Chain Conveyors
Chain conveyors, not to be confused with chain-driven belt conveyors, or tubular drag, use gear-driven chains to move materials along a conveyor path. ABM provides different configurations to move large, heavy objects such as boxes and pallets, or varous kinds of loose material with specialized paddles (see second image of gallery).
Operating Principle
The operating principle is simple; chain is driven by a series of motorized gears or sprockets that are mounted on a conveyor path. As the chain moves, it pulls the materials along with it. Large objects, such as pallets, are typically placed on a series of rollers or a belt that sits on top of the conveyor bed. Loose material is fed into an enclosed chamber and moved by paddles, which are chosed based on the properties of the materials.
Chain conveyors, not to be confused with chain-driven belt conveyors, or tubular drag, use gear-driven chains to move materials along a conveyor path. ABM provides different configurations to move large, heavy objects such as boxes and pallets, or varous kinds of loose material with specialized paddles.
Benefits
Strong
As you might imagine, chain conveyors are extremely strong and great for moving heavy objects what would cause too much friction for a belt conveyor.
Gentle
Belt conveyors are the most gentle conveying option because there is virtually no friction, but if they aren't an option, chain conveyors come in second. This is because the large chamber creates a smaller product-to-equipment contact ratio. In tubular drag, for example, 10-30% of the product will rub against the piping, but a chain conveyor's contact will stay around 7% because of the volume.
Fast
Their volume also makes them very fast. Because of their speed and gentleness, our grain handling division will occasionally deploy one for brewers and distillers who are trying to mash in as quickly as possible with as little degradation as possible.
Durable
In situations involving high temperatures or abrasive materials, chain conveyors are often the only suitable solution.
Versatile
You can attach various types of paddles (as shown in the gallery above) to accommodate different products.
They can also go up slopes. Whether as an extra-sturdy version of cleated belt conveyors in an open design or with paddles in a closed one, either design type could take your products up inclines as steep as 90 degrees.
Dust-Tight (If Needed)
Another major benefit of our chain conveyors’ closed design is their ability to transport large quantities of material while preventing dust from escaping and keeping external contaminants from entering the conveyor.
Drawbacks
Rigid
Unlike tubular drag where you can convey product up, down, around corners, all over your facility, chain conveyors are only going in a straight line from point A to point B. And if you want it longer you can't just add a section of pipe, you'll need a new one.
Noisy
Another consideration is noise; chain conveyors with open designs can be loud. The chain and gears or sprockets may generate significant noise when empty, which can be a distraction in some environments. However, the presence of grain or other materials will dampen the sound and reduce-metal-on-metal contact.
(Relatively) Hard To Maintain
Chain conveyors can pose maintenance challenges in closed configurations. Lubricating and inspecting the chain and gears/sprockets can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Applications that use enclosed chain conveyors especially can benefit from using an outside service group such as ABM. Chain conveyors should be inspected on a schedule because due to their ruggedness they will continue to run even when they should not be run.
To find out which type is best for you, or to find out if chain conveyors are even appropriate for your application, give us a call or fill out the form below. We've solved problems for tens or hundreds of products just like yours.