CHAIN DRIVES: An Outline – Femi Koya

Chain drives define another class of flexible (8 – 115 mm), and may be double pitch, for
connection, consisting of rigid links hinged longer center distance, moderate load
together for flexibility in transmitting motion and low speed applications. The sprocket
between two or more shafts in short distances. may be a driver, the driven, or an idler. It
In addition to transmitting power and motion, could be a plate type, or a hub (one-
they are also employed for conveying sided, or double-sided
materials where the conveying devices are
attached to the chains, as in chain conveyors.
As with belt drives, the chain drives must be
enclosed, or safety guards are provided.
Advantages over Belt Drives
(i) Exact velocity ration is maintained,
since slippage do not occur.
Block Chain
(ii) Lesser axial space and smaller sprocket
than pulley diameter for same speed
ratio.
(iii) Chain drives can be used at lesser
center distances
(iv) Chain drives are subjected to lesser
centrifugal load
(v) Chain drives operate at higher Roller Chain
transmission efficiencies.
(vi) The drive from one shaft can be
coupled to several other shafts.
Disadvantages
(i) The initial cost of installing chain drives is
higher than for gears, but comparable with
Silent (Inverted Tooth) Chain
the cost for belt drives.
(ii) Chain drives require accurate mounting Selection of Standard Chain Drives
and maintenance Standard chains are selected from the
(iii) When stretched due to surging, chain catalogue, following the manufacturer’s
drives exhibit more velocity fluctuations guide. Chain number begin with two letters
Types of Chains (e.g. RC – Roller Chain, SC – Silent Chain),.
(a) Block chains (also called engineering steel) They are followed by one or two digits that
are used for low speeds (up to 900 fpm) 1
designate the chain pitch in increments of
and high loads applications 8

(b) Roller chains are specified for medium to
high-speeds applications.
(c) Silent Chains (Inverted Tooth Roller Chains),
suitable for high speed (up to 6,500 fpm) –
1,200-1,500 fpm are used for longer life, but
up to 3,500 fpm is common.
(d) Terms and Descriptions
(e) Roller chains are described in terms of the
pitch, construction properties and series.
Roller chain pitches range from ¼ - 3 inches
inch. In roller chain the pitch designators are
then followed the last digit which indicates the
construction properties, e.g. 0 = Standard; 1 =
Light duty; and 5 = Rollerless. If followed by a
last letter H it means a heavy-duty, e.g.
RC100H - standard roller chain whose pitch is
10
inches, i.e. 1¼ inches. Others include letters
8
like L for Light, XXH for Double Extra Heavy, etc.
The number of strands may be indicated with
one or two digits hyphenated after the

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numbering. In SC, the pitch designators are minimum recommended number of teeth for
followed by two or three digits representing the driver sprocket (the smaller sprocket) is 12
the width in increment of ¼ inches, e.g. SC836: for slow, 17 for medium and 25 for high speeds
pitch is 1 in, width is 9 in. .
Standard Pitches for Roller Chains
Chain …
25 35 41 40 50 200 240
No.
3
Pitch ¼ 8
3

Chain Length L is estimated in pitches, and

even number is preferred, to avoid the need
for an offset link.
𝐿 𝐶 𝑇2 + 𝑇1 (𝑇2 − 𝑇1 )2
= 2( ) + +
𝑃𝑡 𝑃𝑡 2 𝐶
4𝜋 2 (𝑃 )
𝑡

The minimum recommended wrap angle is

120O for roller chains, while the maximum
recommended speed ratio for a single
reduction drive is 7:1. However, speed ratio up
to 10:1 are possible with proper design, but a
double reduction would be better. The
Maintenance (vi) Avoid exposure to high temperature, or
(i) Make provision for chain tightening provide adequate cooling.
and adjustment. Typically, the service life of roller chain is put at
(ii) Ensure proper installation, e.g. sagging 15,000 hours of use if well maintained.
side must not lead the drive, except
idlers are provided Class Example:
(iii) Sprockets must be properly aligned on In a chain-sprocket drive, a four-strand RC 25
parallel, horizontal shafts and chains transmits power from a 21-tooth driving
(iv) Provide safety guards and chain casing sprocket that turns at 1200 rpm. The speed
(v) Provide appropriate and adequate ratio is 4:1. Calculate the chain length if the
lubrication, with the appropriate center distance is about 254 mm. Relevant
method of application (depending relationship in imperial units is given by
operating speed: manual oiling, up to 𝐿 𝐶 𝑇2 + 𝑇1 (𝑇2 − 𝑇1 )2
= 2( ) + +
100 fpm, drip – 300 fpm max., 𝑃𝑡 𝑃𝑡 2 𝐶
4𝜋 2 (𝑃 )
bath/slinger 1,000 fpm max.), and as 𝑡
specified by the manufacturer.
Lubrication aids chain performance
and life by:
(a) Resisting wear between the pin and
housing surfaces
(b) Flushing away wear debris and
foreign materials
(c) Lubricating the chain sprocket
contact surfaces
(d) Dissipating heat
(e) Cushioning impact loads
(f) Retarding rust and corrosion.

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