technical data Large size conveyor chain Selection
11. Chain size determination
Divide the tension acting on the chain (T MAX) found in Table 3 by the number of chain strands, then multiply it by the chain speed to temperature coefficient and the operating time coefficient to find the corrected chain tension T' MAX, and select a chain with Maximum allowable load that satisfies this. (Maximum allowable load of a conveyor chain is a calculated strength calculated based on our design standards.)
This is the limit value, assuming use in a lubricated state, taking fatigue, damage, and wear into consideration. If you calculate the correct chain tension based on the selection listed in our catalog and use it below this value, early failures will not occur. However, this does not include cases where performance degradation occurs in special environments.
- 1) If there are laws or guidelines regarding chain selection, select the chain according to those laws and guidelines as well as allowable tension, and select the chain with the larger allowance.
- 2) When using multiple strands of conveyor chain, an unbalanced load may be applied. In this case, correct the value in the above formula by dividing the number of strands by 1.
- 3) (1) Transporting heavy loads over short distances (2) Exposure to abrasive, adhesive, or corrosive transported materials (3) High temperature and humidity (4) Using the chain Lube-free will significantly reduce the chain's lifespan. Please also refer to chain usage in special environments when making your selection.
- 4) Regarding item 3) above, when using the chain Lube-free, please allow a margin of approximately 1.3 to 1.5, taking into consideration the wear life.
Table 8. Chain velocity factor Kv
| Chain speed m/min | Velocity factor Kv |
|---|---|
| 20 or less | 1.00 |
| Over 20 to under 30 | 1.05 |
| Over 30 to under 40 | 1.15 |
| Over 40 to under 50 | 1.30 |
| Over 50 to under 60 | 1.45 |
Note: Please use this as the standard under appropriate operating conditions (clean and well-oiled).
Table 9. Chain temperature coefficient KT
| Chain temperature ℃ | Temperature coefficient KT | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| DT・DTA | AT・ATA | GS・GSA SS・SSA |
|
| Under 100 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Over 100 to under 200 | 1.25 | 1.20 | 1.00 |
| Over 200 to under 300 | - | 1.35※ | 1.10 |
| Over 300 to under 400 | - | 1.50※ | 1.15※ |
- ・Chain life will be significantly shortened if used at high temperatures and high speeds. (Table 9, marked *)
- ・Please contact us for specifications other than those listed above.
- ・If the value of KV x KT exceeds 1.5 for DT, DTA, AT, or ATA, please contact us.
- ・If the KV x KT value exceeds 1.2 for GS, GSA, SS, or SSA, please contact us.
- ・Please check the operating ambient temperature of the chain on each product page.
Table 10. Usage time coefficient Ks
| Daily usage time | Ks |
|---|---|
| 10 hours or less | 1.0 |
| 10-24 hours | 1.2 |

