Vertical Conveyor Systems for Warehouse and Distribution Automation

Space-saving vertical conveyor systems for high-throughput warehouse and distribution operations

Ryson Spiral Conveyors are vertical conveyor systems designed to move products between multiple levels in warehouses and distribution centers while minimizing floor space. They are commonly used in e-commerce fulfillment, order picking operations, and automated distribution systems where continuous product flow and high throughput are critical.

With capacities up to 200 feet per minute, the ability to handle loads up to 75 lbs per linear foot, and vertical lifts up to 50 feet, Ryson spirals provide a compact and reliable alternative to traditional incline conveyors and vertical lifts.

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The warehousing industry has undergone many changes as new technologies help enhance efficiency.

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Warehouse and logistics operations are under constant pressure to increase throughput, reduce labor dependency, and maximize available floor space. As facilities scale vertically and automation increases, efficient vertical conveying becomes a critical part of system design.

Ryson Spiral Conveyors help warehouse operators optimize layout, improve product flow between levels, and reduce the footprint required for vertical transport compared to traditional incline conveyors or lifts.

Expand vertically with
Ryson Spiral Conveyors

High Throughput

Ryson Spiral Conveyors offer relaible vertical conveying at rates up to 200 feet per minute. They can also handle heavy items - up to 75 lbs per linear foot. Our Spirals can start and stop fully loaded - up to 3600 lbs.

Intermediate Induction

Our High Capacity Spirals can optionally be configured to allow loads to enter and exit the spirals at several intermediate elevations. Special induction and divert conveyors have individually adjustable conveying surfaces to match the spiral pitch, assuring a safe and reliable product transfer.

Modularity

All Ryson Spiral Conveyors are made to order and come in a wide range of sizes and configurations.Our innovative modular design allows Ryson to customize with ease and modify in the field to accommodate emerging needs or to replace aging equipment needing to upgrade for automation.

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Replacing Old Equipment:

Ryson Spiral Conveyors are often specified to replace older belt curves or gravity conveyors because the require less maintenance, have a smaller footprint and handle the product much more reliably. They can also be installed in very tight areas. While most spirals are delivered fully assembled, the highly modular design of Ryson Spirals allows them to be reassembled in-place for challenging installation where existing equipment or building structures prevents moving a fully assembled spiral into place.

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Order Picking Operations:

In order picking operations, speed, accuracy, and continuous flow are essential. Vertical conveying systems must integrate seamlessly with picking modules, mezzanines, and sortation systems without creating bottlenecks.

Ryson Spiral Conveyors enable smooth product transfer between picking levels, allowing operators to maintain consistent throughput while reducing manual handling. Their compact footprint makes them ideal for dense picking environments where space is limited.

  • Supports multi-level pick modules and mezzanines
  • Maintains continuous product flow without accumulation issues
  • Reduces manual lifting and handling between levels
  • Integrates with sortation and conveyor systems
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Cold Storage and Freezer Environments

Ryson Spiral Conveyors are increasingly used for freezer applications, for example in distribution centers for frozen foods. These spirals can function at low temperatures because their carrying surfaces roll on bearings. Some materials are replaced with low-temperature components, and lubricants are adjusted to suit the cold environment. Heaters may be needed for some electronics. With extensive experience, Ryson has developed spirals that operate effectively in freezing conditions, down to -40°F, making them unique in the USA.

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Early Out Efficiency:

Ryson Spiral Conveyors can be used to increase efficiency of a pick module by routing completed orders directly to the sorter. The most commonly ordered SKUs are placed on the lower level of the pick module, and if the case order is complete, it can bypass the rest of the pick module with an “early out” conveyor. This can result in substantial energy savings and efficiency.

Ryson Solutions for
Warehousing and Logistics

All of our High Capacity and Wide Track models can optionally be equipped to induct, or divert loads out of the spiral at intermediate levels. Special proprietary induction and divert conveyors have individually adjustable conveying surfaces to match the spiral’s pitch, assuring a safe and reliable product transfer.

Our High Capacity models are designed to carry heavier loads and can be configured to have different sized conveying surfaces ranging from 12” to 36”. The clever – and efficient - design of our chain-slat arrangement allows the transport of different sized units without need to make adjustments. This is a perfect feature for operations like pick modules – where package sizes can vary greatly.

The Ryson Wide Track models are the largest High Capacity Spirals we manufacture and offer the widest conveying surface. These have quickly been adopted at facilities like home improvement stores where there are a wide range of product sizes and many SKUs are quite large and heavy. The load capacity of all of our High Capacity model’s is 75 lbs. per linear foot of conveyor and can operate at speeds up to 200 FPM. The total weight capacity in the spiral at any one time is 3600 lbs. - and the spirals can be stopped and started fully loaded.

Why Warehouse Operators Choose Ryson

  • Proven performance in high-throughput warehouse environments
  • Compact designs that maximize facility space utilization
  • Reliable, low-maintenance operation with single-drive technology
  • Engineered solutions tailored to specific application requirements
  • Strong integration support for complex material handling systems

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What products can Ryson Spiral Conveyors handle in warehouses?
    Ryson Spiral Conveyors are designed to handle cartons, totes, trays, shrink-wrapped goods, and other packaged items commonly found in warehouse and distribution operations.
  • How much floor space does a spiral conveyor save?
    Spiral conveyors significantly reduce floor space compared to incline conveyors by utilizing vertical space, making them ideal for facilities with limited footprint.
  • How fast can a spiral conveyor operate?
    Ryson Spiral Conveyors can operate at speeds up to 200 feet per minute, depending on the application and product characteristics.
  • Are spiral conveyors suitable for cold storage warehouses?
    Yes, Ryson Spiral Conveyors can operate in environments as low as -40°F, making them suitable for freezer and cold storage applications.
  • How do spiral conveyors compare to vertical lifts?
    Spiral conveyors provide continuous product flow, whereas vertical lifts operate in cycles. This makes spirals better suited for high-throughput applications.

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Ryson Spiral Conveyors provide a compact, reliable, and high-throughput solution for vertical product movement in warehouse and logistics environments. They help operators maximize space, improve efficiency, and support the growing demands of automated distribution systems. Fill out the form below to get additional information.