Chain Tension

[mcguirepm]

Does anyone have a formula that can be used to determine the proper tension in a chain conveyor. Or in other words, how high should I be able to lift the chain off of the top of the carry wearstrip.

The conveyor is 90" long carrying a 500lb load on two strands of RC60.

 

[strokersix]

For a power transmission chain you generally want the least amount of slack side tension that still provides enough control of the chain. Any additional slack side tension adds to the tight side tension, increasing shaft and bearing loads and reducing life. Too little slack side tension can result in chains bouncing or jumping off sprockets. I would expect that similar arguments will apply to a conveyor. What is the slack adjustment method in your case? Does the conveyor or load reverse direction?

Mike

 

[mcguirepm]

The conveyor is reversible. It has a center drive arrangement wiht one fixed idler and a tension idler on either side of teh drive sprocket.

 

[strokersix]

I expect that you will need to experiment with the tension. Perhaps you can loosen it until you either lose control of your load position or lose chain wrap around the driver and then adjust it a little tighter. This should give the minimum acceptable tension to maximize component life. Not the formula you asked for but should be a reasonable approach.

Mike