Tsubaki launch FB-specification conveyor chain
New components help double the wear life of bucket elevator conveyor chains
TSUBAKI have introduced two new innovative components to their range of bucket elevator products to help deliver, say the company, twice the service life of conventional products. The manufacturer’s latest FB-specification conveyor attachment chain for bucket elevators features a sophisticated sealing solution to prevent lubricant contamination, while replacement sprocket blades help to keep the wheels turning for twice as long.
The FB-specification chain uses a solid lubricant, which is bonded to the inner surface of the chain bushing. A unique O-ring design is then mounted between the link plates to prevent external contaminants from entering, while retaining the solid lubricant. This method reduces the internal erosion by preventing the material’s ingress and has been shown to double the service life of the chain.
Designed for bucket elevators, the conveyor chain features a straight attachment on the side of each outer link to which the buckets are bolted. With an operating temperature range of -15 to 200°C, the FB specification chain is well suited to the applications intended.
Bucket elevator sprockets are also subjected to the harsh working environments and often have a short service life which can lead to regular, high replacement costs; the sprocket teeth being rapidly eroded by the high friction loads and contaminant ingress issues. To further reduce maintenance requirements, Tsubaki’s thermal-spray-specification replaceable sprocket blades sit between the chain and the sprocket proper.
The sprocket blade inserts – which are manufactured with a quench-hardening system and then treated with thermal spray to reduce wear – protect the sprocket from the worst of the wear. Each single insert can be quickly removed and replaced as necessary when it becomes worn.
Derek Mack, sales director for Tsubaki UK, commented: ‘We are dedicated to developing solutions for our customers. The high maintenance costs associated with bucket elevator applications are considered an unavoidable nuisance by many, whereas we have shown that with some thought during the design process, significant improvements can be made. Not only can we show that our products last twice as long as standard competitor products; the FB-specification chain also reduces noise in operation by an average of 2dB.’
