Calculate Torque Needed for 6" Auger on 17% Incline

  • Thread starter Thread starter SevenToFive
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Torque
Click For Summary
Calculating the torque needed for a 6-inch auger on a 17% incline requires understanding the vertical height the feedstock is lifted and the work done at the specified flow rate of 1200 bushels per hour. The total weight of the material in the auger is approximately 1002 lbs, but additional information, such as the pitch of the auger, is necessary for accurate torque calculations. Resources like engineering guides and industry articles can provide valuable insights into the specifics of auger design and torque requirements. The discussion highlights the importance of gathering all relevant data to determine the appropriate gearbox size and motor specifications. Accurate torque calculations are essential for ensuring efficient operation of the auger system.
SevenToFive
Messages
56
Reaction score
3
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.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 
Here's a video by “driving 4 answers” who seems to me to be well versed on the details of Internal Combustion engines. The video does cover something that's a bit shrouded in 'conspiracy theory', and he touches on that, but of course for phys.org, I'm only interested in the actual science involved. He analyzes the claim of achieving 100 mpg with a 427 cubic inch V8 1970 Ford Galaxy in 1977. Only the fuel supply system was modified. I was surprised that he feels the claim could have been...