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Technological Innovation And Future Prospects Of The British Tubular Drag Chain Conveyor Industry

Tubular drag conveyors are exceptionally adaptable and dependable across numerous industries, having served as bulk material handling equipment for approximately fifty years. They are particularly renowned in food processing for transporting a diverse range of delicate materials in various manufacturing processes. In this blog post, we will delve into two primary types of tubular drag conveyors: chain and cable drag industrial conveyor belt systems.

Factors to Consider Before Investment
To ensure you make a well-informed decision when investing in a new belt conveyor system for your production facilities, consider the following aspects:

  • The operational mechanics of tubular conveyors,
  • The distinctions between chain and cable drag systems,
  • Their comparative advantages over other conveyor types,
  • Their applications in diverse production processes.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that tubular drag conveyors can be tailored to customer specifications, making them ideal for businesses with limited floor space and intricate layouts featuring tight corners and sharp turns. This ultimate guide to tubular drag conveyors will provide comprehensive insights to ensure you make a satisfactory and informed purchase.

Tubular drag conveyors operate as a specialized conveyor belt system designed to transport bulk materials through an enclosed tube. Constructed from materials such as plastic, steel, or fiberglass to cater to various industries, these tubes house a chain or cable equipped with uniformly spaced solid discs known as flights. These flights propel the material forward within the tube, powered by motor-driven sprockets. The conveyor’s ends are interconnected to form a continuous loop, enhancing its functionality.

A notable advantage of tubular drag conveyors lies in their modular design. This feature allows for high customization, enabling them to be tailored to suit the unique requirements of nearly any facility.

Moreover, their enclosed structure positions tubular drag conveyors as an optimal choice for food-grade applications. The sealed tube effectively bars external particles, thereby minimizing the risk of contamination. Additionally, the confined nature of the transport significantly reduces the likelihood of dust accumulation and dust explosions within the production environment.

When discussing tubular drag conveyors, two primary drive mechanisms emerge: chain-driven and cable-driven. Chain tubular drag conveyors utilize a series of interconnected metal links, forming a chain that propels solid discs within the tubular structure. Conversely, cable conveyors feature a stainless steel cable in lieu of a chain, offering superior hygienic qualities compared to chain systems. Both conveyor types possess the capability to transport approximately 80,000 pounds of product per hour (36,287 kg/h), albeit this capacity fluctuates based on the bulk density of the conveyed material.

Delving into tubular chain conveyors specifically, these systems employ either stainless or carbon steel chains to advance materials within a tubular housing. Two distinct chain varieties exist: roller chains and link chains. Roller chains consist of interconnected plates, facilitating strictly linear movement. Link chains, on the other hand, exhibit greater flexibility, enabling them to convey products across multiple planes and directions, tailored to the facility’s requirements.

It’s crucial to note that both roller and link chains come into direct contact with the conveyed material. In the food manufacturing industry, the chain must be resilient against acid and corrosion, while also adhering to stringent FDA sanitation standards. This is particularly significant as debris and food particles can become trapped between chain pins, plates, and bushings.

Tubular Cable Conveyors employ a stainless steel cable, rather than a chain, to propel discs and convey materials. This cable is enclosed within a nylon jacket, ensuring that the surface in direct contact with the conveyed product remains smooth and free from any product particles or debris accumulation.

The cable used in these systems is of the WSC (wire strand core) variety, which is an exceptionally high-tensile cable commonly utilized in aircraft. Its core is composed of 316 stainless steel, surrounded by steel-stranded ropes, making it highly durable and unlikely to break under typical operating conditions. The discs in cable drag conveyors are securely attached directly to this cable, without the need for any loose components like bolts or screws. Consequently, every conveyor component can be effortlessly disassembled for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

After an exhaustive comparison, it’s crucial to underscore the fundamental distinctions between cable and chain tubular drag conveyors. Despite initial perceptions of similarity, the choice between these two options is significant. Here’s why you should carefully consider whether to invest in a tubular cable or chain drag conveyor.

Primary Divergence – Cost Implications
The upfront cost for both types of tubular drag conveyors falls within a mid-range bracket. However, long-term expenses reveal stark differences. Tubular chain conveyors incur substantial maintenance costs due to their frequent maintenance requirements. Round-link chain systems, particularly, are the most demanding, with sprockets prone to wear and tear, leading to high replacement costs and significant downtime. Chain systems also demand more powerful motors (greater horsepower), thereby elevating operational costs.

Food Safety Compliance
Another notable distinction lies in the sanitary standards of these conveyors. While both are enclosed and safeguard against external contamination, they differ in ease of cleaning. Chains have a larger surface area in direct contact with the conveyed product, causing food residue and particles to accumulate in chain joints, which can harbor bacteria. These areas are difficult to clean and sanitize.

Conversely, cables are encapsulated in nylon, providing a smooth surface. They lack components or crevices where product particles can gather, minimizing food safety risks. To adhere strictly to food safety guidelines, a tubular cable drag system is preferable to a chain system.

Cleaning Procedures
Both chain and cable drag conveyors support wet and dry cleaning methods. However, cable systems offer more cleaning options, facilitating easier maintenance and sanitization for safe operation.

Strength Variance
Lastly, cables are approximately 25% stronger than chains. The cables utilized in tubular cable systems are also found in aircraft, bridges, cranes, and elevators, attesting to their robustness and reliability. For a sturdy and dependable option, a cable conveyor is an excellent choice.

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