Copyright © 2026 Fluent Conveyors, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Fluent Conveyors logo is a registered trademark of Fluent Conveyors, LLC. Serial Number 97664258 Registered on Dec. 12, 2023
Copyright © 2026 Fluent Conveyors, LLC. All rights reserved.
The Fluent Conveyors logo is a registered trademark of Fluent Conveyors, LLC. Serial Number 97664258 Registered on Dec. 12, 2023
Conveyors facilitate the movement and processing of bulk materials in mines, construction sites, quarries, and other industrial settings. Different conveyors and belts excel at handling different bulk materials.
Loose, granular, or powdery substances moved in large quantities are considered bulk materials. Bulk materials are categorized by size, substance, and saturation. They include:
Coal, iron ore, limestone, and other mined materials.
Sand materials used in construction and landscaping.
Fertilizers, powders, and other industrial chemicals.
By-products of wood processing and lumber industries.
Materials used in construction for making concrete.
Wheat, rice, corn, and other agricultural products.
Sugar, flour, salt, and other bulk food ingredients.
Trough idler, flat idler, roller chain, and slider bed conveyors excel at handling bulk materials.
Trough idler conveyors use idlers to support the belt in a “U” or trough shape that contains loose materials. Idlers distribute load weight evenly across the belt. Trough idlers can navigate inclines, declines, and corners for long-distance conveying. They can process most bulk materials, including:
Granular materials (grains, seeds, sand, gravel, and aggregate)
Powdery, dry materials (cement, lime, flour, plastic powders, and metal powders)
Lump materials (coal, coke, ores, minerals, and rocks)
Fibrous materials (wood chips, sawdust, paper fibers, and textile fibers)
Wet and sticky materials (clay, mud, wet sand, biomass, pulp, and tailings)
Flat idler conveyors are pulley-driven and support the belt with idlers. They can handle many of the same materials as trough idlers. They are better for moving less larger particles and for indoor use (away from wind). Materials moved by flat idler conveyors include the following:
Granular materials (grains, seeds, sand, gravel, and aggregate)
Lump materials (coal, coke, ores, minerals, and rocks)
Fibrous materials (wood chips, sawdust, paper fibers, and textile fibers)
Wet and sticky materials (clay, mud, wet sand, biomass, pulp, and tailings)
Flat idlers commonly feed grinders and shredders. Radial stacker conveyors are often inclined idler conveyors. They have cleated belts and pivot around a fixed point to discharge bulk materials into piles.
Roller chain conveyors are sprocket-driven and generate high torque for moving heavy materials. Rubber combination belts are the most common bulk material handling belts for roller chain conveyors. They combine a continuous rubber belt cover with steel reinforcement and cleats
Roller chain conveyors are useful for heavy, abrasive, and hot materials, including:
Granular materials (grains, seeds, sand, dirt, and aggregate)
Lump materials (coal, coke, ores, minerals, and rocks)
Roller chain conveyors can be equipped with metal belts to withstand constant impact, high temperatures, and chemical exposure.
Slider bed conveyors are best for moving bulk materials over shorter distances. They support the belt with a smooth, flat slider bed. Slider beds generate smooth movement, gently transporting delicate materials. They often transfer bulk materials between stations in food processing and pharmaceutical facilities. Slider bed conveyors process:
Powdery, dry materials (cement, lime, flour, plastic powders, and metal powders)
Grains and seeds (wheat, rice, corn, and other agricultural products)
Food products (sugar, flour, salt, and other bulk food ingredients)
The following industries rely on conveyors for bulk material handling:
Agriculture: belt conveyors and screw conveyors transport granular materials such as grains and seeds.
Trough idler, flat idler, and roller chain conveyors move abrasive rocks and ores.
Construction and demolition: portable conveyors transport raw materials and demolition debris.
Belt conveyors and flexible screw conveyors and belt conveyors handle bulk materials such as sugar, flour, and grains.
Conveyors move delicate materials, such as powders, granules, and pills.
Chemical: conveyors with chemical-resistant belts transport hazardous materials, abrasive materials, and dusty materials.
Energy: Troughed belt conveyors, roller chain conveyors, and en-masse drag conveyors handle coal, biomass, and ash.
We design conveyors for all industries and materials.
Are you looking for a custom conveyor solution? We can help you design a conveyor to suit your needs. All Fluent conveyors are engineered and made in the USA to meet the most stringent tolerances.
Made from premium components, our conveyors deliver exceptional strength and longevity. Whether you need a slider bed conveyor, a flat idler, or any other conveyor system, contact Fluent and tell us what you need. We will build you a custom conveyor—and you can even pick your own color.
