28 Apr What Are Bulk Material Handling Systems & Why You Need Them
In industries where powders, grains, minerals, or other raw materials are moved in large volumes, you can’t do without a bulk material handling system. These systems reduce your need for manual labour, increase safety, and ensure materials get where they need to be.
But among the options of belt, screw, and other conveyors out there, which type of bulk material handling equipment helps serve your facility best? Let’s find out.
What are bulk material handling systems?
Bulk material handling systems are integrated mechanical systems that manage the movement, storage, and processing of dry bulk materials like powders, pellets, grains, or other loose solids.
A typical system includes:
- Conveyors (e.g., screw conveyor, belt conveyor, bucket elevator)
- Hoppers and silos
- Feeders and valves
- Control systems
Together, they ensure smooth flow from storage to production with less spillage and contamination.
Belt conveyors vs. screw conveyors: what’s the difference?
Belt and screw conveyors are the most common components, but which conveyor is used for handling bulk materials depends on your application.
| Feature | Belt Conveyor | Screw Conveyor (Auger Conveyor) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Continuous, linear | Rotational inside an enclosed tube |
| Best for | Long-distance, high-volume transport | Controlled, short-distance material flow |
| Suitable materials | Grains, packaged goods, aggregates | Powder, sludge, semi-solids |
| Layout | Requires more floor space | Ideal for vertical or inclined transport |
| Material exposure | Open or semi-covered | Fully enclosed for dust control |
For the most part, belt conveyors are ideal for high-volume continuous material handling, offering speed and gentle transport. On the other hand, screw conveyors are better for precise, enclosed movement of semi-solid materials, especially in tight layouts or vertical bulk transport.
The ability to move materials around in bulk is a cornerstone of industry
Common applications of bulk handling systems
Bulk handling systems are used wherever materials need to move continuously in large volumes, such as:
- Cement plants – Raw material dosing and transfer
- Fertiliser and chemical plants – Corrosive powder handling with sealed systems
- Agriculture/food processing – Grain, flour, feed movement
- Plastic and resin manufacturing – Pellet and powder transfer
- Waste and recycling – Efficient separation and conveying
Though they all move bulk materials, each facility may tailor a system to fit its specific needs.
What to consider when choosing a bulk material handling system
When selecting bulk handling equipment, consider:
- Material type and properties – Is it abrasive, sticky, fragile, or dusty?
- Capacity and speed – How much material do you need to move per hour?
- Space constraints – Can you go vertical, or is horizontal movement preferred?
- Environmental conditions – Indoor vs. outdoor, humid or dry
- Maintenance requirements – How often can downtime be tolerated?
Knowing your material properties and workflow goals helps you select the right combination of bulk solids transfer equipment.
Find your ideal material flow solutions
In bulk-heavy industries, the right material handling system brings speed, precision, hygiene, safety, and long-term efficiency. Whether you’re upgrading an existing line or starting a new facility, you need the right solutions to maintain a consistent flow of materials.
At SJEC, we offer expertly engineered solutions in belt conveyors, screw conveyors, and complete bulk material handling systems, supported by export-ready delivery terms of FOB, EXW, and CIF. We make it easier for both local and international buyers to get exactly what they need.
Reach out to our team today to discover what we can do for you!
FAQ
What are bulk materials used for?
Bulk materials such as grains, cement, coal, powders, and plastic pellets are essential in industries like agriculture, construction, chemicals, and manufacturing. They’re often used in high-volume processes that require reliable and continuous transfer systems.
What does ``bulk handling`` mean?
Bulk handling refers to the process of storing, transporting, and managing loose materials — often in large quantities — using mechanical systems and equipment like screw conveyors, belt conveyors, silos, and hoppers.
What are the types of material handling?
Material handling generally falls into three categories:
- Manual handling – Involves physical effort from workers to move items
- Mechanised handling – Uses powered tools like forklifts and basic conveyor systems
- Automated handling – Relies on integrated systems such as robotics and smart conveyors for high-efficiency transfer
For industries that manage high volumes of bulk materials, mechanised and automated systems — like belt and screw conveyors — offer safer, faster, and more consistent operations.
How big is the material handling industry?
As of 2024, the global material handling equipment market is valued at approximately USD239.3 billion, with projections reaching USD390.88 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.4%, according to a Fortune Business Insights report.
This growth is fuelled by automation, e-commerce, and advancements in warehouse management systems. Industries like food processing, mining, logistics, and packaging are key contributors to this expanding market.