Types of Engineering Steel Chain Conveyors

Engineering steel chains are used on conveyors in an enormous variety of applications, although most installations can be resolved into one of the types of conveyors described in this chapter. Conveying applications may be classified in many ways. The materials handled may be bulk, such as sand or grain, or unit, such as television sets or cartons. The conveyor chain also may carry the material or push or scrape it. 

The material conveyed and how it is to be placed on and takm off the conveyor really dictates the type of conveyor to be used. For example, if the materials to be handled are individual large objects, which can be slid on and off the conveyor, a floor, carrier, or slat conveyor usually will be used. If the material to be handled is a bulk material, sueh as eoal or sawdust, or even logs, the material will be carried by the conveyor or pushed along in a trough by a drag or scraper conveyor chain. 

This chapter describes the more common basic tj s of chain conveyors to help the reader understand how each type of chain conveyor functions and to recognize the chain attachments required to support, move, and discharge the material from the conveyor. The chain conveyors discussed are arranged according to the type of service the conveyor performs and the types of attachments added to engineering steel chains that help them perform their required function. 

The engineering steel chains used on such conveyors may be set up to roll or to shde, depending on the details of the operation. Engineering steel roller chains, steelbushed rollerless chains, welded steel chains, and bar-fink steel chains are all used in this style of conveyor. 

FIGURE 9-3 Welded steel conveyor carrying cants. 

---