Tags: Chain Conveyors, Conveyor Belt Systems, Best Gravity Conveyor Models, Conveyor Slave, Aluminum Gravity Conveyor
Chain conveyors are a staple in many production industries. They're used to move materials and products within a facility or out in the field.
Chain conveyors can carry heavy loads and transport materials over a short distance much more efficiently than anyone attempting the task manually.
So, in this post, we’ll examine what a carrier chain conveyor is, as well as everything you need to know about these exceptional tools. With all that in mind, let's dive in!
What Is a Carrier Chain Conveyor?
Carrier chain conveyors use a chain to send power and propel material up to 90 meters. They're used in various production lines, spanning the automotive sector through to the agricultural industry.
These machines keep materials and products off the floor and transport them in a way that maximizes productivity.
As a result of this, chain conveyors operate on principles of interconnectivity. A chain connects each gear, resulting in a smooth moving process. Commonly, conventional steel or multi-flex plastics are used to connect the gears.
This offers the mechanism excellent stability, making it well suited to transport vast quantities of goods.
There are a few different types of chain conveyor systems:
Pallet Handling Conveyors: These are simpler variants of chain conveyors that use a motor to run between two and four strands of chain. The pallets are placed directly on the chain and ride it to their final destination.
Factory Handling Conveyors: These are medium-sized conveyors designed to transport products and goods manufactured in factories.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Chain Conveyor System?
Here are the key benefits to such a purchase if you’re contemplating getting a carrier chain conveyor for your business.
Easy Installation
Chain conveyors are relatively easy to install. Most manufacturers that provide these systems also offer installation services to benefit from an efficiently integrated system.
Flexibility
Chain conveyor systems are highly flexible, and modifying or upgrading your system is simple. With the right tools and time, conveyor chains can be expanded to meet increased demands.
Thanks to the fact that chain conveyors can be modified, you don’t need to purchase a whole new machine when your needs change.
Keeping Safe While Working With a Carrier Chain Conveyor
As helpful as conveyors are, they can present a safety risk to you and your staff. Be sure everyone at the site is informed about safe practices when using carrier chain conveyors.
Don’t Sit, Stand Or Walk on the Conveyor
Conveyors, with their many features, have pinch points that can catch clothing. This could draw someone towards them and cause serious injury.
Limbs could get stuck in the conveyor, which, at high speed, could have dire consequences. Industrial conveyors are not designed to transport people, and as such, you should never sit, stand or walk on them.
Check That the Conveyor Controls Are Operating Correctly
Inspect the conveyor's controls to ensure no one's misused, modified, or disconnected them. Controls should be easy to read, use, and access. Emergency stops for the conveyor should be placed in well visible and easily accessible locations.
Avoid Going Near a Chain Conveyor With Loose Items
This includes hair, clothing, jewelry, and other dangling or loose objects. These could get stuck in the conveyor and pose a safety risk.
Don’t wear bracelets, rings, watches, or other jewelry while operating these machines, and avoid wearing baggy clothes. Tie your hair back or tuck it under a cap to be safe.
Follow Lock-Out and Tag-Out Procedures
When you prepare for maintenance or repair, secure the conveyor system by following proper lock-out/tag-out procedures.
These prevent equipment from being powered while maintenance is being undertaken. Conveyor operators have to be adequately trained to perform these procedures.
Only Allow Authorized Personnel to Operate the Chain Conveyor
Contact a trained maintenance person should an issue arise. Only allow trained employees that know how to operate conveyors safely to do so.
Immediately Alert Management About Potential Safety or Operational Concerns
Say something if you see anything odd or unsafe. For example, anyone getting too close to the conveyor, loose guards, etc. Ensure contact information for the right individual is readily available and provide training on all employees' safety issues.
How Much Does It Cost to Acquire a Carrier Chain Conveyor?
The price of a chain conveyor depends on several factors. These include:
- The type of chain used in the conveyor
- The conveyor's materials will need to convey (Will there be fine particles, fragile materials, hot materials, or sludge?
- The strength of the motor required
- The speed required of the conveyor
- The length and layout. A variety of configurations are usually possible, including Z configurations, straight runs, loops, and bulb loops.
As such, prices will vary a lot. You should budget a minimum of $20,000, but prices could range as high as $200,000.
Find the Right Tools for Your Business
Carrier chain conveyor belts are great for making your business operations run more efficiently. They're vital to effectively transporting heavy products and materials throughout your site or in the field.
Most manufacturing industries have used these powerful machines at one point or another. As a result, the sentiment is the same across all markets: The right tools for your industry makes all the difference!
At Denby Distributors, we provide a wide range of high-quality tools, including chisels, pneumatic tools, manufacturing supplies, and power conveyors.
We're a family-run online wholesale warehouse offering thousands of products. Visit our online shop to browse our selection and view some of our testimonials!
