Everything You Need To Know To Find The Best Spiral Chute

Spiral gravity chutes look really cool. They are the helter skelters of factories and warehouses. It’s important to note that they are not employee playground toys though, we certainly wouldn’t recommend that!

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From high to low

You’ll typically find spiral gravity chutes quickly transferring boxed items or tote bins from a high level area – like a mezzanine floor – to the ground floor.

Great for when space is at a premium

Their spiral shape makes the best use of space in confined areas when conventional decline belt conveyors simply wouldn’t be able to achieve an appropriate angle. The spiralled design and chute camber enable products to descend in a very controlled manner. Brake rollers often slow the product down at the exit point.

And spiral gravity chutes are easy to assemble on site. Reinforced fibreglass moulding segments bolt together are fitted around a central supporting post.

Multiple configurations possible to support your needs

You can have spiral gravity chutes just the way you like them. Numerous infeed and outfeed configurations are possible and multiple layout options are available by using entry and exit extension modules.

Our spiral chutes can handle loads of up to 25kgs. We always test to make sure they can support the items that you need handling.

Are you interested in learning more about Spiral Chute? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

The pictures shown are spiral chute applications that handle shoes and trainers. Also shown is one for automative small parts picking.

Fancy your own chute?

These design factors include flow rate, pitch, diameter, material, intended use, and environment. How do you choose the correct spiral gravity let down chute for your product? You test it. And, you test it again. Testing on spiral gravity chutes is very important because all products flow down differently. So come to Astro and experiment on our three samples, here at Astro in Hanover, MN. We would love to assist you in the right design because we care!

• 18” OUTSIDE DIAMETER
• 30” OUTSIDE DIAMETER
• 54” OUTSIDE DIAMETER

Testing the Flow Rate, Pitch and Diameter

It is important to know what flow rate you are trying to achieve. This is in order to design a spiral that can achieve it. Therefore, how your product behaves sliding down the chute is the biggest influence to take into account. The whole system is designed around this key element. The required pitch must be finessed to achieve the desired amount of flow that is needed, given the diameter of the chute.  The flow rate is the function of the width, and the pitch you can get on it.

The right pitch is needed for your product to flow faster, but at a safe speed for minimal breakage of the items. This pitch has much to do with how a flight is stretched. The more you stretch it, the more you get a larger pitch.  However, there is a limit to how much a given size flight can stretch.

Spiral Gravity Chute Material

Our spiral chutes are made with either stainless steel or mild steel. It depends on the intended use and environmental factors, of course.  Do you require food grade vs non-food grade material? Plus, consider temperature and atmosphere when choosing the material and finish.

Common Products to Test on Spiral Gravity Chutes

• Raw and roasted coffee beans
• Peanuts, cashews, nuts & seeds
• Fertilizer
• Packages
• Snacks & candy
• Crackers & cookies
• Dry pasta
• Cereals
• Grains
• Frozen prepared foods, i.e. frozen burgers
• Pet food & animal treats
• Airport baggage handling
• Parcel handling

Collaborative Design on Chutes

Designing spirals is not an exact science. That’s why we’re here to assist you. All our spiral chutes are customized and fitted precisely to each unique environment and specification. Our team collaborates with our customers on design, fabrication, and implementation. Plus, there are virtually no limitations on the length of our spirals.  However, maximum length of a spiral chute in “one piece” is 40’.

The company is the world’s best Sortation Equipment supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.