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Keeping down time low and longer life of chain the roller chain should be properly maintained like any other machine part.

Use genuine chain and chain components since it is a critical item, due to inferior quality of local made components, will create serious problems during working and results in heavy stopages.

Use proper toolings for assembly / disassembly of chains and its components. Using improper toolings like over size hammers will damage chain parts since they are hardened.

After fitment of new Chains and Sprockets, before starting the conveyor check equal tightening and ensure all carrier shafts should be parellel to each other. Also periodic inspection needs to carry during working period because some tightening adjustments may be necessary.
Make more frequent inspections and check the following points.
 
Wear on sprocket teeth and wear on link plates if appeared means sprockets or shaft are not properly align. Do not depend on wear sign alone for judging shaft and sprocket alignment, since misalignment may be detected before wear becomes apparent.Hence the proper alignment is very much necessary to avoid any measure break down.
 
The working faces of the sprocket teeth should have a bright and polish appearance.Scratches to grooves or changes in the tooth shape indicates some trouble i.e.the rollers may not rotate due inadequate lubrications.
 
Gradual elongation of chain is the result of normal wear. However if the elongation is above 3% in total, indicates that the chain will soon jump the sprocket teeth. A certain increase in slack can be results to improper lubrication, heavy shock loads or continuous over load or axle displacement or displacement of take-ups.
 
Compressed air cleaning is necessary to maintain cleanliness to avoid jamming in chain parts due to accumulations of dirt, foreign materials and bagasse.
 
Do not use a new link in a chain, which has already enlongated by wear. Also do not used new Chain on warn out sprocket because this will reduce the chain life considerably.
Note: Avoid steaming and hot water for cleaning the chain because it will definitely de-lubricate and increase wear, corrosion of chain parts and reduce chain life drastically.
Lubrication

Selection of proper lubricant and method of applying lubricant is necessary for prolongation of life of chain, Method of lubrication should be adopted depending upon the chain speed. Mineral oil SAE40 to 60 is recommended.

Lubricant such as oil and greese should always applied between the inner & outer link plates and side facing of the chain wheel / Sprockets, Frequently chech viscosity and quality of lubricant.

Wear Characteristics of Conveyor chain
A) Mechanical wear:
Under reasonable condition and normal atmosphere mechanical wear causes the bearing surface of the conveyor chain to shine brightly. Proper lubrication assures further life.
B) Wear due to corrosion:
Conveyor chain used in applications where acidic or alkaline chemicals are present will be subject to corrosive wear as well as mechanical wear. To protect against the chemical corrosion accompanying mechanical wear stainless steel is recommended.
C) Wear due to conveyed material:

Material conveyed by the chain also have important factor. Wearing of the surface of the chain due to reciprocal friction between the material and chain under such condition prevent material from falling on the chain. For extra protection chain should have higher wear resistance specifications.