The Difference Between Conveyor Belts and Chain Conveyors
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There aren’t any particular features that make conveyors that use belts versus chains better than the other. Rather, they each offer unique advantages and disadvantages that complement one another. So, it’s essential that you understand the difference between conveyor belts and chain conveyors to find the type that your business needs.
Belt conveyors are systems with two or more pulleys that constantly rotate an endless line belt. The belt is typically made of durable plastic rubber or PVC this is also very flexible. A conveyor belt looks and operates similarly to a treadmill. However, rather than being about five feet long, conveyor belts can stretch as long as the facility needs them to be.
Conveyor belts are preferred because of their cost-effectiveness. Besides the obvious financial gains they provide by increasing production speed, belt systems are cost-effective even when compared to other conveyors because of the PVC’s competitive pricing.
They also have production advantages. Rubber belt systems have comparatively soft tops, making them great for producing products that require gentile care. Also, the continuous belt means is easy to clean, which is why belt systems are often used in the manicuring and packing of food products.
One of the main drawbacks of using a belt system is that the same surface that makes it great for handling gentle objects isn’t as effective when transporting heavier, more abrasive material. While it might work at first, over time the rubber will typically get damaged sooner than it usually would when moving appropriate material.
Chain conveyors are systems made of a series of small parts that connect together to make the track that the merchandise moves along. While metal is the most common material used, chain conveyors can be made from various materials that are all designed to withstand the daily stress of carrying heavy loads.
Chain conveyors are more durable than belts, making them the preferred choice for heavier loads. However, they have a high chance of causing damage. Also, since chain conveyors are made from a series of interlocking chains, they’re easier to fix than their counterpart. This is because everything is designed in one piece.
However, if part of the belt gets damaged, the whole thing is damaged. On the other hand, if a link on a chain gets damaged, it can easily be fixed since it’s just one small part of a larger system, making dismantling the entire thing unnecessary.
Chain conveyors aren’t used in food production because they can get dirty quickly. They have many small cracks and crevices that dirt and grime can get into. The chains also can cause problems for more fragile loads that need the gentle touch of a PVC belt.
Hopefully, after checking the difference between conveyor belts and chain conveyors, you can order the one that will be the perfect addition to your manufacturing facility’s production practices. Reach out to our team at Redline Systems for more information about the specific models of portable incline conveyors we offer and their recommended uses.
Thread starter
kunalv
Start date
Mar 22, 2017Tags
In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of a conveyor speed using chain pitch, sprocket PCD, number of teeth, and output RPM of a gearmotor. A practical example is provided, which includes a sketch for reference. The use of a VFD to achieve the required speed is mentioned, along with available specifications such as motor speed, gearbox reduction, and sprocket PCD and number of teeth. The process of determining the required RPM for the conveyor sprocket is explained, with a calculation for the gearbox ratio also provided. The calculated gearbox ratio differs from the initial estimate, and it is suggested that the tooth ratio method may also be used.
kunalv
Okay this has has been driving me crazy.I would like to know how a conveyor speed can be calculated on the basis of chain pitch, sprocket PCD & no. of teeth and output RPM of gearmotor.So here is a practical example I'm having to solve at the moment:I have to drive a conveyor at a speed of 760mm/min. To drive this, I am using a drive system which consists of a small sprocket mounted on the output shaft of the gearbox. This sprocket is connected to a larger sprocket by means of a chain.A shaft from the larger driven sprocket is connected to the main conveyor sprocket on which the conveyor chain is mounted. This chain needs to be driven at 760mm/min or in other words, the part at one station needs to travel to the next station 760mm away in one minute.I have enclosed a sketch of this arrangement for reference.I am going to use a VFD to achieve the required speed. Available specifications:-Motor Speed - 915 RPM (6-pole)Gearbox Reduction - 73.6 (this I am yet to finalize, Can go for a different reduction ratio if required)Output RPM - 12.43PCD of Small drive sprocket - 106.14mmNo. of teeth on small drive sprocket - 13PCD of large driven sprocket - 461mmNo. of teeth on large driven sprocket - 57PCD of conveyor sprocket (mounted on same shaft as driven sprocket) - 598mmNo. of teeth on conveyor sprocket - 74Chain Pitch - 1"Any help for this would be highly appreciated!Thanks,KV
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Dr.D
If your drive speed is exactly constant, you will not get exactly constant belt speed due to the slight variations introduced by the variable radius of the chain sprocket. For most purposes, this can be ignored. After that, just treat it like a belt drive, taking ratios of the sprocket radii to determine the speed ratios.
Science Advisor
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If I've understood the set up correctly I get quite a different value for the gearbox ratio...
Looking at the conveyor sprocket. The PCD is 598mm so the circumference = Pi * 598 = 1878mm. (1rpm would move the belt at 1878mm/min which is too much, so we expect the required rpm to be <1rpm).
The required velocity at the pitch diameter is 760mm/min so the required rpm of the conveyor sprocket is..
= 760/1878 = 0.405 rpm
The large driven sprocket is mounted on the same shaft as conveyor sprocket so it must also turn at 0.405 rpm.
The required rpm of the small sprocket can be calculated from the ratio of the pitch diameters..
= 0.405 * 461/106.14
= 1.76rpm
Using the tooth ratio should also give a similar answer..
= 0.405 * 57/13
= 1.78rpm
If the motor turns at 915rpm I calculate the gearbox ratio required is about
915/1.78 = 514
Somewhat different to the 73.6 you have. Perhaps I made a mistake but I can't see it.
A chain conveyor is a type of mechanical handling equipment used to move materials from one location to another. It consists of a series of interconnected chains that are driven by a motor, allowing for the continuous and efficient transportation of goods. They are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture.
The speed of a chain conveyor can be calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken. This can be expressed as: speed = distance/time. The distance traveled is determined by the length of the conveyor and the number of revolutions made by the chain in a given time period. The time taken is measured in seconds.
The speed of a chain conveyor can be affected by several factors, including the length and width of the conveyor, the weight and type of material being transported, the power of the motor, and the tension and condition of the chains. Other factors such as incline, friction, and load distribution can also impact the speed of the conveyor.
Calculating the speed of a chain conveyor is important because it helps determine the efficiency and productivity of the system. By knowing the speed, the conveyor can be properly adjusted to meet the required production rate and ensure that materials are moved at a consistent pace. It also helps identify any potential issues or bottlenecks in the system.
Yes, there are various formulas and online tools available for calculating the speed of a chain conveyor. These include the conveyor speed calculator, which uses the conveyor length and number of chain revolutions to calculate the speed, and the RPM calculator, which calculates the revolutions per minute of the conveyor based on its diameter and speed. It is important to use the correct formula or tool for accurate calculations.
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