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fm Page 385 Wednesday, August 17, 2005 9:20 AM

Chain Inspection and Maintenance 385

Buckets of bucket elevators can be worn and deformed, sometimes causing hang-ups. If any
interference is found, it should be corrected immediately.

MISALIGNMENT
Look for signs of misalignment between the chain and the sprockets and ways. Usually conveyor
chains are longer than drive chains, and they are commonly used in pairs or sets. Conveyor chains
also normally travel in ways or guides, so conveyors often are much more affected by misalignment.
If too much misalignment is found, correct it as described in chapter 14.

DIRT AND CORROSION

Inspect for dirt on the chains and sprockets the same way as for drives. Also inspect for dirt buildup
between the chain and tracks or guides. Chains used on conveyors usually cannot be shielded from
the material they carry, nor can they be protected from their normal working conditions. Conveyor
chains are often affected much more by dirt buildup because of this.
Dirt or foreign material between aprons, flights, or slats can cause bending and let material
leak. Continued dirt buildup can cause the aprons, flights, or slats to break. This can lead to larger
materials entering the breaks and causing a conveyor wreck.
If problems from dirt are found, clean the chain and conveyor as completely as possible. If
that is not satisfactory, remove the chain and clean it thoroughly before putting it back in service.
If conditions are extremely dirty, the chain may need to be replaced.
Inspect for signs of corrosion the same way as for drives. Here again conveyor chains are
usually much more affected by corrosion than drive chains because they cannot be shielded or
protected. The signs of corrosion are often serious chain damage, in which case the entire chain
should be replaced.

CHAIN WEAR
Inspect for chain wear the same as for drives. Conveyor chains are usually longer than drive chains
and conveyor chains sometimes must place objects with precision. Thus conveyor chains may not
be allowed to wear as much as drive chains. The limit on wear elongation may be reduced to as
little as 1% or 2%. When the chain is worn beyond its functional limit, it must be replaced.
Conveyor chains are often used in pairs or sets. The difference in wear between the chains in
a set can sometimes cause the conveyor to not work properly. Sometimes the difference in wear
between the chains in a set can cause attachments to break. When the difference in wear between
the chains in a set causes problems, the chains must be replaced as a set.

SURGE
Long, very slow conveyors are sometimes subject to surge. Surge is often caused by a stick-slip
condition. Better lubrication or a slight increase in speed may remedy the situation.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF TENSION LINKAGE CHAINS

Inspecting and maintaining tension linkage chains is too critical to cover here. Inspection and
maintenance of leaf chains are covered in the ASME B29.8 standard. Inspection and maintenance
of roller load chains for overhead hoists are covered in the ASME B29.24 standard. Guidance on
inspection and maintenance of other tension linkage chains should be obtained from the chain
manufacturer.

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