Technical Data Large size conveyor chain Handling
4. Adjust Chain Tension
Take-up the chain to ensure proper operation of the conveyor.
As a guide, chain should be adjusted 1.5 - 2 pitches.
Offset links (made-to-order products) are also available, but are generally not recommended due to their economical efficiency and strength.
Chain tension should not be too strong, and should have the proper amount of slack.
4.1 Chain Sag
In a basic layout, a small amount of slack ( δ ) is needed on the return side as shown in the figure below.
Too much tension will promote chain wear, and too much slack will cause the chain to ride up on the sprocket teeth and cause damage.
Chain Sag (δ) ≒ 0.1L
Chain Sag
4.2 Frequency of Adjustment
The chain will undergo initial elongation when first used, as well as elongation resulting from wear between pin and bush after operation.
To maintain proper chain tension, adjustments, if necessary, should be made at regular intervals.
A chain operated for eight hours per day should be checked and adjusted as per the following chart.
It becomes easier to neglect take-ups the longer the chain is used, which leads to chain catenary and accidents. Thus, performing regular checks is essential.
| 1st week after start of operation | Once a day |
|---|---|
| Within one month after initial operation | Twice a week |
| Thereafter | Twice a month |
Shorten interval between checks if chain speed is fast or chain operating time per day is over eight hours.
4.3 Frequency of Adjustment
4.3.1 When Chain Cannot Be Adjusted by Take-up Alone
If there is still some slack in the chain, despite taking up the chain as much as possible, remove two (2) links from the chain and shorten the overall length.
See our guide to "Connection/Disconnection chain".
4.3.2 Even Adjustment of Take-up on Both Sides
When two parallel chains are adjusted by two independently operated take-ups, care must be taken to ensure even stroke on both the left and right sides.
For this, we will assume that the length of the left and right chains is roughly equal. Therefore, it may be necessary to insert chain lengths at times to align the two lengths.
This is unnecessary with continuous or balance take-up.
An uneven adjustment will cause the link plate and the side of the sprocket teeth to interfere with each other and result in an overload condition.
