Blog - KC Supply

What NFPA 660 Means for the Food and Agriculture Industry

December 17, 2025
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Fire safety isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a business imperative, especially in facilities that handle combustible dust. For those in the food and agriculture industry, understanding standards like NFPA 660 is critical to protect people, property, and productivity. At KC Supply Co., we recognize that compliance can be complex, so we’ve put together a clear guide to help you understand what NFPA 660 is, why it matters, and how it affects your operations.

What Is NFPA 660?

NFPA 660 is a standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association that provides guidance on how to manage combustible dust hazards in food processing and agricultural facilities. Dust from grain, flour, sugar, feed, spice, and other organic products can become explosively combustible under the right conditions. NFPA 660 outlines a framework for identifying, evaluating, and controlling these hazards to reduce the risk of fire and explosion.

In essence, NFPA 660 standardizes how facilities should approach dust hazard analysis (DHA), housekeeping, electrical equipment, ventilation, and operational safety in environments where combustible dust can accumulate.

Why NFPA 660 Matters for Food and Ag

In many food and agriculture settings, combustible dust is generated during handling, processing, conveying, and cleaning. Left unchecked, dust can settle on surfaces, form layers, and create hidden hazards. A single ignition source—such as a hot surface, spark from equipment, or static electricity—can trigger a devastating explosion.

NFPA 660 isn’t just a guideline; it’s a blueprint for proactive hazard management. Compliance helps protect workers, minimizes downtime due to accidents, and reduces insurance costs tied to dust hazards. It also helps operations maintain continuity after inspection or regulatory review.

Key Components of NFPA 660

1. Dust Hazard Analysis (DHA)

One of the most important requirements of NFPA 660 is a Dust Hazard Analysis. A DHA is a systematic review of your facility that identifies where dust might pose a risk. It involves understanding:

Where dust is generated
How dust travels and settles in the facility
Potential ignition sources
Levels of housekeeping effectiveness

The goal is to identify hazards so that you can implement engineering, administrative, and safety controls.

2. Housekeeping Practices

Cleaning up dust isn’t just good housekeeping—it’s a safety essential. NFPA 660 emphasizes removal of settled dust from elevated surfaces, equipment, and hidden spaces. Proper housekeeping reduces the amount of fuel available for a potential explosion.

Best practices include:

Vacuum systems designed for combustible dust
Regular cleaning schedules
Trained personnel who know how to safely remove dust
Avoiding compressed air for cleaning without proper precautions

3. Equipment and Electrical Safety

Not all equipment is created equal when it comes to dusty environments. NFPA 660 requires the use of properly rated electrical components and machinery where dust can accumulate. Non-rated equipment can produce sparks or heat that become ignition sources in a dust-laden environment.

Ensure that:

Motors and controls are properly enclosed
Belts and couplings are maintained to prevent heat buildup
Static control measures are in place

Implementing Compliance in Your Facility

Complying with NFPA 660 doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does require a plan. Here are steps to help guide your compliance efforts:

Start with a Dust Hazard Analysis
A detailed DHA is the foundation of compliance. It reveals your risk profile and sets your priorities.
Develop Written Procedures
Your compliance plan should include documented procedures for inspections, cleaning, maintenance, and training.
Train Your Team
Workers need to understand dust hazards, how to recognize them, and how to respond safely. Training builds awareness and empowers safe behavior.
Invest in the Right Tools and Equipment
Use vacuums, filters, guards, and electrical components designed for combustible dust environments. Upgrading equipment to meet NFPA 660 expectations can pay dividends in safety and reliability.
Monitor and Adjust
Conditions change as operations evolve. Regularly revisit your hazard analysis and housekeeping plan to ensure controls remain effective.

Conclusion

NFPA 660 is more than a standard—it’s a roadmap for protecting your people, your facility, and your business from one of the most overlooked hazards in the food and agriculture industry: combustible dust. By understanding and applying NFPA 660’s principles, you create a safer work environment, improve compliance, and reduce risk.

At KC Supply Co., we support our customers with the solutions and expertise needed to implement effective dust control and safety measures. If you’re ready to take the next step toward NFPA 660 compliance, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

December 17, 2025
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Conveyors are the workhorses of modern material handling operations. From grain facilities to manufacturing floors, a well-designed conveyor system moves product efficiently and reliably. However, without proper safety practices in place, conveyors can also present serious hazards to employees. At KC Supply Co., we know that safety and productivity go hand in hand. A safe conveyor system is a reliable conveyor system and one that protects your team and keeps your operation running smoothly.

Here’s a practical guide to key conveyor system safety tips that every business should implement.

1. Conduct Regular Inspections

Routine inspections are the cornerstone of a safe conveyor setup. A conveyor system includes moving parts, pinch points, and electrical components—any of which can wear over time or become damaged. Establish a regular inspection schedule to check for:

Loose or worn belts
Misaligned rollers and pulleys
Damaged guards or safety covers
Signs of excessive wear on bearings and chains

Identifying issues early helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and reduces the risk of accidents.

2. Install Proper Guarding

One of the most effective ways to protect workers around a conveyor system is through appropriate guarding. Guards prevent hands, clothing, and tools from getting caught in moving parts. Ensure that all:

Nip points
Sheaves
Uncovered rollers
Exposed chains

are protected with guards that meet industry safety standards. Never bypass or remove guards for convenience. If maintenance access is needed, use lockable guard panels that can only be opened by authorized personnel.

3. Provide Clear Signage

Visual warnings and labels are critical for conveyor system safety. Strategically place signs that alert workers to:

Moving parts
Restricted areas
High voltage
Possible pinch points

Clear, visible signage helps ensure that both seasoned employees and temporary workers are aware of potential hazards.

4. Train Employees Thoroughly

A well-trained workforce is a safe workforce. Conveyor system safety training should cover:

Proper startup and shutdown procedures
How to recognize hazards
Emergency stop locations and use
Lockout/tagout protocols
Safe loading and unloading practices

Training shouldn’t be a one-time event. Regular refreshers help reinforce safe habits and keep safety top-of-mind.

5. Implement Lockout/Tagout Procedures

Maintenance and repair work on a conveyor system must be done with energy sources fully isolated. Lockout/tagout procedures ensure that machinery cannot be accidentally energized while someone is servicing it. Make sure that:

Only authorized personnel perform lockout/tagout
Procedures are documented and standardized
Proper locks and tags are used every time

This reduces the risk of injuries caused by unexpected startups.

6. Keep Work Areas Clean and Organized

Cluttered workspaces, spilled materials, or tools left near conveyors can increase the risk of slips, trips, and accidental contact with moving parts. Maintain clear walkways and remove debris promptly. Keep the area around the conveyor system free from obstacles so employees can move safely when loading, inspecting, or troubleshooting.

7. Use Emergency Stop Devices

Emergency stop devices (E-Stops) are essential safety features. They allow workers to shut down the conveyor system immediately if a dangerous condition arises. Place E-Stops in easily accessible locations along the conveyor path and test them regularly to ensure they function properly.

8. Maintain Adequate Lighting

Good lighting is often overlooked but plays a major role in conveyor safety. Adequate illumination helps workers:

See potential hazards
Read controls and indicators clearly
Perform inspections and maintenance safely

Evaluate your facility’s lighting and upgrade where necessary to improve visibility around the conveyor system.

9. Encourage Reporting and Feedback

Safety is a team effort. Encourage workers to report any unsafe conditions, unusual noises, or irregular conveyor behavior. Establish a culture where employees feel comfortable bringing up safety concerns without fear of reprisal. This kind of proactive communication helps catch issues early and builds a stronger, safer workplace.

Conclusion

A conveyor system can greatly enhance productivity—but only if it’s operated with safety at the forefront. From regular inspections and employee training to proper guarding and emergency measures, putting these conveyor system safety tips into practice will help protect your team and your investment.

At KC Supply Co., we’re committed to helping you run safe and efficient material handling operations. Contact us for expert guidance on conveyor systems, safety equipment, and best practices tailored to your facility’s needs.

November 11, 2025
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When it comes to moving bulk materials efficiently, a well-designed conveyor system can make all the difference. Among the many options available, the drag chain conveyor stands out for its versatility, durability, and ability to handle demanding industrial applications. At KC Supply Co., we’ve helped many operations determine when a drag chain conveyor is the right choice—and when another style might be better. Here’s an in-depth look at drag chain conveyors, including how they differ from “en-masse” versions and what that means for your facility.

What Is a Drag Chain Conveyor?

A drag chain conveyor uses an endless chain equipped with flights—or paddles—within an enclosed trough to move material from one point to another. Unlike open systems, everything occurs inside a sealed enclosure, helping control dust, protect product quality, and reduce spillage. What sets the drag chain conveyor apart is the way it conveys bulk solids: by dragging or scraping them through the housing, not by simply lifting them.

Standard vs. En-Masse Drag Chain Conveyors

Within the category of drag chain conveyors, variations exist. Two common types include:

Paddle or Scraper-Style Drag Chain Conveyors: These use dual chains with flights or paddles mounted between them that physically push bulk material forward. Because the flights occupy much of the cross section of the housing, the effective conveying area is reduced. The design works—but it often requires more horsepower and larger troughs to move the same volume of material. Hapman+1
En-Masse Drag Chain Conveyors: In these systems, a single chain strand with skeletal-style flights drags the material en masse, meaning the bulk material moves almost as a mass along with the chain. Because of this, the conveying section can use up to ~90% of the available cross-sectional area, making it more space- and energy-efficient. Hapman

At KC Supply Co., we find that many operations benefit from choosing the en-masse style when space, efficiency, and long conveyor runs are considerations.

Why Choose a Drag Chain Conveyor?

Here are several compelling reasons to consider a drag chain conveyor in your facility:

Enclosed Design: Because it runs inside a housing, it contains dust and material spillage—important for agricultural, feed, or mineral applications.
Gentle Material Handling: The dragging motion is less aggressive than some lifts or bucket elevators, so it’s better for materials that don’t tolerate aggressive handling.
Space Efficient (Especially En-Masse Style): With higher cross-section utilization, en-masse variations pack more conveying capacity into smaller footprints.
Energy Efficiency: Lower chain speeds and optimized flight designs reduce horsepower requirements compared to other methods in many cases. CDM Systems, Inc.+1

When to Choose Paddle Style Over En-Masse—and Vice-Versa

Paddle/dual-chain style can be a good choice when cost is critical, conveyor runs are shorter, or the material is coarse and less flowable.
En-Masse style is often better when you have large capacities, want minimal horsepower, need long runs, and want to maximize space utilization.

At KC Supply Co., we evaluate your material characteristics (flowability, abrasion, moisture), your layout (horizontal runs, inclines, bends), and your throughput to guide you toward the best drag chain conveyor type.

Key Design & Operational Considerations

Proper chain tensioning is crucial—too loose and the flights will sag; too tight and bearings, chain, and sprockets wear prematurely. Brock News
Incline and length matter: En-masse conveyors work best in shallow inclines (often under 10-15°) before performance begins to drop. Brock News+1
Material type impacts flight design: Skeletal or “O”-flights, filler plates, or tailored chain specs may be needed for high-moisture or cohesive materials. Hapman
Maintenance access: Because drag chain conveyors house moving parts inside enclosures, ensure that access doors, inspection ports, and tensioning mechanisms are included.

KC Supply Co.: Your Partner in Drag Chain Conveyor Solutions

If you’re evaluating drag chain conveyors for your facility, KC Supply Co. can help. From initial application analysis to system design, installation, and upkeep, we bring expertise to ensure your conveyor system meets your throughput goals, budget, and operational demands.

Whether you’re handling grain, pelletized feed, minerals, or bulk agricultural products, we’ll guide you through the comparison of standard and en-masse drag chain conveyors—and help you choose the right one for your needs.

Final Thoughts

A drag chain conveyor is more than just another conveyor—it’s a solution that, when properly selected and maintained, offers efficiency, containment, and longevity. Understanding the functional differences between styles—especially the en-masse variation—can help you make smarter decisions, reduce downtime, and save on power and space.

Contact KC Supply Co. today and let us help you move smarter with a drag chain conveyor system built for your application.

November 11, 2025
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When it comes to moving bulk materials efficiently and reliably, drag conveyors have long been a trusted solution across agriculture, feed mills, grain facilities, and industrial operations. At KC Supply Co., we often recommend drag conveyors for facilities that need a durable, low-maintenance option to move grain, pellets, or other bulk products with minimal product loss and dust.

Here’s what you should know about drag conveyors, how they work, and why they may be the right fit for your operation.

What Are Drag Conveyors?

Drag conveyors use a chain and flight system that drags material along the bottom of an enclosed trough. Unlike screw conveyors that move material by rotation, drag conveyors gently push or pull product forward, making them ideal for horizontal or slightly inclined conveying.

Because they operate inside an enclosed casing, drag conveyors help reduce dust, protect product quality, and keep the work environment cleaner and safer.

Key Benefits of Drag Conveyors

Gentle on Product
Drag conveyors minimize grain breakage and preserve quality because they move material at slower speeds compared to other systems.
Durable and Low Maintenance
Their heavy-duty chain and flight construction can withstand abrasive materials and long hours of operation with less frequent servicing.
Energy Efficient
Drag conveyors require less horsepower to move the same amount of material compared to some other conveyor types, making them cost-effective for large-scale facilities.
Dust Control
With fully enclosed troughs, drag conveyors limit airborne dust, which is essential for both product quality and worker safety.
Versatile Applications
Drag conveyors can handle grains, pellets, wood chips, and other bulk materials, making them a flexible choice for many industries.

Common Uses in Agriculture and Industry

Drag conveyors are especially popular in:

Grain Elevators and Feed Mills: Moving corn, soybeans, and other grains gently and efficiently.
Processing Plants: Handling powders or pelletized materials with minimal spillage.
Industrial Facilities: Transporting heavy or abrasive materials in mining, wood, and energy sectors.

Their enclosed design makes them ideal for facilities that prioritize dust control and maintaining product integrity during transport.

Choosing the Right Drag Conveyor

Selecting the right conveyor starts with understanding your operational needs:

Capacity Requirements: Determine the volume of material to be conveyed per hour.
Material Type: Consider density, abrasiveness, and flowability.
Distance and Layout: Choose a conveyor size and configuration that fits your facility’s space and distance requirements.
Maintenance Access: Ensure you have the right access points for chain inspection and upkeep.

A well-chosen drag conveyor not only streamlines operations but also reduces downtime and extends equipment lifespan.

Maintenance Tips for Drag Conveyors

Routine maintenance helps keep your drag conveyor running efficiently:

Inspect the chain regularly for wear or stretching.
Check flights and trough liners for damage.
Keep tension properly adjusted to avoid excessive wear.
Lubricate bearings and moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
Remove buildup or debris that can reduce efficiency or lead to premature failure.

Consistent upkeep minimizes costly repairs and ensures continuous, reliable operation.

KC Supply Co. – Your Partner for Material Handling Solutions

At KC Supply Co., we understand the importance of dependable material handling. Whether you’re upgrading an older system or installing new equipment, we can help you select, install, and maintain the right drag conveyors for your facility. Our team works with you to ensure your conveyor system meets your capacity needs and stands up to your toughest operating conditions.

Final Thoughts

Investing in the right drag conveyor system can improve productivity, maintain product quality, and enhance workplace safety. By understanding the basics of drag conveyors—from their design to their benefits—you can make informed decisions that pay off for years to come.

Contact KC Supply Co. today to explore our range of drag conveyors and discover how we can help optimize your material handling operations.

October 6, 2025
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Here’s what you should know about drag conveyors, how they work, and why they may be the right fit for your operation.

What Are Drag Conveyors?

Because they operate inside an enclosed casing, drag conveyors help reduce dust, protect product quality, and keep the work environment cleaner and safer.

Key Benefits of Drag Conveyors

Gentle on Product
Drag conveyors minimize grain breakage and preserve quality because they move material at slower speeds compared to other systems.
Durable and Low Maintenance
Their heavy-duty chain and flight construction can withstand abrasive materials and long hours of operation with less frequent servicing.
Energy Efficient
Drag conveyors require less horsepower to move the same amount of material compared to some other conveyor types, making them cost-effective for large-scale facilities.
Dust Control
With fully enclosed troughs, drag conveyors limit airborne dust, which is essential for both product quality and worker safety.
Versatile Applications
Drag conveyors can handle grains, pellets, wood chips, and other bulk materials, making them a flexible choice for many industries.

Common Uses in Agriculture and Industry

Drag conveyors are especially popular in:

Grain Elevators and Feed Mills: Moving corn, soybeans, and other grains gently and efficiently.
Processing Plants: Handling powders or pelletized materials with minimal spillage.
Industrial Facilities: Transporting heavy or abrasive materials in mining, wood, and energy sectors.

Their enclosed design makes them ideal for facilities that prioritize dust control and maintaining product integrity during transport.

Choosing the Right Drag Conveyor

Selecting the right conveyor starts with understanding your operational needs:

Capacity Requirements: Determine the volume of material to be conveyed per hour.
Material Type: Consider density, abrasiveness, and flowability.
Distance and Layout: Choose a conveyor size and configuration that fits your facility’s space and distance requirements.
Maintenance Access: Ensure you have the right access points for chain inspection and upkeep.

A well-chosen drag conveyor not only streamlines operations but also reduces downtime and extends equipment lifespan.

Maintenance Tips for Drag Conveyors

Routine maintenance helps keep your drag conveyor running efficiently:

Inspect the chain regularly for wear or stretching.
Check flights and trough liners for damage.
Keep tension properly adjusted to avoid excessive wear.
Lubricate bearings and moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
Remove buildup or debris that can reduce efficiency or lead to premature failure.

Consistent upkeep minimizes costly repairs and ensures continuous, reliable operation.

KC Supply Co. – Your Partner for Material Handling Solutions

Final Thoughts

Contact KC Supply Co. today to explore our range of drag conveyors and discover how we can help optimize your material handling operations.

October 6, 2025
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When setting up or upgrading a screw conveyor system, one of the key design decisions is whether to configure the drive to push material or to pull it through the trough. That decision, while seemingly subtle, can influence the alignment, wear, and reliability of your system. At KC Supply Co., we often guide clients through this choice to maximize lifespan and minimize maintenance. Here’s what you should know.

What Do “Pushing” and “Pulling” Mean in Screw Conveyors?

In a screw conveyor, a rotating helical flight moves material through a trough or tube. The drive (motor + gearbox) can be placed at either end:

Pushing means the drive is at the inlet (tail) end, so the screw “pushes” the material forward.
Pulling means the drive is at the discharge (head) end, pulling the material toward its exit.

Although either arrangement can move material, they impose different mechanical stresses on the system, which affects performance and maintenance.

The Case for Pulling: Why Many Prefer It

Many experienced designers and suppliers recommend configuring the conveyor to pull material toward the discharge end. Here are some of the key advantages:

Tension on the Screw Sections
Pulling puts the internal tube or shaft in tension. This tends to keep the screw sections aligned and straighter, reducing deflection or bending under load. In contrast, pushing adds compression stress, which can magnify bowing or misalignment over time.
Reduced Risk of Kinks or Misalignment
Think about pushing a chain versus pulling it. If you push, it may buckle; if you pull, it stays taut. The same principle applies to screw conveyors. Pulling tends to maintain a straighter path, especially in longer multi-segment systems.
Less Fatigue on Components
Because pulling tends to minimize bending loads, bearings, shaft couplings, and joints may experience lower fatigue. That can translate into fewer breakdowns and longer service life.

Because of these benefits, many conveyor designers place the drive at the discharge end when space and layout allow.

Why You Might Be Pushing Instead

It’s not always practical or possible to use a pull configuration. Sometimes the layout, height constraints, or equipment positioning force a push arrangement. In those cases, you must design and maintain carefully to mitigate the drawbacks:

Make alignment checks a routine part of maintenance. A pushing configuration is more sensitive to misalignment, so frequent checking and adjustment help avoid early wear or failure.
Use robust components—stronger shafts, stiffer bearings, and higher-quality couplings—to resist compression stresses.
Keep the conveying distance shorter if possible. Pushing over long distances increases the risk of deflection and component fatigue.
Monitor for bending or bowing of the screw. If you notice it creeping over time, you may need to redesign the layout or consider rerouting to a pulling configuration.

Design and Operational Tips Regardless of Configuration

Whether your system is pushing or pulling, good design practice helps you get the most out of your screw conveyor:

Match the conveyor speed and diameter to the material’s properties (density, abrasiveness, flowability). Overloading worsens stresses.
Limit trough loading percentages so the material operates below critical stress levels rather than packing or overburdening the flight.
Use intermediate supports or bearings carefully—especially in longer conveyors, to prevent sagging or misalignment.
Plan for maintenance access to allow inspection, cleaning, and correction of alignment.
Ensure strong drive components—a stiff shaft, properly sized gearbox, and high-quality bearings help counter the stresses introduced by pushing or pulling.

Conclusion

The choice between pushing and pulling in screw conveyors isn’t just a matter of convention—it’s a practical tradeoff affecting alignment, stress, and reliability. While pulling (drive on the discharge end) often gives better long-term stability, you should weigh your facility’s layout and constraints carefully. If pushing is your only option, designing defensively and scheduling regular upkeep can help you avoid premature failures.

At KC Supply Co., we can help you specify, design, and maintain your screw conveyor system—whether pushing or pulling—to get reliable, efficient material handling performance. Let us know your application and requirements, and we’ll work with you to find the best setup.