The Chain DoctorWear Protected Conveying Chains
"Life Insurance for your conveyor"
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 Figure 1: Allguard FX |
"Wear Resistant Glass Bottle Conveying Chains" Glass Machinery Plants & Accessories March 2010. "Bottle producers drive conveying chain innovation" Glass International July/August 2005 "Improving conveyor chain life" Glass Worldwide May/June 2010 |
 Figure 2: Lifeguard |
Ramsey offers two distinct styles of wear protected conveying chains: Allguard FX™and Lifeguard™. Both chain styles can extend conveying chain life by preventing premature, lateral pin wear. Lifeguard chains offer a unique additional advantage; they provide a gap free side profile that promotes smooth product transfer and discourages chain snagging on lateral obstructions.
CHAIN PROTECTION - HOW IT WORKS
Typical chains contain pins that extend from the sides of the chain(Figure 3). The ends of these pins, which are headed or riveted to hold the chain together, are vulnerable to wear and chipping when they contact lateral guides or transfer plates. In time, the pin wear may be severe enough to cause chain failure. Allguard protected chains prevent premature chain failure due to pin head wear.
As shown in Figure 1 and 2, the pin heads in Allguard and Lifeguard chains are recessed below the chains surface. With the pin heads recessed, they are protected from directly contacting lateral obstructions and head wear is virtually eliminated. Also, with the pins protected in this manner, chains can be run in direct contact with lateral guides(Figure 4). This provides for smoother ware transfer and allows for simpler, less expensive chain guide designs.
Figure 3: Typical Chain
Figure 4: ALLGUARD Protected Chain
SIZES AVAILABLE TO FIT MOST CONVEYING SYSTEMS
Both Lifeguard and Allguard chains are available to accommodate a wide range of conveying systems. They are available in widths ranging from less than one inch, to over 20 inches. Chains can be assembled with all links, to maximize surface area, or they can be produced from links and spacers to reduce overall weight and enhance cooling. Links can also be double stacked within the chain to achieve better air flow and chain cooling.
Lifeguard and Allguard are available with guard links on one side of the chain, or on both sides of the chain. Single guard chain is less expensive, but double guard provides more complete chain protection. If you are uncertain which chain you need, Ramsey customer service can help you decide which style is best for you.
Both Allguard FX and Lifeguard will protect conveying chains against pin wear. Also, both styles are available in all popular chain widths. Allguard FX chains offer the largest number of replacement options, with styles available to replace nearly any existing side guide, center guide, or multi-guide chain. Lifeguard is a side guide style chain that is particularly beneficial with handling small bottles or items that are prone to tipping.Lifeguard chains provide a unique gap free side profile that provides for extra smooth product transfer on and off the chain.
When ordering Allguard or Lifeguard for the first time it is important to consider sprocket compatibility. Ramsey customer service representatives are available to help you select the correct new sprockets, or to verify that your existing sprockets will be compatible.
Lifeguard and Allguard chains are only available from Ramsey. No other company offers comparable products. For more information on Lifeguard and its potential benefits in your conveying application, please contact Ramsey.We will be happy to answer any questions you might have and provide you with a risk-free, product quotation.