Spiral Return Roller Working Principle

Spiral rollers work by using a helical rib or rubber spiral that rotates with the return belt.
As the roller turns, the spiral shape moves material outward, continuously cleaning the belt underside and preventing buildup on the roller surface.

For steel spirals, the rigid helix provides strong scraping force suitable for dry and abrasive materials.
For rubber spirals, the flexible surface absorbs vibration and gently removes sticky, damp or clay-like materials without damaging the belt.

This mechanical self-cleaning effect reduces return-side contamination and improves overall conveyor hygiene.

System Benefits

Using spiral rollers on the return side provides several system-level benefits:

Cleaner return belt reduces wear on standard return idlers.
Less material accumulation under the conveyor, improving safety and housekeeping.
Lower bearing failure rate because debris is removed before reaching the bearing zone.
Better belt tracking due to consistent return path conditions.
Reduced shutdown time-manual cleaning is required far less often.
Ideal for upgrading existing conveyors without structural modifications.

In operations dealing with sticky, wet or powdery materials, spiral rollers often pay back quickly through reduced maintenance and reduced carry-back.

Key Applications

Mining & Quarrying: To transport heavy, abrasive materials such as coal, sand, and gravel.
Cement & Aggregate: For handling bulk cement, limestone, and other aggregates.
Agriculture: Used in transporting grains, fertilizers, and feed.
Logistics & Manufacturing: For general bulk material handling and packaging industries.

Types of Spiral Return Rollers

01/

Steel Spiral Return Roller

Made with a steel core and steel spiral strip.

Ideal for heavy-duty applications where abrasion resistance and durability are key.

Provides excellent self-cleaning, but may be noisier and less forgiving on belts.

02/

Rubber Spiral Return Roller

Has a rubber-coated spiral surface.

Designed to offer better impact absorption, noise reduction, and belt protection.

Commonly used in environments with sticky materials or when noise reduction is a priority.

Difference Between Steel Spiral Rollers and Rubber Spiral Rollers

Aspect	Steel Spiral Roller	Rubber Spiral Roller
Material	Carbon steel tube with welded steel spiral strip	Steel core with rubber-coated spiral surface
Wear Resistance	Excellent; handles abrasive materials and harsh impact	Good; softer surface wears faster under sharp materials
Self-Cleaning	Very effective due to rigid spiral design	Also effective, better for sticky materials
Impact Absorption	Low; rigid steel transmits shock	High; rubber absorbs shock and reduces belt damage
Noise Level	Louder during operation	Quieter due to rubber damping
Corrosion Resistance	Needs coating (galvanized or powder-coated)	Rubber resists corrosion; better in wet environments
Belt Protection	Moderate; suitable for durable belts	High; gentle on belts, prevents scuffing
Temperature Resistance	Performs well in high temperatures	Limited by rubber properties
Weight	Heavier	Lighter due to rubber coating
Cost	Generally lower	Slightly higher due to rubber processing
Best For	Mining, heavy-duty, dry environments	Cement, fertilizer, wet or sticky material handling

Selection Guide

Choose Steel Spiral Rollers when you need maximum durability, abrasion resistance, and performance in dry, heavy-duty environments like mining or quarrying.

Choose Rubber Spiral Rollers when you want better belt protection, lower noise, and impact absorption, especially in wet, sticky, or corrosive environments like cement or fertilizer handling.

Let me know your specific application - We can help you decide which fits best.

Sprial return roller specification

Steel Sprial Roller Draiwng

Rubber Sprial Roller Draiwng

Belt Width		Dimension									Bearing
Belt Width	Φ SD	Φ D	Φ d	Φ w	L1	L2	A	K	B	W	Bearing
400	Φ 90.3	Φ 76.3	Φ 20	7	460	505	480	8	12.5	14	6204 2RS
450					510	555	530
500					560	605	580
600					660	705	680
650					710	755	730
600	Φ 115.1	Φ 89.1		13	660	705	680
750					850	905	880
800					900	955	930
900					1000	1055	1030
1000	Φ 140.3	Φ 114.3	Φ 25		1100	1162	1140	11	16	18	6205 2RS
1050					1150	1212	1180
1200					1300	1362	1330
1400	Φ 165.8	Φ 139.8	Φ 30		1510	1585	1550		17.5	22	6206 2RS
1600			Φ 30		1710	1785	1750			22	6206 2RS
1800			Φ 35		2000	2075	2040			25	6207 2RS
2000			Φ 35		2200	2275	2240			25	6207 2RS
2200			Φ 40		2400	2475	2440			31	6308 2RS
2400			Φ 40		2600	2675	2640			31	6308 2RS