Types of Climbing Conveyor Systems
A climbing belt conveyor is a highly efficient material handling solution designed for the horizontal, inclined, or declined transportation of bulk goods across various industrial environments. These systems are engineered to navigate tight spaces, ascend steep gradients, and maintain product stability during elevation changes, making them essential in modern manufacturing, packaging, food processing, and logistics operations. Their ability to integrate seamlessly into complex production lines enhances workflow efficiency, reduces manual labor, and improves overall throughput.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the primary types of climbing conveyor systems, each tailored to specific operational needs, load characteristics, and environmental conditions.
Modular Plastic Belt Climbing Conveyor
Constructed from interlocking plastic modules, this conveyor features a belt that can be easily customized in width, length, and configuration. Its modular design allows for quick assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration, making it ideal for dynamic production environments.
Advantages
- Highly flexible and reconfigurable layout
- Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and temperature variations
- Easy to clean and maintain (ideal for hygienic environments)
- Suitable for horizontal, inclined, and declining transport
- Durable and long-lasting under continuous operation
Limitations
- Higher initial cost compared to basic belt types
- Not suitable for extremely heavy or sharp-edged materials
- May require specialized tools for repairs
Best for: Food & beverage processing, pharmaceutical packaging, light to medium manufacturing
Pivoting Plate Climbing Conveyor
This system uses a series of hinged metal or composite plates connected by robust joints, forming a continuous belt that can flex over sprockets while maintaining structural integrity. The pivoting design allows the conveyor to climb steep inclines while securely holding heavy or irregularly shaped items.
Advantages
- Exceptional load-bearing capacity
- Secure transport of bulky, heavy, or uneven materials
- Forms a "basket-like" structure that prevents material spillage
- Highly durable in rugged industrial environments
- Effective for steep incline applications (up to 70°)
Limitations
- Heavier and more complex than belt-based systems
- Higher maintenance requirements due to mechanical joints
- Less suitable for delicate or small items
- Noisier operation compared to plastic or rubber belts
Best for: Aggregate handling, recycling plants, foundries, construction material transport
Cleated Climbing Conveyor
Equipped with vertical or angled cleats (ribs) attached to the belt surface, this conveyor prevents materials from sliding backward on inclines. The cleats act as barriers that hold products in place, ensuring consistent movement even at steep angles.
Advantages
- Prevents back-sliding on inclines up to 60°
- Ideal for loose, granular, or small items (powders, grains, parts)
- Cleat height and spacing can be customized
- Improves control and precision in product flow
- Available in various belt materials (rubber, PVC, fabric)
Limitations
- Cleats may wear faster under abrasive conditions
- Not suitable for fragile items that could be damaged by cleats
- Requires careful alignment to avoid cleat damage
Best for: Food processing (frozen goods, produce), chemical plants, bottling lines, parts assembly
Spiral Climbing Conveyor
A space-saving vertical conveyor that moves products along a helical path, combining horizontal and vertical transport in a compact footprint. Spiral conveyors use a continuous belt or chain-driven platform that ascends or descends in a coiled structure.
Advantages
- Maximizes vertical space; reduces floor footprint by up to 75%
- High throughput with continuous product flow
- Ideal for multi-level facility layouts
- Smooth, controlled movement minimizes product damage
- Available in heated, cooled, or washdown variants
Limitations
- Higher initial investment and installation complexity
- Limited to products with stable base geometry (cartons, bottles)
- Requires regular maintenance of guide rails and drives
- Not suitable for very heavy or oversized loads
Best for: Distribution centers, cold storage, bottling plants, e-commerce fulfillment, multi-story factories
| Conveyor Type | Incline Capacity | Load Suitability | Maintenance Level | Best Industry Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modular Plastic Belt | Up to 45° | Light to medium, packaged goods | Low | Food processing, packaging, electronics |
| Pivoting Plate | Up to 70° | Heavy, bulky, irregular materials | High | Construction, recycling, mining |
| Cleated Belt | Up to 60° | Loose, granular, or small items | Medium | Chemicals, agriculture, manufacturing |
| Spiral Conveyor | Vertical (360°+) | Stable-shaped containers and cartons | Medium-High | Distribution, cold storage, bottling |
Expert Tip: When selecting a climbing conveyor, consider not only the incline angle and load type but also environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and hygiene requirements. For example, modular plastic belts are FDA-compliant and ideal for food-grade applications, while stainless steel pivoting plate systems are better suited for corrosive or high-temperature environments.
In conclusion, choosing the right climbing conveyor system depends on your specific operational demands, including product type, throughput, spatial constraints, and budget. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each type—modular plastic, pivoting plate, cleated, and spiral—you can optimize material flow, enhance safety, and improve overall production efficiency.
Specifications and Maintenance of a Climbing Conveyor System
Climbing conveyor systems are essential in modern industrial and manufacturing environments, enabling efficient vertical transport of materials across different levels. These systems improve space utilization, streamline production workflows, and reduce manual handling. To ensure peak performance, longevity, and operational safety, it is crucial to understand both the technical specifications and proper maintenance practices for climbing conveyors.
Key Specifications to Consider
Load Capacity
The load-carrying capacity of a climbing conveyor system is one of the most critical design factors, directly influencing its suitability for specific applications. This capacity varies significantly based on the conveyor type and construction materials.
For example, modular plastic belt conveyors are ideal for light to medium-duty tasks such as handling packaged food, electronics, or pharmaceuticals. In contrast, pivot plate (or flip-top) conveyors are engineered for heavy or bulky items like automotive parts, construction materials, or large containers, often supporting loads exceeding 2,000 kilograms.
Cleated and spiral conveyors typically handle medium to lighter loads—up to approximately 1,000 kg—and are commonly used in bottling lines, bakery ovens, and packaging facilities. When specifying a climbing conveyor, always account for peak load conditions, dynamic forces during incline transitions, and future scalability needs.
Incline Angle
The incline angle determines the conveyor’s ability to move products between different elevations efficiently and safely. Different conveyor types support varying maximum angles based on belt design, friction characteristics, and material stability.
Belt-driven cleated conveyors can typically operate at inclines up to 30 degrees, making them suitable for gentle elevation changes. Spiral conveyors, however, can achieve near-vertical lifts of up to 90 degrees, offering compact vertical transport solutions in space-constrained facilities.
Pivot plate conveyors generally function within a range of 20° to 45°, depending on conveyor length, cleat design, and product type. Higher inclines require additional features such as side guards, backstops, or controlled acceleration to prevent product slippage or tumbling. Always match the incline angle to the conveyed material’s physical properties—such as surface texture, shape, and center of gravity—to maintain stability.
Conveyor Speed
The operational speed of a climbing conveyor plays a vital role in throughput efficiency and product integrity. Most climbing conveyors operate within a standard range of 0.1 to 1 meter per second (m/s), though speeds can be customized based on application demands.
High-speed applications—such as beverage bottling, labeling, or carton filling—often utilize faster conveyor speeds to maximize production rates. Conversely, bulk material handling, fragile goods, or processes requiring precise positioning (e.g., inspection or assembly) benefit from slower, controlled speeds.
Speed must be carefully regulated using variable frequency drives (VFDs) or servo controls to prevent product damage, misalignment, or spillage during ascent. Additionally, acceleration and deceleration zones should be integrated at entry and exit points to minimize jolting and maintain smooth transitions.
Belt Type and Configuration
The choice of conveyor belt significantly impacts performance, durability, and hygiene. Common types include:
- Cleated Belts: Feature raised ribs or flights to prevent product rollback on inclines; ideal for boxes, bags, and irregularly shaped items.
- Spiral Belts: Used in continuous vertical spirals for thermal processing (e.g., freezing, baking) or multi-level sorting.
- Modular Plastic Belts: Durable, easy to clean, and resistant to chemicals; widely used in food processing and packaging.
- Pivot Plate Belts: Heavy-duty design with interlocking metal plates; excellent for rugged environments and heavy loads.
Belt material should also be selected based on environmental conditions—such as temperature extremes, moisture exposure, or sanitation requirements—to ensure long-term reliability.
| Specification | Typical Range | Application Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Load Capacity | 50 – 2,000+ kg | Depends on belt type; pivot plate for heaviest loads, modular for lighter items |
| Incline Angle | 15° – 90° | Cleated: ≤30°, Spiral: up to 90°, Pivot Plate: 20°–45° |
| Conveyor Speed | 0.1 – 1.5 m/s | Faster for packaging; slower for bulk or fragile goods |
| Belt Width | 300 – 1,200 mm | Wider belts accommodate larger or multiple products |
Essential Maintenance Guidelines
Important: Always follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual when servicing climbing conveyor systems. Using non-OEM parts or skipping scheduled maintenance can void warranties and create safety hazards. Implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance program tailored to your facility’s usage intensity and environmental conditions. Regular upkeep not only extends equipment life but also enhances operational efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and ensures worker safety.
Scenarios Where Climbing Conveyor Systems Are Used
Climbing conveyor systems are essential in modern industrial operations, offering efficient vertical transportation solutions across a wide range of sectors. These systems are designed to move products, materials, or components between different levels with precision, reliability, and minimal human intervention. Their ability to handle directional changes, maintain product integrity, and optimize space utilization makes them ideal for environments where floor space is limited or multi-level processing is required. From delicate pharmaceuticals to heavy construction materials, climbing conveyors adapt to diverse operational demands while enhancing productivity, safety, and cost-efficiency.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, maintaining sterility, precision, and gentle handling is paramount. Climbing conveyor systems—particularly spiral and rope-driven designs—are widely used to transport sensitive items such as vials, bottles, tablets, syringes, and raw ingredients through various stages of production, packaging, and inspection.
- Gentle product handling: Spiral conveyors provide smooth, controlled vertical movement, minimizing vibration and impact on fragile containers and formulations.
- Hygienic design: Constructed with stainless steel and FDA-compliant materials, these systems meet strict cleanliness standards required in cleanroom environments.
- Space efficiency: By moving products vertically, they reduce the footprint of production lines in space-constrained facilities.
- Automation integration: Fully automated climbing conveyors synchronize with filling, capping, labeling, and inspection machines, reducing manual labor and human error.
Key benefit: Improved operational efficiency and compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) through reliable, continuous product flow.
Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage sector relies heavily on climbing conveyors to transport packaged goods, bottles, cans, and bulk food items between processing, filling, cooling, and packaging zones. These systems ensure hygienic, continuous movement while preserving product quality and appearance.
- Belt conveyors for packaged products: Used extensively in bottling plants to elevate filled containers to labeling, packing, or palletizing stations without spillage or damage.
- Spiral freezers and coolers: Employ climbing conveyors to gradually lower product temperature during ascent or descent, crucial for baked goods, frozen meals, and dairy products.
- Sanitary construction: Featuring easy-to-clean surfaces, open frames, and corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel to meet HACCP and FDA standards.
- Vertical warehouse integration: In distribution centers, climbing conveyors feed automated storage systems, maximizing vertical storage capacity and streamlining order fulfillment.
Critical advantage: Enhanced throughput and reduced contamination risk in high-speed production environments.
Construction Industry
In construction sites and precast concrete facilities, climbing conveyors equipped with cleats, buckets, or pivoting plates are instrumental in transporting heavy, bulky materials such as sand, gravel, concrete mix, bricks, and masonry blocks to elevated work areas or formwork locations.
- High-load capacity: Designed to handle dense, abrasive materials under harsh conditions, often with inclines up to 70 degrees.
- Labor and time savings: Replaces manual hauling or crane lifts, significantly reducing project timelines and worker fatigue.
- Modular and mobile setups: Many systems are portable or adjustable, allowing reconfiguration as buildings rise or site layouts change.
- Safety enhancement: Reduces the risk of falls, strains, and equipment accidents associated with traditional material lifting methods.
Growing demand: The increasing use of conveyor belts for construction reflects a shift toward mechanized, efficient site logistics, especially in high-rise building and infrastructure projects.
Mining Industry
In mining operations—both surface and underground—climbing conveyor systems play a vital role in moving large volumes of raw materials such as coal, ore, limestone, and aggregates from extraction points to processing plants or stockpiles, often over steep inclines and challenging terrain.
- High-capacity inclined transport: Cleated and plate conveyors efficiently move uneven, heavy, and abrasive materials up gradients where standard belts would fail.
- Payoff and take-up systems: Ensure consistent tension and alignment, critical for maintaining performance and durability in long-distance or deep-mining applications.
- Durability and reliability: Built with reinforced belts, heavy-duty rollers, and protective covers to withstand dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures.
- Reduced manual intervention: Automating material transport improves safety in hazardous environments, minimizing worker exposure to confined spaces and heavy machinery.
Operational impact: Climbing conveyors enhance productivity and reduce downtime in one of the most demanding industrial sectors.
Industry Insight: When selecting a climbing conveyor system, consider not only the material type and volume but also environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, dust), required hygiene standards, and integration with existing automation. For example, a pharmaceutical spiral conveyor needs smooth surfaces and validation support, while a mining cleated belt requires abrasion resistance and high-tension control. Matching the conveyor design to the specific application ensures long-term reliability and optimal return on investment.
| Industry | Common Conveyor Type | Primary Function | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical | Spiral, Rope-Driven | Vertical transport of vials, tablets, and raw materials | Gentle handling, hygiene compliance, space savings |
| Food & Beverage | Spiral, Belt, Inclined Cleated | Moving packaged goods, bottles, and cooled products | Sanitary design, high throughput, integration with cooling systems |
| Construction | Cleated Belt, Pivoting Plate | Transporting sand, concrete, bricks to upper levels | Labor reduction, safety improvement, time efficiency |
| Mining | Heavy-Duty Cleated, Plate Conveyors | Ascending transport of ore, coal, and aggregates | High load capacity, durability, reduced manual handling |
Additional Considerations Across Industries
- Customization: Many climbing conveyors are tailored to specific plant layouts, incline angles, and product dimensions for seamless integration.
- Maintenance Access: Designs often include walkways, inspection hatches, and modular components to simplify servicing and reduce downtime.
- Energy Efficiency: Modern systems incorporate variable frequency drives (VFDs) and regenerative braking to optimize power consumption.
- Environmental Protection: Enclosed systems prevent dust emissions in mining and construction, while washdown-ready units support food safety protocols.
- Scalability: Systems can be expanded or reconfigured as production needs evolve, offering long-term adaptability.
Climbing Conveyor System Selection Guide
Selecting the right climbing conveyor system is crucial for optimizing material handling efficiency, reducing operational bottlenecks, and ensuring long-term reliability. Whether you're upgrading an existing system or installing a new one, understanding the key selection criteria will help you make an informed decision tailored to your business needs. This comprehensive guide covers the most important factors to consider when choosing a climbing conveyor, including material characteristics, space limitations, incline requirements, load demands, and future scalability.
Important Note: Incorrect conveyor selection can lead to product damage, system wear, safety hazards, and costly downtime. Always evaluate your application holistically and consult with engineering experts when dealing with complex or high-throughput operations.
1. Materials to Be Handled
The type of material being conveyed is arguably the most critical factor in determining the appropriate climbing conveyor system. Different materials require different conveyor designs to ensure safe, efficient, and damage-free transport.
- Bulky or irregular items such as heavy sacks, large mechanical parts, or raw material chunks are best handled by pivoting plate conveyors or cleated belt conveyors. These systems provide excellent grip and stability, preventing slippage on inclines.
- Small, smooth, or packaged goods like bottles, boxes, or consumer products are ideally suited for modular plastic belt conveyors or spiral conveyors. These offer gentle handling, precise positioning, and easy cleaning—especially important in food, pharmaceutical, or packaging industries.
- Fragile or delicate items may require low-vibration systems with soft belting or cushioned cleats to prevent breakage during ascent or descent.
- Loose bulk materials (e.g., grains, powders, pellets) often require fully enclosed spiral systems or cleated belts with side guards to prevent spillage.
Always assess the material’s size, weight, shape, surface texture, and fragility before finalizing your conveyor type.
2. Space Constraints and Layout
Available floor space and facility layout significantly influence the choice of climbing conveyor. Efficient use of vertical space can dramatically reduce footprint requirements.
- Spiral conveyors are ideal for facilities with limited horizontal space. They provide a compact solution by moving products vertically in a continuous helical path, combining elevation change with minimal floor usage. These are commonly used in multi-level distribution centers, cold storage, and automated warehouses.
- Adjustable belt conveyors with inclines or declines are better suited for facilities with ample linear space. They offer flexibility in angle adjustment and are easier to integrate into existing production lines.
- Z-type conveyors (multiple inclined sections) offer a middle ground, providing vertical transport with moderate space requirements and easier maintenance access compared to spirals.
Consider ceiling height, overhead obstructions, and access for maintenance when evaluating spatial fit.
3. Incline and Decline Angles
The required angle of elevation or descent directly impacts conveyor performance and design. Not all conveyor types can handle steep inclines effectively.
- Steep inclines (30°–70°) require specialized systems such as cleated belts, pivoting plate conveyors, or spiral conveyors. These prevent product rollback and maintain consistent flow even at high angles.
- Gentle inclines (15°–30°) can be managed by standard belt conveyors with proper friction control or light cleating.
- Declines must also be carefully designed to control product speed and prevent sliding or jamming. Some systems include braking mechanisms or controlled descent rollers.
Material characteristics (e.g., coefficient of friction, stability) should be tested at various angles to determine the optimal incline for your application.
4. Load Capacity and Operational Speed
Matching the conveyor’s load and speed capabilities to your operational demands ensures reliability and prevents premature wear or failure.
- Light to medium loads (e.g., packaged goods, electronics) are well-suited for modular plastic belt conveyors, which offer durability and ease of cleaning.
- Heavy-duty applications involving industrial parts, machinery, or dense materials require cleated rubber belts or pivoting plate systems with reinforced frames and high-torque drives.
- High-speed operations such as bottling lines, sorting facilities, or packaging stations demand conveyors with precision drives, low vibration, and synchronization capabilities.
- Low-speed, high-torque applications (e.g., moving heavy castings or bulk materials) benefit from variable frequency drives (VFDs) and robust motor systems.
Always factor in peak load conditions and surge capacity when specifying load and speed requirements.
5. Customization and Scalability
A future-ready conveyor system should accommodate growth, process changes, and reconfiguration without requiring complete replacement.
- Modular conveyor systems, especially those with plastic belts or standardized frames, allow for easy extension, reconfiguration, or integration with automation (e.g., robotics, sensors, diverters).
- Pre-engineered spiral systems can often be modified in height or diameter to meet changing throughput needs.
- Consider integration capabilities with existing control systems (PLC, SCADA) and future automation upgrades.
- Design with serviceability in mind—easy access to motors, belts, and drive components reduces downtime and maintenance costs.
Planning for scalability from the outset can save significant time and capital in the long run.
| Conveyor Type | Best For | Max Incline | Load Capacity | Space Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spiral Conveyor | Packaged goods, containers, stable products | Vertical (0°–90° effective) | Medium to High | ★★★★★ |
| Cleated Belt Conveyor | Bulky items, bags, irregular shapes | Up to 70° | High | ★★★☆☆ |
| Modular Plastic Belt | Small parts, food, pharmaceuticals | Up to 45° | Low to Medium | ★★★★☆ |
| Pivoting Plate Conveyor | Heavy, irregular, or abrasive materials | Up to 75° | Very High | ★★★☆☆ |
| Adjustable Incline Conveyor | General-purpose, variable height needs | 15°–45° | Medium | ★★☆☆☆ |
Expert Tip: Conduct a material flow analysis before selecting a conveyor. Test sample products on different conveyor types and angles to observe behavior, slippage, and stability. This real-world testing can prevent costly mismatches in production.
Additional Selection Considerations
- Environmental conditions: Consider temperature, humidity, washdown requirements, and exposure to chemicals when selecting materials and motors.
- Noise levels: Spiral and modular plastic conveyors tend to be quieter than metal plate systems—important in indoor or office-adjacent facilities.
- Maintenance access: Ensure the system allows for easy belt cleaning, lubrication, and component replacement.
- Safety features: Include emergency stops, guarding, and anti-slip surfaces where necessary.
- Energy efficiency: Look for VFDs, energy-saving motors, and regenerative drives in high-use applications.
Selecting the right climbing conveyor system is a strategic decision that impacts productivity, safety, and total cost of ownership. By carefully evaluating your material, space, angle, load, and scalability needs, you can choose a system that not only meets current demands but also supports future growth. When in doubt, consult with a conveyor systems engineer to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Climbing Conveyors
Q1: Can a climbing conveyor handle both straight and curved paths?Yes, modern climbing conveyor systems—particularly those utilizing modular plastic belt designs—are engineered to navigate both straight and curved pathways efficiently. These flexible configurations allow seamless integration into complex production layouts where space optimization and directional changes are required.
- Modular Belts: Made from interlocking plastic modules, they offer excellent flexibility for turning corners while maintaining strength and durability.
- Curved Sections: Specialized guide rails and side plates help maintain product stability during turns.
- Applications: Commonly used in food processing and packaging lines where hygiene and directional transfer are critical.
This adaptability makes climbing conveyors ideal for facilities with limited floor space or those requiring multi-level material handling solutions.
Q2: What role do regular inspections play in the maintenance of climbing conveyors?Regular inspections are essential for ensuring the reliable and safe operation of climbing conveyor systems. Proactive maintenance helps detect early signs of wear, misalignment, or mechanical stress before they lead to costly breakdowns.
- Wear Detection: Inspecting belts, chains, rollers, and drive components for excessive wear extends equipment life.
- Alignment Checks: Ensuring proper tracking prevents belt slippage and uneven loading.
- Lubrication & Tension: Verifying correct chain tension and lubrication reduces friction and motor strain.
- Downtime Prevention: Scheduled checks minimize unplanned stoppages, improving overall production efficiency.
Industry best practices recommend daily visual checks and weekly detailed inspections, especially in high-utilization environments such as food processing or mining operations.
Q3: Which industries benefit most from using climbing conveyors?Climbing conveyors are widely adopted across several industries due to their ability to transport materials vertically and horizontally in compact spaces. Key sectors include:
| Industry | Application | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | Transporting bottles, blister packs, and packaging materials between levels. | Hygienic design, precision movement, contamination control. |
| Food & Beverages | Moving products like canned goods, baked items, and raw ingredients up processing lines. | Easy-to-clean surfaces, resistance to moisture and chemicals, FDA-compliant materials. |
| Construction | Handling bags of cement, bricks, and prefabricated components on-site. | Durability, heavy-load capacity, portability. |
| Mining | Transferring ores, aggregates, and minerals from extraction points to processing units. | Rugged construction, resistance to abrasion, high incline capability. |
Their versatility in handling various load types and environmental conditions makes climbing conveyors a valuable asset in automated and semi-automated industrial workflows.
Q4: What is the maximum load capacity of climbing conveyors?Climbing conveyors are designed to accommodate a wide range of load requirements, depending on their construction and application:
- Light to Medium-Heavy Loads: Typically handle up to 2,000 kg, suitable for packaged goods, food containers, and pharmaceutical products.
- Heavy-Duty Models: Engineered for industrial use, these can support loads of 10,000 kg or more, ideal for mining, construction materials, and large-scale manufacturing.
- Custom Solutions: Some manufacturers offer reinforced frames, dual-drive systems, and wider belts to meet specific heavy-load demands.
It's crucial to select a conveyor rated for your specific load requirements to ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Overloading can lead to motor failure, belt damage, or structural deformation.
Q5: How does the incline angle affect the performance of climbing conveyors?The incline angle is a critical factor in the performance and effectiveness of a climbing conveyor. It determines the steepness of elevation and directly influences material stability, energy consumption, and system design.
- Optimal Angles: Most climbing conveyors operate efficiently at angles between 20° and 45°. Beyond this, special features like cleats, sidewalls, or friction-enhancing surfaces may be required.
- Material Slippage: Steeper angles increase the risk of product rollback or shifting, especially with smooth or loose items.
- Energy Use: Higher inclines demand more motor power, which can impact operational costs and component wear.
- Product Integrity: Excessive angles may cause damage to fragile items such as baked goods or electronic components.
Proper angle selection ensures smooth, safe transportation while balancing space savings and operational efficiency. Engineers often conduct material flow tests to determine the ideal incline for a given application.
