{"id":8224,"date":"2016-02-09T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-02-09T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/?p=8224"},"modified":"2023-06-11T22:12:30","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T03:12:30","slug":"how-to-reduce-your-storage-footprint-with-spiral-conveyors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cisco-eagle.com\/blog\/2016\/02\/09\/how-to-reduce-your-storage-footprint-with-spiral-conveyors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Reduce Your Storage Footprint with Spiral Conveyors"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"spiral<\/p>\n

In any warehouse or distribution facility, there are two critical\u2014and usually very limited\u2014commodities: time and space.<\/em><\/p>\n

Warehouses and DC’s are limited by these two constraints \u2013 you basically have your square footage, your people, and 24 hours in a day\u2014or less, if you aren\u2019t running three shifts. These constraints drive us to refine processes and optimize performance. Let\u2019s discuss a type of equipment that can save time and slash the need for space: spiral conveyors<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

There is only so much floor space, so in order to expand operations on an existing footprint, warehouses look to utilize their vertical space by employing mezzanines<\/a>, elevated conveyors, work platforms, pick modules<\/a>. A spiral conveyor transports product to and from these types of equipment quickly and without interruption to the conveying process or additional material handling.<\/p>\n

There are four key advantages to spiral conveyors: minimal floor space requirements, high throughput, low energy requirements, and ease of installation.<\/p>\n

Space requirements<\/strong><\/h4>\n

If there is a need to convey product to a different level in a warehouse, there are typically two ways to do it: incline conveyor or spiral conveyor (for some items, you can also employ vertical reciprocating conveyors). In terms of space requirements, a spiral conveyor is far and away the winner. It takes advantage of a warehouse\u2019s vertical space and consumes minimal floor space\u00a0while seamlessly integrating with existing conveyors.<\/p>\n

\"spiral<\/p>\n

Spiral conveyors work well to connect pick modules, mezzanines, multilevel buildings, and elevated conveyor lines. Multiple entry spirals, accumulation buffers, and high capacity spirals are just a few of the different models available to suit a warehouse\u2019s specific challenges.<\/p>\n

Excellent vertical throughput<\/h4>\n

\"sprial<\/p>\n

This is where valuable time can be saved: Spirals convey the load in a continuous flow allowing for high throughput. The spiral design allows more product (totes, cartons, bottles, etc.) to be moved within a compact space. Because of their design, spirals can run faster and more efficiently than most incline conveyors. Most spiral conveyors have the ability to move product safely in an upward or downward direction, which adds to their versatility.<\/p>\n

Need even more throughput? Dual track spiral conveyors have two tracks within one spiral for double the product flow and density. Look at these videos<\/a> \u2013 these Ryson Mass Flow Spirals handle full and empty bottles, cans, or jars up to 2,000 units per minute.<\/p>\n

Reduced energy requirements<\/h4>\n

In most scenarios, spiral conveyors are low energy simply because they require fewer drives to operate. Take another look at the first figure. The incline conveyor uses seven drives, while the spiral conveyor solution utilizes three. The result is a 133 percent more efficient operation.<\/p>\n

Ease of installation<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Today\u2019s warehouses are complicated. However, the simple design and machinery of spirals typically reduce integration costs. There\u2019s less wiring, controls, and installation necessary. Spiral conveyors are often delivered in one piece, pre-assembled and tested.<\/p>\n

Spiral conveyors are adaptable as well, in that they can be built to suit particular needs, in terms of size, speed, and environment (i.e. freezer).<\/p>\n

Spiral conveyor resources<\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A spiral conveyor offers many advantages to the modern warehouse. Is it the right solution for your operation? See these resources for more information:<\/p>\n