For transporting sticky bulk materials reliably over short to moderate distances, which conveyor type is generally the most suitable choice?

Introduction / Context:
Sticky materials adhere to belts and build up in screws, causing tracking, carryback, and blockages. Selecting a conveyor tolerant of adhesion and impact improves availability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Material exhibits stickiness and possibly lumpiness.
• Distance is compatible with mechanical conveyors.
• Robustness and clean discharge are priorities.

Concept / Approach:
Apron (pan) conveyors use overlapping metal plates on chains, resisting sticking and permitting scrapers/knockers. Belts suffer from carryback; screws can plug with sticky feeds; pneumatic systems may suffer from adhesion in pipelines and are costlier for such duties. Vibratory pans can work for mildly sticky materials but lack the ruggedness of apron conveyors for severe cases.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Match stickiness to equipment tolerance.Eliminate belt/screw/pneumatic for severe stickiness issues.Select apron conveyor.

Verification / Alternative check:
Bulk handling guides recommend apron conveyors for cohesive, hot, or abrasive, lumpy materials where belt fouling is problematic.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Belt: carryback and cleaning issues.Screw: risk of plugging and high wear.Pneumatic: adhesion and attrition; higher operating cost.Vibratory pan: viable for some cases but not the most general solution for sticky and heavy-duty service.

Common Pitfalls:
Selecting familiar belt conveyors despite chronic carryback with sticky feeds.

Final Answer:
Apron conveyor