How to Select a Conveyor Chain-Checking the Conditions for Selection

There is a lot of thought that needs to go into selecting a conveyor chain. There are different sorts of chains that are meant for different situations and uses. This is why there are so many considerations when you are selecting a conveyor chain.

Here are some questions and considerations to keep in mind, with regards to selecting the right chain:

Do you know if you will be using your chain indoors or outdoors? What will your indoor and your outdoor temperature be?

-When it comes to conveyed objects, what is the type? (Either unit materials or bulk materials) is abrasive? Corrosive? Is the temperature high or low? Also check dimension (unit material), and the weight of the unit material in kilograms per unit, or for bulk material, kilograms per meter cubed.

-What is the Maximum Conveyance volume of the chain (materials, kilograms per conveyor length, bulk, tons per hour, and so on)

What is going to be the length of your conveyor? Have you planned out the distance of your vertical rise? What will be your shaft center distance?

Do you understand the chain speed that you need? You’ll need to be able to measure them out in meters per minute.

How many chain strands will you be using? What is the length of your interval?

You’ll need to consider the conveyor chain pitch, the spacing and the types of attachments.

Think about the pitch diameter. Also, think about how many sprocket teeth will be needed?

Have you thought about how many hours a day that your conveyor chains will be used? How many times a year will you use your chains? These questions will help you to determine how durable your chains need to be when you are selecting them.

– How many working hours per day will the conveyor chain be used? How many per year? This will determine how much durability you need in the conveyor chain.

Is your motor an AC or a DC type?

-What is the motor type? AC or DC?

You need to consider the number of chain strands, especially for heavy loads. Some loads might require three chains, with one in the middle for reinforcement.

So before you start to worry about sprocket pitch or teeth, start by thinking about the sort of conveyor chain you desire. The other considerations will be decided by the load of the roller. It’s good to consider each aspect of the chain guide checklist, so that you don’t miss anything important.

Derrick Anderson is the owner of Salchain, a Chain Manufacturer located in Germiston, South Africa. For further information on our Roller and Conveyor Chains please visit our website.