Vertical Screw Elevator

Kian Industry’s vertical screw elevator is one of the most advanced and efficient equipment for vertical conveying of bulk powder, granular, and semi-solid materials. This device uses a powerful screw inside a closed tube to move materials to high elevations without dust leakage and with minimal product damage. Imagine in a cement or petrochemical plant, conveying materials directly from ground level to a height of 30 meters into silos or production lines, without the need for multiple devices and with very low energy consumption. Kian Industry designs and manufactures this elevator from scratch using European components and precise engineering for Iran’s harsh industrial conditions. High durability, easy maintenance, and flawless performance over years of continuous operation are its outstanding features.

In the second section, this vertical screw elevator occupies much less space compared to bucket elevators, handles sensitive materials without crushing them, and can be installed in confined spaces. Whether for conveying flour, sugar, chemical powder, or plastic granules, this device is always ready to serve. By adjusting the speed and screw diameter according to your project requirements, it significantly increases your production line productivity. Kian Industry provides complete peace of mind with a 24-month warranty, 10-year technical support, and fast after-sales service. Choosing Kian Industry’s vertical screw elevator means choosing speed, precision, and economy in vertical material conveying.

Vertical Screw Elevator

Vertical conveying of sticky, moist, and sensitive materials with minimal damage and no dust

Designed, manufactured, and commissioned by Kian Industry | 24-month warranty | Suitable for detergent, food, and chemical industries

Kian Industry Vertical Screw Elevator conveying detergent powder

Kian Industry Vertical Screw Elevator - Actual performance in detergent and chemical production lines

The vertical screw elevator is one of the most specialized equipment for vertical handling of materials that bucket elevators cannot transport. Sticky, moist materials, those with irregular particle size, or materials that crush when thrown are easily handled by this device. Kian Industry, utilizing advanced technical knowledge and experience in manufacturing hundreds of units, designs and produces vertical screw elevators in various models with carbon steel, stainless steel 304, and 316 construction. This equipment is widely used in detergent, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and mining industries.

Vertical Screw Elevator Technical Specifications

Feature	Range & Description
Screw Diameter	100 to 600 mm
Elevator Height	Up to 20 meters (in a single unit)
Conveying Capacity	1 to 50 tons/hour
Material Operating Temperature	From -10 to +150 °C
Construction Material	Carbon steel, Stainless Steel 304, Stainless Steel 316
Screw Type	Full flight, ribbon, cut flight (for sticky materials)
Rotational Speed	40 to 200 RPM (adjustable with inverter)

What is a Vertical Screw Elevator and How Does It Work?

A vertical screw elevator is a device that uses a steel or stainless steel screw inside a vertical tube or housing to convey bulk materials from bottom to top. When the gearmotor rotates the screw, incoming material from the bottom hopper is captured and pushed upward by the screw flights. Unlike bucket elevators that throw materials at high speed, in a vertical screw elevator materials move gently with minimal damage. This feature is critical for fragile materials such as milk powder, coffee powder, breakfast cereals, and chips. Also, because the material is in direct contact with the screw, this device is ideal for sticky and moist materials that stick to conventional elevator buckets. Kian Industry designs and manufactures vertical screw elevators with various screw pitches (short pitch for sticky materials, long pitch for free-flowing materials) and robust sealing systems to prevent dust leakage.

History of Vertical Screw Elevator Manufacturing and Reasons for Its Emergence

The idea of using a screw for material handling dates back to Archimedes, but the modern vertical screw elevator was developed in the 1950s alongside the growth of chemical and detergent industries. Detergent powder factories faced a major problem: detergent powder, due to moisture and adhesiveness, would stick to the buckets in bucket elevators and wouldn't discharge properly. Also, sensitive chemical powders were crushed due to being thrown in centrifugal elevators. Engineers from German and Swiss companies proposed using a screw in a vertical path. The first successful vertical screw elevator was installed in 1957 at a detergent powder factory in Switzerland, achieving a capacity of 10 tons/hour with a 12-meter height. In the 1980s, this technology also entered the food industry (milk powder, cocoa powder, flour) and pharmaceuticals. Today, the vertical screw elevator is recognized worldwide as the primary solution for sticky, moist, sensitive, and fragile materials. Kian Industry, by localizing this technology, offers high-quality vertical screw elevators at competitive prices to Iranian industrialists.

Applications of Vertical Screw Elevators in Various Industries

Detergent and Hygiene Industries: Conveying laundry powder, dishwashing powder, bleaching powder, and powdered chemicals. Sticky and moist materials are easily handled without adhering to walls.

Food Industry: Conveying milk powder, cocoa powder, coffee powder, flour, powdered sugar, starch, gelatin, egg powder, and powdered spices. Fragile materials are handled without damage or quality loss.

Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: Conveying activated carbon, pigment powders, resin, catalyst, granular urea, PVC powder, and heat- and impact-sensitive polymer powders.

Mining Industries: Conveying micronized powder, barite, bentonite, talc, coal powder, and mineral concentrates with low moisture.

Pharmaceutical Industries: Conveying pharmaceutical powders, antibiotic raw materials, vitamins, and sterile-sensitive materials. Full stainless steel models with CIP washability are offered.

Animal and Poultry Feed Industry: Conveying concentrate powder, fish meal, meat and bone meal, and powdered additives.

Advantages of Vertical Screw Elevators Over Other Elevators

No damage to fragile materials due to gentle, pressure-based screw movement instead of throwing. Ability to handle sticky and moist materials using cut-flight screws and Teflon or silicone coating on the screw and tube. Completely sealed system with zero dust leakage, ideal for hygienic and sensitive industries. Lower energy consumption compared to bucket elevators at lower capacities (up to 30 tons/hour). Very easy maintenance with limited spare parts (only screw, bearings, and gearbox). Can be installed in narrow and confined spaces due to small tube diameter. Can be manufactured with stainless steel for food and pharmaceutical industries with full washability. Competitive initial price compared to bucket elevators with similar capacity. Kian Industry offers all these advantages with a 24-month warranty and 10-year support.

Types of Kian Industry Vertical Screw Elevator Models

Standard Carbon Steel Model: Suitable for mining, cement, and non-food materials. Economical with good wear resistance. With anti-rust coating and industrial paint.

Sanitary Stainless Steel 304 Model: Suitable for food, dairy, pharmaceutical, and detergent industries. Polished surface and polished weld seams. Washable with water and detergents.

Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel 316 Model: Suitable for chemical industries with acidic and corrosive materials, seawater, and humid environments.

Cut Flight Screw Model: For sticky and moist materials that tend to adhere to the screw. Cut flights mix materials and prevent buildup.

Thermal Insulation Jacket Model: For materials that require maintaining high or low temperatures. Rock wool insulation with steel cladding.

How to Calculate Vertical Screw Elevator Capacity

Vertical screw elevator capacity is calculated using the following formula: Capacity (tons/hour) = (Screw Diameter²) × Screw Pitch × Rotational Speed × Material Density × Fill Factor × 0.000000047. For example, for an elevator with a screw diameter of 250 mm, pitch of 200 mm, speed of 100 RPM, material density of 0.8 t/m³, and fill factor of 0.4: the capacity would be approximately 9.4 tons/hour. In practice, Kian Industry's experts perform the most accurate calculations using specialized software.

Maintenance and Preventive Care

Monthly inspection: Check for unusual noises from gearbox and bearings, inspect tube seals for leaks, lubricate bearings. Quarterly inspection: Open inspection ports and check screw flight wear, tighten connecting bolts. Annual inspection: Full disassembly, weld worn flights or replace screw, change gearbox oil, replace sealing gaskets. Kian Industry provides a complete maintenance checklist with the equipment.

Final Conclusion: The vertical screw elevator is an essential and unparalleled solution for industries dealing with sticky, moist, and fragile materials. Kian Industry, with experience in manufacturing hundreds of units and using the best components, can design and deliver an elevator tailored to your needs. Contact our experts today.