Control of the work, elements and modelling of the bucket elevators in modern software packages

Bucket elevators is the most commonly used device for the transport of bulk, granular materials, from lower to higher levels. This role of the bucket elevators has been achieved thanks to its advantages, such as low power consumption, large capacities, high reliability and low maintenance costs. This paper is based on theoretical and practical analysis of the operation of the bucket elevators. The basic elements of the bucket elevators are presented in this paper, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages in practical application. The possibilities of electronic control of the bucket elevators operation as a basis for preventive maintenance are examined. The possibilities of modelling in modern software packages, individual elements of bucket elevators, primarily connecting elements, are presented. Considering that all the standards and recommendations from the practice, related to the use of bucket elevators, are covered by the analysis of the work and elements of the bucket elevators, this paper can serve as a guide in the selection and design of bucket elevators. (paper)