Olds Elevator

The basic principle of the Olds Elevator is very simple; however it is a whole new science opening up new possibilities.

The design has only one moving part in contact with the bulk material, a tubular casing with attached in-feed scoops that rotates around a static screw. Generous clearance is provided between the static screw and casing. This clearance is an important design feature that prevents damage to the bulk material, casing wear and metal-on-metal contact. The elevator is self-feeding at a controlled rate as it rotates. Bulk material in the feed hopper typically covers the in-feed scoops. Friction against the inner wall of the casing rotates the material and causes product resting on the screw flight to be driven gently up the inclined face of the screw. The full-bore flow of material avoids back-flow or "leakage" of material through the annular clearance, and hence improves "transport" (operational) efficiency. This also helps to stabilise the central position of the screw to inhibit casing contact, and contrasts dramatically with the dynamic "leakage" that takes place in a conventional screw elevator that offers little resistance to the whirling motion of the rotating screw.

Transport efficiency is increased further by the lower slip between the particles and screw flight surface (i.e. compared with a conventional vertical screw conveyor).

Provides inherent protection against dust explosions
Due to its full-bore mode of flow, the Olds Elevator also provides an inherent explosion barrier or choke that will prevent explosions or deflagrations propagating to other parts of the plant. It also avoids the high-risk ignition sources that may occur inside conventional elevators, especially bucket elevators.

Smooth and precise delivery rates
The in-feed scoops provide a positive, controlled input of material that is volumetrically proportional to casing speed. Hence, the machine may be used as a feed-rate controller, whereas other elevators work as conveyors only and generally need to be fed by another piece of equipment that has to be matched with the loading of the elevator.

Furthermore, the Olds Elevator may be operated over an extremely wide range of rotational speeds and hence, turn-down ratios. Also, the flow of material through and from the Olds Elevator is always smooth and steady, without the pulsations experienced with conventional screw conveyors and bucket elevators. This steady mode of flow is gentle to the product, and hence minimises particle damage and dust generation (even when handling fragile particles).

Kockums Bulk Systems are a member of the worldwide "family" of licensees for this emerging technology with superior levels of safety and efficiency.