Calculate Torque Needed for 6" Auger on 17% Incline

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on calculating the torque required for a 6-inch auger operating on a 17% incline, considering factors such as the auger's dimensions, the weight of the material being conveyed, and the flow rate. Participants explore the necessary parameters for determining torque and power requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the weight of the material in the auger and seeks assistance in determining the torque needed for a gearbox and motor selection.
  • Another participant suggests that additional information, specifically the pitch of the auger, is necessary to calculate torque accurately.
  • A third participant shares resources related to auger dimensions and engineering guidelines, indicating common practices in the industry.
  • Participants acknowledge that certain critical information is missing, which hinders the completion of the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that more information is needed to complete the torque calculations, particularly regarding the auger's pitch. However, there is no consensus on how to proceed without this information.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the available data, such as the lack of information on the auger's pitch and the specific work done against gravity, which affects the torque calculation.

SevenToFive
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I am trying to figure out the torque needed for an auger, but I seem to run into a wall. The auger is 6.00 inches in diameter and 44 feet long and on a 17% incline. The weight of the product going through the auger is 29lbs per cubic foot. So I calculated the cubic feet of the auger, 3.14 * r^2*H = 3.14*0.5^2*44=34.57 cubic feet. Then 34.57ft^3*29lbs*ft^3 = 1002lbs.

I am having a difficult time figuring out how to calculate the torque needed, even if it is a conservative value to know how large of a gearbox we would need with a 40:1 gear ratio and if we can use a 1HP motor on it. The only other information that I have is that the flow rate is 1200 bushels per hour.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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From the throughput, the slope and the length you can calculate the power needed. Through what vertical height is the feedstock lifted, what work is done in the process, and at what rate?
For the torque there is not enough info. You need to know the pitch of the auger, i.e. in each turn how far does the feedstock move.
 
While looking around to see how larger conveyor augers are dimensioned (it appears 1-1/4" ID and 6" pitch is a common size for 6" OD) found an engineering resource http://www.kwsmfg.com/services/screw-conveyor-engineering-guide/kws-calculators.htm# that may be useful. The industry magazine Powder and Bulk Engineering has a variety of articles on the nitty-gritty of conveying, and this one in particular is a good read http://www.powderbulk.com/enews/2013/editorial/story_pdf/pbe_112013RIHF.pdf
 
Haruspex, thanks for reconfirming that I am missing something to complete the calculations.

Asymptotic, Thanks for the links.
 

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