BMHR 2016
50 \
World Cement
However, selecting the proper elevator chain
that meets all our high performance needs can be
challenging. We need chain that allows us to keep
running at maximum speeds and holds up to high
shock loads in a highly abrasive environment. So not
just any chain will do.
Remember the old ad slogan ‘Pay me now or
pay me later?’ Will just any off the shelf chain do
the job? Sure, for a short while. But the bottom line
is this: proper chain material selections, precision
manufacturing and heat treatment practices
really make a difference when it comes to quality
manufactured elevator chain that meets or
exceeds our highly demanding production
requirements.
Selecting your elevator chain based on price
Keeping operating costs down is always a
challenge, but all too often, elevator chains are
selected based on price and not quality, longevity
or performance. When selecting an elevator
chain, price should always be a consideration, but
wise plant managers know overall value is more
important.
When selecting your next chain ask yourself,
‘Do I want five years of service life out of my
chain, or is one year okay?’ ‘Do I want a trouble
free ‘set and forget’ chain with maximum
performance, or can I deal with a sudden
premature failure that may cause me to have to
replace my chain much sooner than expected?’
Here comes the big question… ‘Do I want to deal
with a chain failure at 2:00 a.m. when under a
looming production deadline?’
The reality is that no one has time for a
chain failure. Yes, some plants keep replacement
chain on site just in case, but many more do not.
Regardless, operations must pause to obtain
and replace the chain. And depending upon the
complexity of the equipment and set up, this
can take a few hours to a full day. You can avoid
dealing with any of these tough situations if
you select an elevator chain based on materials
and manufacturing processes, not just price. A
little research now can pay big dividends in the
future.
Chain construction
In order to make an informed decision about
elevator chain, it helps to understand the
components and metallurgy that make up this
critical system. A typical elevator chain is made up
of sidebars, pins and bushings with attachments
for buckets.
While the parts may seem elementary, the
materials and processes are not. There is only
one way to manufacture long lasting quality
chain, and that is with high quality ASTM
Standard steel. Why? Well, to be blunt, uncertified
steel produced in an unregulated facility is inferior
in quality. You may not see it on the surface, but
this steel is very prone to inclusions, imperfections,
and metallurgical impurities that always lead
to an increased chain failure rate because the
steelmaking process and inspections of unregulated
manufacturers are just not up to superior standards.
In fact, it is often made from scrap that has been,
smelted with who knows what, and sent right back
to market as a ‘new’ product. This jeopardises you
and your critical operation.
Full round machined or burnished holes in side plates
increase wear life.
A close up view of poor material shows the imperfections
that can lead to failures.
