Chain conveyors, i.e. conveyors that enable the transport of large and non-standard items, should be regularly maintained. It is a series of activities performed at various intervals in order to ensure optimal efficiency and pace of work as well as the safety of the production facility. These include checking the chain tension, determining the degree of its wear, lubricating it with grease and monitoring the noise level of the engine. In our post, we provide tips for the optimal maintenance of chain conveyors. We invite you to read.
What is the maintenance of the chain conveyor components?
One of the steps in maintaining the tendon is weekly monitoring of the degree of tensionto see subtle changes easily. It is also important to evaluate for signs of rusting, stretching, snagging or detachment of the chain from the track. Every day accumulated dirt should be removed and inspect drive train tensioners and lubricate drive wheels if necessary.
Must be lubricated drive chainto increase conveyor capacity and eliminate excessive friction. In order to avoid rusting, it is worth using the appropriate lubricants recommended by the manufacturer. Be aware that it is not enough to simply apply grease to the chainrings, but also between the inner and outer plate, above the split point. For chain systems with rollers, it should also be applied between the inner plates and rollers. The lubricant then reaches the bearing surfaces and protects them against friction and wear.
If the grease is applied manually with an oil can, can or brushlubrication should be done at least every 8 hours. In the case of drip lubrication, the oil is dosed by the lubricator in the amount of 5 to 20 drops per minute, depending on the current speed of the chain.
Another way to apply grease is the bathing method consists in immersing a part of the gear wheel with the chain in the oil tank. The draft should not exceed 0,6 to 1,3 cm in order not to release heat that could change the properties of the lubricant.
It should be regularly monitor the noise level of the engine. In addition, check and record its temperature, and then evaluate it on a monthly basis. Engine mounting bolts are also assessed. If you notice any looseness, tighten the screws immediately. This will ensure the safety of the conveyor.
It is extremely important to assess the condition of the gears for wear, routinely 4 times a year. It is worth bearing in mind that any skewed gears can cause the chain to elongate, leading to failure of the entire conveyor. The noise level of the bearings and reducer should also be checked, as well as the measurement of its temperature and oil level. In this way, any faults can be detected on an ongoing basis and rectified immediately.