Sectional Flights Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction: Sectional flights, also known as auger flights, are essential components of many industrial equipment and machinery, including screw conveyors, augers, and screw feeders. These helical-shaped components play a crucial role in material handling, bulk solids processing, and various other applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about sectional flights, including their types, materials, design considerations, and common applications.

1. Understanding Sectional Flights: Sectional Flights are curved metal blades that are welded together to form a continuous helical shape. They are typically made from carbon steel, stainless steel, or other durable materials, depending on the specific application requirements. Sectional flights are available in various sizes, pitches, and configurations to accommodate different materials, flow rates, and operational conditions.

2. Types of Sectional Flights: a) Standard Sectional Flights: These are the most common type of sectional flights and have a uniform pitch and diameter throughout their length. They are widely used in many industrial applications for handling bulk materials with regular flow characteristics.

b) Ribbon Sectional Flights: Ribbon flights have a larger pitch and thinner cross-section compared to standard flights. They are specifically designed for handling cohesive or sticky materials that tend to adhere to the flight surface.

c) Cut-and-fold Sectional Flights: Cut-and-fold flights consist of multiple segments that are cut from flat metal sheets and then folded into a helical shape. This type of flight allows for customization and flexibility in terms of pitch and diameter variations along the length of the flight.

3. Materials Used in Sectional Flights: The choice of material for sectional flights depends on the specific application requirements, including the nature of the conveyed material, operating temperature, corrosion resistance, and wear characteristics. Common materials used for sectional flights include carbon steel, stainless steel, abrasion-resistant steel, and special alloys.

4. Design Considerations: a) Pitch and Diameter: The pitch and diameter of sectional flights determine the conveying capacity, material flow rate, and the ability to handle different types of materials. Selecting the appropriate pitch and diameter is crucial to ensure efficient material handling and prevent blockages or excessive wear.

b) Flight Thickness: The thickness of the flight affects its strength, rigidity, and resistance to wear. Thicker flights are generally more durable and suitable for handling abrasive materials or operating in harsh conditions.

c) Edge Configuration: The edge of sectional flights can have different configurations, such as square, rounded, or beveled. The choice of edge configuration depends on the specific application requirements and the material being handled.

d) Welding Methods: Proper welding is essential to ensure the strength and durability of sectional flights. Common welding methods include continuous weld, intermittent weld, and stitch weld. The selection of the welding method depends on the flight design, material thickness, and the desired strength of the joint.

5. Applications of Sectional Flights: Sectional flights find application in various industries, including agriculture, food processing, mining, construction, wastewater treatment, and many more. Some common applications include: a) Conveying bulk materials such as grains, powders, pellets, and aggregates. b) Mixing and blending materials in industrial processes. c) Metering and dosing materials accurately. d) Transporting and elevating materials in vertical or inclined systems. e) Auger drilling for soil sampling or ground investigation.

6. Maintenance and Wear: Regular inspection and maintenance are necessary to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of sectional flights. Abrasive materials, high temperatures, and corrosive environments can cause wear and deterioration of the flight surfaces.