Overview
A spiral conveyor lifts or lowers product by carrying it up a continuous belt that winds in a helix around a central column. Instead of climbing a long straight ramp, the product spirals upward in a tight circle, which is how it changes level while taking up very little floor space.
The saving is significant. A gentle incline conveyor needs a long run to gain height, because the gradient has to stay shallow enough that product does not slide back or tip. A spiral achieves the same elevation within a footprint of roughly a few metres across, which is why it is used when a line has to cross a mezzanine, feed a packing floor above, or move product between levels in a building that has no room for a ramp.
Unlike a vertical lift, which raises product in batches and has to stop, load, lift, unload and return, a spiral conveyor carries product continuously. Nothing waits and nothing is batched, so the line keeps its speed through the elevation change. That makes spirals the usual choice when throughput has to be maintained rather than buffered.
Belt types
Spiral elevator (up)
Raises product from a lower level to a higher one, typically feeding a mezzanine, packing floor or overhead line run.
Spiral lowerator (down)
Lowers product under gravity assist from an upper level, commonly used to bring finished goods down to dispatch and palletising.
Modular belt spiral
Built on side-flexing modular belt, giving a stable positively driven carrying surface for cartons, cases, trays and packs.
Cooling and freezing spiral
Built with an open mesh or open modular belt so air circulates through the product while it travels, adding dwell time inside a chiller or freezer.
Key features
Very small footprint
Elevation is gained within a compact circular footprint rather than a long ramp, freeing up floor space that an incline conveyor would occupy.
Continuous flow
Product moves through without stopping, unlike a vertical lift that works in batches, so the line holds its throughput across the level change.
Gentle on product
Product stays on one belt for the whole climb with no transfers, drops or handovers, so there is far less chance of tipping, spilling or damage.
Adds process dwell time
The long travel path inside a small footprint can double as cooling, draining or curing time, which is why spirals are common in chillers and freezers.
Up or down
The same principle works in both directions, so spirals are used to feed upper levels and to bring finished product back down to dispatch.
Built to your levels
Height, direction of travel, entry and exit positions and belt width are set from your building and line layout rather than a fixed model.
Applications
- Moving product between floors and mezzanines
- Feeding overhead and multi-level line runs
- Lowering finished goods to dispatch and palletising
- Spiral cooling and freezing
- Buffering and accumulation between processes
- Carton, case and tray handling
- Bagged and packed product transfer
- Distribution and order fulfilment centres
Typical specifications
- Direction
- Ascending (elevator) or descending (lowerator)
- Belt types
- Side-flexing modular belt, or open mesh where airflow is required
- Elevation
- Built to the level change required by your building and line layout
- Footprint
- Compact circular footprint, a fraction of the floor space needed by an equivalent incline conveyor
- Flow
- Continuous, product does not stop or batch during the level change
- Frame
- Stainless steel for wash-down, food and chilled duty, or painted steel for dry areas
- Product types
- Cartons, cases, trays, packs and bagged product with a stable base
Typical values for this conveyor type. Final specifications are confirmed for your application on quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is a spiral conveyor?
A spiral conveyor raises or lowers product on a continuous belt that winds in a helix around a central column. It changes the level of a production line within a compact circular footprint, instead of using a long straight incline to gain the same height.
What is the difference between a spiral conveyor and an incline conveyor?
Both change level, but an incline needs a long straight run because the gradient must stay shallow enough that product does not slide back. A spiral gains the same height inside a small circular footprint, saving a large amount of floor space. Choose an incline for a modest rise where you have the length available, and a spiral where height is significant or floor space is tight.
How is a spiral conveyor different from a vertical lift?
A vertical lift moves product in batches. It has to stop, load, lift, unload and return, so the line pauses around it. A spiral conveyor carries product continuously without stopping, so throughput is maintained. Lifts suit low volumes and very tight spaces; spirals suit continuous production.
How much floor space does a spiral conveyor need?
Far less than an incline. The exact diameter depends on the belt width, product size and the elevation required, but the point of a spiral is that the footprint stays roughly constant as height increases, whereas an incline gets longer the higher you go.
Can a spiral conveyor be used for cooling or freezing?
Yes, and it is a common use. Because product travels a long path inside a small footprint, the spiral itself provides dwell time. Fitted with an open mesh or open modular belt inside a chiller or freezer, it doubles as the cooling or freezing stage rather than just a means of changing level.
What products can a spiral conveyor handle?
Cartons, cases, trays, packs and bagged product with a reasonably stable base handle well. Very unstable, top-heavy or loose product needs review first, since it travels a curved path throughout the climb. We check product stability, base condition and weight as part of sizing the spiral.