Changing Chain Drive Sprocket Ratio
Changing Chain Drive Sprocket Ratio
(OP)
Hi all,
Hopefully this will be a simple one, but was looking for some advice on chain drives. We have a drive system which is comprised of: 15HP variable speed DC motor -> Right angle 12:1 gear box -> 23T to 44T sprocket reduction. Total reduction of ~23:1
The issue we have is that the 12:1 gearbox is obsolete and we have the option to keep a 10:1 or 15:1 on hand as a spare. We'd like to keep the motor speed approximately the same so we need to change the driving sprocket mounted to the gearbox. My question is, what new ratio would you pick for the gearbox? If we go with the 10:1 then we have to increase the sprocket ratio and vice versa for the 15:1. We physcially have room for both, but are there any advantages/disadvantages one way or another?
Probably overthinking this, but would appreciate some advice anyway. Thanks in advance. Photo shows current setup.
Hopefully this will be a simple one, but was looking for some advice on chain drives. We have a drive system which is comprised of: 15HP variable speed DC motor -> Right angle 12:1 gear box -> 23T to 44T sprocket reduction. Total reduction of ~23:1
The issue we have is that the 12:1 gearbox is obsolete and we have the option to keep a 10:1 or 15:1 on hand as a spare. We'd like to keep the motor speed approximately the same so we need to change the driving sprocket mounted to the gearbox. My question is, what new ratio would you pick for the gearbox? If we go with the 10:1 then we have to increase the sprocket ratio and vice versa for the 15:1. We physcially have room for both, but are there any advantages/disadvantages one way or another?
Probably overthinking this, but would appreciate some advice anyway. Thanks in advance. Photo shows current setup.





RE: Changing Chain Drive Sprocket Ratio
it's always good to have a odd number of teeth in both sprockets (but cannot always be achieved) when ever possible to help give a uniformal distbution of wear, for that reason i would go with the 15:1 gearbox and a pair of sprockets with 15 and 23 teeth (one odd) which would maintain your ~23:1
RE: Changing Chain Drive Sprocket Ratio
RE: Changing Chain Drive Sprocket Ratio
At the same time, I'd look at the structure carrying the chain pull between the sprockets.
I.e., not enough information provided to do the engineering from here.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Changing Chain Drive Sprocket Ratio