A drag chain conveyor is an enclosed system that moves fine particulate matter through a tube using discs connected to a chain. It is not suitable for larger objects and requires routine maintenance. Alternatives include blower and screw conveyors, but the drag conveyor can navigate curves and angles.
Transporting fine particulate matter from one point to another within a given location can be difficult because dust can build up, creating a dangerous working environment. To overcome this problem, a drag chain conveyor can be used. This conveying system is completely enclosed to prevent dust from entering the air and circulating through a building or other space, potentially causing worker illness. The drag chain conveyor features a cable or chain that runs through a long tube; discs sometimes known as “discs” are connected to the chain and these discs are sized to fit snugly into the pipe.
As the chain moves through the pipe, the discs are pulled along the walls of the pipe, so any materials discharged between the discs will be carried along the pipe. The drag chain conveyor will have several discs on the chain, often hundreds, to efficiently move the fine particulate matter. Discs can be made of metal or synthetic materials such as plastic, and will generally be spaced several inches or even feet apart to allow for ample storage space. The drag chain conveyor chain is flexible, so you can drive materials around corners in a tube.
While the most appropriate application for a drag chain conveyor is the movement of fine particulate matter such as sand or grain, the system is not appropriate for moving larger objects. In fact, it is likely to jam if larger objects are placed inside, leading to an increased incidence of maintenance and repairs. Some designs of drag chain conveyors use cables rather than chains to pull the discs; if this is the case, routine maintenance will be required to inspect the cable for frays that could lead to complete system failure.
As an alternative to a drag chain conveyor system, some manufacturers will instead use a blower system that essentially pushes materials through a hose to a waste bin. This system can lead to excessive dust generation, especially at the discharge point. Another alternative to the drag conveyor is the screw conveyor, which features a long screw that spins inside a straight tube. The teeth of the screw will push the materials in a particular direction with respect to the way the screw turns. However, the drag conveyor has an advantage over a screw conveyor, as a screw conveyor cannot have curves or angles; the pipe must be straight to accommodate the straight auger.
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