Bucket Elevators

Ward designs and manufactures bucket elevators for the vertical handling of dry bulk materials. Centrifugal and continuous-discharge designs are available with belt or chain conveying elements for foundry, mineral, aggregate, metal-processing and other demanding bulk-material-handling applications.

Correct selection depends on the material, required capacity, vertical lift and operating conditions. Bulk density, lump size, moisture, abrasiveness, temperature, flow characteristics and sensitivity to degradation all influence the elevator type, bucket design, speed and construction.

How a Bucket Elevator Works

A bucket elevator carries bulk material vertically in buckets attached to a moving belt or chain inside an enclosed casing. Material enters at the boot, travels upward through the casing and discharges through the head section.

The two principal designs are centrifugal-discharge and continuous-discharge elevators. Their main difference is how the buckets are arranged, operated and discharged.

Centrifugal and Continuous Bucket Elevator Comparison
Design Consideration	Centrifugal Discharge	Continuous Discharge
Bucket Arrangement	Spaced buckets	Closely spaced or overlapping buckets
Typical Operating Speed	Higher	Lower
Discharge Method	Material is projected from the bucket at the head	Material flows from each bucket over the preceding bucket
Feeding Method	Buckets commonly pick up material from the boot	Material is normally directed into the buckets
Material Handling	More energetic loading and discharge	Gentler and more controlled loading and discharge
Typical Materials	Free-flowing materials and moderate lump sizes	Fragile, abrasive, sluggish or larger-lump materials
Typical Application	Often selected for higher-rate handling of free-flowing materials	Often selected where controlled handling and reduced product degradation are important
Conveying Element	Belt or chain	Belt or chain

Final selection must be based on the actual material and duty. Two products with the same bulk density can behave very differently because of moisture, particle shape, temperature, friability or flow characteristics.

Centrifugal-Discharge Bucket Elevators

A centrifugal bucket elevator uses spaced buckets operating at a comparatively high speed. Material enters the boot and is picked up by the buckets. As each bucket passes around the head pulley or sprocket, its speed and changing direction cause the material to leave the bucket and enter the discharge chute.

Centrifugal elevators are commonly used for free-flowing materials, moderate lump sizes and higher-capacity applications. Pulley diameter, elevator speed, bucket shape, spacing and discharge geometry must work together to produce a clean discharge.

Centrifugal Bucket Elevator Dimensions

Centrifugal Bucket Elevator Models and Specifications

Capacities shown are preliminary and depend on material density, bucket fill, operating speed and feed conditions. Final dimensions and equipment selection must be confirmed for the specific application.

Standard Centrifugal Belt or Chain Bucket Elevator
Model number	Suffix	Bucket	Belt	Bucket Capacity		Elevator Capacity	Rate @		Head Section				Pulley Offset	Casing		Boot Section
		Size (x, y, z)	Width (in.)	Gross Cu. Ft.	Net Cu. Ft.	CFH	50 lbs./cu.ft. STPH	100 lbs./cu.ft. STPH	A	D	H	J	K	L	M	N	R
													(inch)
Single Row Elevators
PR-BE-CD-533	*	5 x 3 ½ x 3 ¾ ″A″	6	0.018	0.014	190	4.8	9.5	3′-10 ¾″	3′-5″	1′-0″	1′-11 ½″	2″	2′-11″	11.0	5′-4″	3′-1″
PR-BE-CD-64	*	6 x 4 x 4 ¼ ″A″	7	0.030	0.023	280	7.0	14.0	3′-10 ¾″	3′-5″	1′-0″	1′-11 ½″	2″	2′-11″	11.0	5′-4″	3′-1″
PR-BE-CD-85	*	8 x 5 x 5 ½	9	0.068	0.051	734	18.4	36.7	4′-3 ½″	3′-6 ¼″	1′-0″	2′-1″	2″	3′-2″	14.0	5′-6″	3′-1″
PR-BE-CD-106	*	10 x 6 x 6 ¼	11	0.119	0.089	1,078	26.9	53.9	4′-4″	3′-8 ¼″	1′-0″	2′-2″	3″	3′-4″	16.0	5′-6″	3′-1″
PR-BE-CD-127	*	12 x 7 x 7 ¼	13	0.194	0.146	1,746	43.7	87.3	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	18.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-147	*	14 x 7 x 7 ¼	15	0.226	0.170	2,034	50.9	101.7	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	20.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-148	*	14 x 8 x 8 ½	15	0.297	0.223	2,673	66.8	133.7	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	20.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-168	*	16 x 8 x 8 ½	18	0.339	0.254	3,051	76.3	152.6	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	22.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-188	*	18 x 8 x 8 ½	20	0.381	0.286	3,429	85.7	171.5	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	24.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-208	*	20 x 8 x 8 ½	22	0.423	0.317	3,807	95.2	190.4	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	26.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-248	*	24 x 8 x 8 ½	26	0.495	0.371	4,455	111.4	222.8	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	30.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-1810	*	18 x 10 x 10 ½	20	0.565	0.424	4,794	119.9	239.7	6′-0″	5′-5″	1′-3″	3′-3″	3″	4′-10″	24.0	6′-5″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-2010	*	20 x 10 x 10 ½	22	0.628	0.471	5,329	133.2	266.5	6′-0″	5′-5″	1′-3″	3′-3″	3″	4′-10″	26.0	6′-5″	3′-4″
PR-BE-CD-2410	*	24 x 10 x 10 ½	26	0.753	0.565	6,390	159.7	319.5	6′-0″	5′-5″	1′-3″	3′-3″	3″	4′-10″	30.0	6′-5″	3′-4″
Double Row Elevators
PR-BE-DCD-148	*	(2) x 14 x 8 x 8 ½	30	0.297	0.180	4,320	108.0	216.0	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	34.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-DCD-168	*	(2) x 16 x 8 x 8 ½	34	0.339	0.204	4,896	122.4	244.8	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	38.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-DCD-188	*	(2) x 18 x 8 x 8 ½	38	0.381	0.234	5,616	140.4	280.8	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	42.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-DCD-208	*	(2) x 20 x 8 x 8 ½	42	0.423	0.258	6,192	154.8	309.6	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	46.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-DCD-248	*	(2) x 24 x 8 x 8 ½	50	0.495	0.306	7,344	183.6	367.2	5′-4″	4′-7″	1′-1″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0″	54.0	6′-0″	3′-4″
PR-BE-DCD-1810	*	(2) x 18 x 10 x 10 ½	38	0.565	0.366	8,282	207.1	414.1	6′-0″	5′-5″	1′-3″	3′-3″	3″	4′-10″	42.0	6′-5″	3′-4″
PR-BE-DCD-2010	*	(2) x 20 x 10 x 10 ½	42	0.628	0.407	9,210	230.2	460.5	6′-0″	5′-5″	1′-3″	3′-3″	3″	4′-10″	46.0	6′-5″	3′-4″
PR-BE-DCD-2410	*	(2) x 24 x 10 x 10 ½	50	0.753	0.488	11,043	276.1	552.1	6′-0″	5′-5″	1′-3″	3′-3″	3″	4′-10″	54.0	6′-5″	3′-4″

Continuous-Discharge Bucket Elevators

A continuous elevator uses closely spaced buckets operating at a lower speed. Material is normally directed into the buckets rather than scooped from the boot. At the head, it flows from each bucket over the back of the preceding bucket and into the discharge chute.

This controlled discharge reduces impact and is often preferred for fragile, abrasive, sluggish or larger-lump materials. Continuous elevators may use either belt or chain construction.

Continuous Bucket Elevator Dimensions

Continuous Bucket Elevator Models and Specifications

Standard Continuous Belt or Chain Bucket Elevator
Model number	Suffix	Bucket	Belt	Bucket Capacity		Elevator Capacity	Rate @		Head Section				Pulley Offset	Casing		Boot Section
		Size (x, y, z)	Width (in.)	Gross Cu. Ft.	Net Cu. Ft.	CFH	50 lbs./cu.ft. STPH	100 lbs./cu.ft. STPH	A	D	H	J	K	L	M	N	R
													(inch)
Single Row Elevators
PR-BE-C-85	*	8 x 5 x 7 ¾	9	0.075	0.056	1,010	25.3	50.5	3′-9″	3′-9″	1′-0″	2′-1″	2″	3′-2 ½″	14.5	6′-6″	3′-3″
PR-BE-C-1055	*	10 x 5 ½ x 8 ¾	11	0.114	0.086	1,370	34.3	68.5	4′-0 ½″	3′-9 ⅝″	1′-0″	2′-2″	2″	3′-3 ½″	16.5	6′-6″	3′-0 ½″
PR-BE-C-126	*	12 x 6 x 11 ¾	13	0.165	0.124	1,490	37.3	74.5	4′-0″	3′-10 ¼″	1′-0″	2′-2″	2″	3′-4 ½″	17.5	6′-6″	3′-0″
PR-BE-C-88	*	8 x 8 x 11 ¾	9	0.195	0.146	1,760	44.0	88.0	4′-0″	3′-10 ¼″	1′-0″	2′-2″	2″	3′-4 ½″	18.5	8′-0″	3′-0″
PR-BE-C-116	*	11 x 6 x 8 ¾	12	0.150	0.113	1,800	45.0	90.0	5′-5″	4′-9″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	14.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-126	*	12 x 6 x 8 ¾	13	0.165	0.124	1,980	49.5	99.0	5′-5″	4′-9″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	16.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-127	*	12 x 7 x 11 ¾	13	0.225	0.169	2,030	50.8	101.5	4′-10″	4′-0 ¾″	1′-0″	2′-5″	3″	3′-8 ½″	18.5	8′-0″	3′-11″
PR-BE-C-108	*	10 x 8 x 11 ¾	11	0.246	0.185	2,210	55.3	110.5	5′-6″	4′-7 ¾″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	3′-10 ½″	18.5	8′-0″	3′-10″
PR-BE-C-147	*	14 x 7 x 11 ¾	15	0.264	0.198	2,380	59.5	119.0	5′-5″	4′-9″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	18.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-128	*	12 x 8 x 11 ¾	13	0.296	0.222	2,660	66.5	133.0	5′-6″	4′-7 ¾″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	3′-10 ½″	20.5	8′-0″	3′-10″
PR-BE-C-148	*	14 x 8 x 11 ¾	15	0.340	0.255	3,060	76.5	153.0	5′-5″	4′-9″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	20.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-168	*	16 x 8 x 11 ¾	18	0.396	0.297	3,560	89.0	178.0	5′-5″	4′-9″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	22.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-188	*	18 x 8 x 11 ¾	20	0.448	0.336	4,030	100.8	201.5	5′-5″	4′-9″	1′-3″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	24.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-208	*	20 x 8 x 11 ¾	22	0.500	0.375	4,500	112.5	225.0	5′-5″	5′-0″	1′-6″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	26.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-228	*	22 x 8 x 11 ¾	24	0.549	0.412	4,940	123.5	247.0	5′-5″	5′-0″	1′-6″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	28.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-248	*	24 x 8 x 11 ¾	26	0.600	0.450	5,400	135.0	270.0	5′-5″	5′-0″	1′-6″	2′-10″	3″	4′-0 ½″	30.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-C-1612	*	16 x 12 x 17 ¾	18	0.900	0.675	5,400	135.0	270.0	6′-11″	5′-10 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-0 ½″	22.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-C-2012	*	20 x 12 x 17 ¾	22	1.130	0.848	6,780	169.5	339.0	6′-11″	5′-10 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-0 ½″	26.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-C-2412	*	24 x 12 x 17 ¾	26	1.360	1.020	8,160	204.0	408.0	6′-11″	5′-10 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-0 ½″	30.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-C-3012	*	30 x 12 x 17 ¾	32	1.710	1.283	10,260	256.5	513.0	6′-11″	5′-10 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-0 ½″	36.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-C-3612	*	36 x 12 x 17 ¾	38	2.050	1.538	12,300	307.5	615.0	6′-11″	5′-10 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-0 ½″	42.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-C-4212	*	42 x 12 x 17 ¾	44	2.400	1.800	14,400	360.0	720.0	6′-11″	5′-10 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-0 ½″	48.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-C-4812	*	48 x 12 x 17 ¾	50	2.740	2.055	16,440	411.0	822.0	6′-11″	5′-10 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-0 ½″	54.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-C-4216	*	42 x 16 x 23 ¾	44	4.260	3.195	19,170	479.3	958.5	8′-3″	6′-5 ½″	2′-0″	3′-8″	3″	5′-8 ½″	48.5	10′-0″	4′-11″
PR-BE-C-4816	*	48 x 16 x 23 ¾	50	4.880	3.660	21,960	549.0	1,098.0	8′-3″	6′-5 ½″	2′-0″	3′-8″	3″	5′-8 ½″	54.5	10′-0″	4′-11″
Double Row Elevators
PR-BE-DC-168	*	(2) 16 x 8 x 11 ¾	34	0.396	0.246	5,890	147.3	294.5	5′-5″	4′-10″	1′-6″	2′-10″	3″	4′-2 ½″	38.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-DC-208	*	(2) 20 x 8 x 11 ¾	42	0.500	0.310	7,440	186.0	372.0	5′-5″	5′-1″	1′-6″	2′-10″	3″	4′-2 ½″	50.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-DC-228	*	(2) 22 x 8 x 11 ¾	46	0.549	0.340	8,170	204.3	408.5	5′-5″	5′-1″	1′-6″	2′-10″	3″	4′-2 ½″	54.5	8′-0″	3′-9″
PR-BE-DC-1612	*	(2) 16 x 12 x 17 ¾	34	0.900	0.558	8,930	223.3	446.5	6′-11″	5′-11 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-2 ½″	38.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-DC-2012	*	(2) 20 x 12 x 17 ¾	42	1.130	0.701	11,210	280.3	560.5	6′-11″	5′-11 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-2 ½″	46.5	10′-0″	4′-3″
PR-BE-DC-2412	*	(2) 24 x 12 x 17 ¾	50	1.360	0.843	13,490	337.3	674.5	6′-11″	5′-11 ½″	1′-9″	3′-4″	3″	5′-2 ½″	54.5	10′-0″	4′-3″

Bucket Elevator Product Number Code

PR-BE- identifies a Ward bucket elevator product.

D identifies a double-row elevator. CD means centrifugal discharge; C means continuous discharge; M means mill; and SC means super capacity.

The product number then includes the model number, such as PR-BE-DC-208. Suffix B identifies belt construction and suffix C identifies chain construction.

Engineering notes: Belt speeds outside the range of 200 to 330 fpm are custom designs. For Mill and Super Capacity elevators, contact our engineering team for details.

Table dimensions are based on 6-inch boot take-up. For other take-up lengths, contact our engineering team. All tabular information is subject to change without notice. Actual dimensions will be supplied with your order.

Belt or Chain Bucket Elevators

Both centrifugal and continuous elevators can be built with a belt or chain conveying element.

Belt elevators are often selected for cleaner materials, higher operating speeds, quieter operation and lower rotating mass. Belt tension, temperature rating, material compatibility, tracking, bucket fasteners and splice design must be considered.

Chain elevators are commonly used for hot, abrasive, heavy or severe-duty applications. Chain pitch, attachments, sprockets, lubrication, alignment and wear allowance must be matched to the duty.

Final selection depends on material temperature, loading, speed, environment and maintenance requirements.

Selecting a Bucket Elevator

The following information should be reviewed before selecting or sizing an elevator:

Material, bulk density and flow characteristics
Required capacity and vertical lift
Maximum lump size and moisture content
Abrasiveness, temperature and corrosiveness

Sensitivity to breakage or degradation
Feed and discharge arrangement
Indoor, outdoor and dust-control requirements
Operating schedule and surrounding equipment

Theoretical capacity is only one part of the selection process. Actual performance depends on bucket fill, feed consistency, elevator speed, material behaviour and discharge efficiency.

Application-Specific Design and Service Access

Bucket elevators may be based on standard models or engineered for the material, capacity, lift and plant arrangement.

Available configurations

Centrifugal or continuous discharge
Belt or chain construction
Single- or double-row buckets
Mill-type, Type E and super-capacity designs
Fixed, gravity or counterweight take-ups
Steel, aluminum or stainless-steel casing
High-temperature construction
Special inlet and discharge arrangements

Service and maintenance features

Removable or split head hood
Inspection and bucket-access doors
Boot cleanout access
Removable boot pulley assembly
Wing-type boot pulley
Shaft seals and wear liners
Backstop or holding brake
Platforms, ladders and lifting provisions

Typical Bucket Elevator Uses

Material or Application	Typical Elevator Arrangement	Important Considerations
Dry, Free-Flowing Powders and Granules	Centrifugal belt or chain	Commonly suited to materials with small to moderate lump sizes and predictable discharge characteristics.
Grain, Seeds and Beans	Centrifugal belt	Often used for higher-capacity handling. Dust control, product damage and combustible-dust hazards must be considered.
Fragile or Degradation-Sensitive Materials	Continuous belt or chain	Lower-speed, controlled discharge can reduce impact and product breakage.
Abrasive Sand, Minerals and Aggregates	Continuous chain or heavy-duty centrifugal chain	Wear-resistant buckets, liners, sprockets, chains and accessible cleanout areas may be required.
Cement, Clinker, Lime and Gypsum	Heavy-duty centrifugal or continuous chain	Abrasion, dust, material temperature, buildup and casing wear must be considered.
Foundry Sand, Coke and Slag	Heavy-duty chain or mill-duty elevator	Severe abrasion, elevated temperature, impact loading and maintenance access are important.
Large Lumps or Heavy Material	Continuous or super-capacity chain	Larger buckets, controlled feeding, heavy-duty chain and lower operating speed may be required.
Wet, Sticky or Packing Materials	Application-specific centrifugal or continuous design	Bucket profile, direct feeding, coatings, cleanout access and buildup prevention are critical.
Hot Materials	Chain elevator with temperature-rated components	Buckets, chain, shafts, bearings, seals and casing materials must suit the operating temperature.
Salt, Fertilizer and Corrosive Chemicals	Belt or chain with corrosion-resistant construction	Stainless steel, protective coatings, sealed casing and compatible bucket materials may be required.
Light, Fluffy or Aerated Materials	Application-specific belt or chain elevator	Controlled feeding, air venting, bucket fill and dust containment require special attention.
High-Capacity or High-Lift Severe Duty	Super-capacity continuous chain	Double-strand chain, large continuous buckets, heavy shafts and robust take-up systems may be appropriate.

This table is a preliminary guide only. Final elevator selection depends on the material’s bulk density, maximum lump size, flowability, abrasiveness, temperature, moisture, degradation characteristics, required capacity and vertical lift.

Maintenance, Replacement Parts and Existing Elevators

Ward can assist with maintenance requirements, replacement components and repairs for existing bucket elevators. Support may include buckets, belts, chains, sprockets, pulleys, shafts, bearings, take-ups, drives, casing repairs, wear liners and inlet or discharge modifications.

Routine inspection should include belt tracking and tension, chain wear, bucket condition, fasteners, pulley or sprocket wear, bearings, take-up travel, shaft alignment, casing leakage, material buildup and drive condition.

Identifying Replacement Buckets and Components

Replacement parts can often be identified from an original model number, drawing, equipment nameplate, sample component, photographs or field measurements.

Useful information includes bucket length, projection and depth; material and thickness; hole spacing and bolt diameter; belt width or chain attachment; bucket spacing; handled material; operating temperature; and elevator speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is bucket elevator capacity determined?

Capacity is based on working bucket volume, bucket spacing, number of rows and operating speed. Bulk density converts the volumetric rate into a mass flow rate. Actual capacity must account for bucket fill, feed consistency and discharge efficiency.

Can replacement buckets be supplied for an older elevator?

In many cases, yes. The most useful information is the existing bucket dimensions, hole pattern, belt width or chain attachment, bucket spacing, handled material and photographs. Original model numbers or drawings are particularly helpful.

What information is needed to select a bucket elevator?

Provide the material, capacity, bulk density, maximum lump size, temperature, vertical lift, feed arrangement, discharge elevation and operating conditions.

Discuss Your Bucket Elevator Application

Ward can assist with new bucket elevators, application-specific designs, replacement components and evaluations of existing equipment.

For a new elevator, provide the material, required capacity, bulk density, lump size, temperature, vertical lift and operating conditions.

For replacement buckets or components, provide the equipment model, photographs and available field dimensions.

Contact Ward Industrial Equipment to discuss your bucket elevator application.

Ward Industrial Equipment Inc