Smooth, crevice-free surfaces of the screw and tube interior allow in-place flushing with water, steam or cleaning solutions through a lower clean-out cap and/or upper discharge housing. The flexible screw can also be removed through the clean-out for separate sanitizing and inspection of the polymer conveyor tube and stainless steel hopper, as well as the screw.