Ribbon flighting refers to a specific type of helical flighting used in screw conveyors and augers. Unlike the continuous helical design found in standard helicoid flighting, ribbon flighting consists of individual, flat, and wide blades that are arranged in a ribbon-like fashion around the central shaft of a screw conveyor or auger.
Key characteristics of ribbon flighting include:
Flat, Wide Blades: Ribbon flighting consists of blades that are wider and flatter compared to the helical blades in traditional helicoid flighting. The flat design provides a larger surface area for material contact.
Segmented Structure: The blades in ribbon flighting are often segmented and spaced apart along the auger’s shaft, creating gaps between the blades.
Material Conveyance: Ribbon flighting is well-suited for conveying cohesive or sticky materials. The gaps between the blades allow for better material flow, reducing the risk of clogging or buildup.
Mixing and Blending: The design of ribbon flighting is conducive to mixing and blending applications. It is often used in screw conveyors where a combination of conveying and mixing is required.
Ribbon flighting is commonly utilized in various industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processing, where materials may be sticky or prone to clumping. The design of ribbon flighting allows for efficient material conveyance while minimizing the risk of material buildup.
When selecting flighting for a screw conveyor or auger, the choice between ribbon flighting and other types of flighting depends on the specific characteristics of the materials being handled and the desired performance of the conveyor system.