An auger conveyor is a mechanical device that is used to move materials such as grain, sand, or fertilizer from one location to another. It consists of a spiral screw that rotates inside a tube, pushing the material along as it turns. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of an auger conveyor, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
An auger conveyor, also known as a screw conveyor, is a machine that uses a rotating helical screw blade, called an auger, to move materials from one place to another. The auger is typically enclosed in a tube or trough, which prevents the material from spilling out. The screw blade can be made of various materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, or plastic.
Origin
The auger conveyor has been in use for centuries, with evidence of similar devices dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, the modern auger conveyor as we know it today was first patented in the United States in the early 1900s. Since then, it has become a common piece of equipment in many industries, including agriculture, mining, and food processing.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an auger conveyor is “a conveyor consisting of a spiral or helical screw that rotates to move material.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a machine consisting of a helical screw that rotates within a tube, used for conveying granular or liquid materials.”
Associations
The auger conveyor is often associated with the agricultural industry, where it is used to move grain, seed, and fertilizer. It is also commonly used in mining operations to move materials such as coal, sand, and gravel. In the food processing industry, auger conveyors are used to move ingredients and finished products.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for auger conveyor include screw conveyor, helical conveyor, and spiral conveyor.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for auger conveyor, but other types of conveyors, such as belt conveyors or pneumatic conveyors, may be used instead.
The same root words
The word “auger” comes from the Latin word “aureola,” meaning “golden,” which refers to the golden color of the tool’s blade. The word “conveyor” comes from the Latin word “convehere,” meaning “to bring together.”
Example Sentences
- The auger conveyor moved the grain from the silo to the truck.
- The mining company used an auger conveyor to move sand and gravel from the pit to the processing plant.
- The food processing plant installed a new auger conveyor to move ingredients from the storage area to the mixing room.