They are intended for the transport of bulk materials with various grain sizes, from fine-grained to aggregates having several centimetres. They replace belt conveyors in applications with harsh operating conditions – e.g. when transported material damages the belt or in case of high temperatures. Proper shaping of plates or troughs allows using large inclination angles with respect to a level. Their low speed allows using them in, among others, technological processes – for drying, cooling, sorting etc. They can be used in the excavation of construction materials from hoppers or for feeding material to crushers or to the other conveyors.
Plate conveyor consists of lead chains, usually with two tendons, connected with plates, on which the transported material is moved. Supports, with carrier plates made of a sheet, are fixed to chain link’s plates. Chain with plates is moved on chain wheels locked on driving shaft placed on rolling bearings. Drive is transmitted from the motor to shaft using a gear. Tensioning consist of a shaft fixed on two roller bearings and screw drive system because the required shift is small.