Maintenance instructions for drag chain conveyors

Easy maintenance of drag chain conveyor - How to keep your conveyor in good condition

Drag chain conveyor is designed to withstand heavy use, but regular maintenance will ensure long life and trouble-free operation. With these simple instructions, anyone can take care of their conveyor - easily and safely. Remember to document your inspections in a maintenance logbook, this will help you monitor the condition of your conveyor and spot any problems in time. The records are also useful for troubleshooting, should the need arise. 

Safety first and foremost

Safety is always a top priority when servicing your chain conveyor. Before starting any maintenance operation, make sure that the conveyor is stopped and the power is switched off. This prevents accidental starts and reduces the risk of accidents.

Read the operation and maintenance instructions carefully before starting the work. Make sure that the power is off and the safety switch is locked before servicing. Wear safety glasses and gloves when handling oils and greases.
Never use the device during maintenance.

Regular inspection

Check the overall condition of the conveyor by visual inspection and by listening for any abnormal sounds on a weekly basis. Make sure there are no leaks. Also check the oil level in the gearbox and add the oil recommended by the manufacturer if necessary. Check the condition of seals and bearings - tighten or replace as necessary.

Maintenance of chains and sprockets

The conveyor chain and flights are key components of the drag chain conveyor, and their condition directly affects the performance of the equipment. The chain and flights should be inspected regularly and any wear or damage should be repaired immediately. Chain tension is also an important inspection item, as both too loose and too tight chains can cause problems.

Check the condition of the sprockets and always replace them when changing the chains. This is very important for the durability of the conveyor chains, even a new chain will wear out quickly and may even break if the sprockets are old and worn.

A break in the chain always causes an unnecessary stop in production and is, of course, also a safety risk.

Stuffing boxes

The function of stuffing boxes i.e. shaft sealing boxes is to prevent material leakage. The sealing boxes have either three or five packing cords. Regular replacement of the cords is essential to maintain tightness.

If material leaks occur, the first thing to check is the tension of the presser. If this does not fix the situation, it may be necessary to replace the sealing cords on the boxes. Refer to your conveyor documentation for detailed instructions. If the machine manual has been lost, please contact us with the serial number of the machine and we will send you a new machine manual!

Gearbox maintenance

The gearbox of the conveyor is a critical component which condition directly affects the operation of the equipment. Maintenance of the gear motor should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. This includes, but is not limited to, checking filters and repairing any leaks.

When inspecting the gearbox, attention should also be paid to any abnormal noises or vibrations that may indicate problems. Detecting and correcting these problems in a timely manner can prevent major damage and extend the life of the piston conveyor.

If your conveyor has a chain transmission, also check the tension of the transmission chain regularly. Lubricate the chain with mineral oil about once a month.

Cleaning

Clean the exterior surfaces of the equipment with a cleaner that is suitable for the materials of the equipment. The internal surfaces of the device can be cleaned with an industrial vacuum cleaner or a pressure washer - make sure you use safe and approved equipment. After servicing, install all guards and covers in place before using the equipment.

Spare parts management and replacement

Spare parts management is an essential part of chain conveyor maintenance. It is important to stock a sufficient number of critical spare parts such as chains, pulleys and bearings. This ensures that any faults can be repaired quickly and the conveyor can be back in operation as soon as possible.

When replacing spare parts, follow the manufacturer's instructions and use only original or approved spare parts. This will ensure that the drag chain conveyor will continue to operate optimally and safely after replacement of spare parts.

Our service team will help you with spare parts, contact us service@kopar.fi

Training and updating maintenance skills

Training and updating the skills of maintenance staff are important factors in the maintenance of chain conveyor. Staff must be familiar with the design and operation of the conveyor and be familiar with the maintenance procedures and instructions.

This training will ensure that maintenance staff can carry out maintenance operations correctly and safely. Regular training also helps to keep skills up to date and improve the quality of maintenance.

A systematic maintenance programme and documentation of maintenance work help to keep the conveyor in working order and prevent major damage. This ensures that the chain conveyor operates reliably and efficiently under all conditions.

Regular maintenance is an investment in the reliability and longevity of your conveyor. With these guidelines, you can ensure that your conveyor will serve you reliably year after year.

For more information and detailed instructions, please consult the service manual supplied with the equipment. In case your service manual has mysteriously disappeared, please contact us and we will send you a new one!

Please contact us if we can be of assistance.