Chain Conveyor
Chain Conveyor: Reliable Horizontal Transport for Mill Processes
The chain conveyor systems developed by Tanış A.Ş., serving the milling sector since 1956, are the most effective way to transport your grains horizontally in a reliable and efficient manner. Chain conveyors produced in our production facilities based in Gaziantep with our experience in wheat, corn, and barley processing equipment offer high-capacity, durable, and long-lasting transport solutions.
A chain conveyor is a mechanical transport system designed for transporting grain and granular materials in horizontal and slightly inclined directions. Its basic function is to advance grains through paddles mounted on one or two chains within a closed channel.
Horizontal transport technology plays a critical role in the efficient operation of the mill process. It guarantees uninterrupted continuation of the production process by ensuring continuous flow of grain between cleaning, tempering, and grinding units.
The chain and paddle mechanism has a simple but extremely effective working principle. Paddles mounted on steel chain carry grain on top while rotating inside a closed body, providing minimum resistance to the system during the empty return on the bottom.
Basic advantages over other transport systems are:
- High-capacity transport capability (up to 400 tons per hour)
- Superior performance with heavy and dense materials
- Minimum dust emission with closed design
- Operating at low speed to preserve grain integrity
The conveyor system’s working mechanism consists of a chain and paddle arrangement moving within a closed U or box-section body. Grains are fed to the upper part of the conveyor and transported to the discharge point by being pushed by paddles.
The drive system transmits movement to the chain through electric motor, reducer, and drive gears. Motor power and reduction ratio are precisely calculated according to the load to be transported and conveyor length.
Loading and discharge points are designed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted material flow. Minimum grain damage is achieved through low-speed movement and design that minimizes grain friction.
High-quality steel chains used in Tanış chain conveyors show high resistance to wear, corrosion, and fatigue. The thickness and heat-treated structure of chain links are designed to withstand heavy loads.
Paddle design is optimized according to the type of grain to be transported. Paddles generally manufactured from steel or plastic materials regulate grain flow and ensure transport with minimum damage.
Chain-paddle configurations suitable for different grain types are offered:
- Standard paddle system for wheat and similar grains
- Wide-spaced paddles for large-grain products like corn
- Leak-proof gasket system for flour and fine-grain products
Tanış chain conveyors are offered in various technical specifications:
- Width: Standard models between 200mm – 800mm
- Length: Modular lengths from 3m to 100m according to need
- Capacity: Models between 10 tons/hour – 400 tons/hour
- Transport speed: Between 0.1 m/s – 0.4 m/s (for optimum efficiency)
Motor power and energy consumption values are calculated according to conveyor length and capacity. Typical power requirements vary from 2.2 kW to 30 kW. Energy efficiency-focused design provides maximum transport capacity with minimum power consumption.
Chain Conveyor: Model Varieties and Capacity Options
Model alternatives are offered for different capacity needs:
- TMZC-200 series: For small businesses with 10-50 tons/hour capacity
- TMZC-400 series: For medium-scale facilities with 50-150 tons/hour capacity
- TMZC-600 series: For large facilities with 150-300 tons/hour capacity
- TMZC-800 series: For industrial-scale facilities with 300-400 tons/hour capacity
Configuration alternatives for special applications can be customized according to customer needs. Models that can work bidirectionally or with intermediate discharge points can be manufactured.
Structural Design and Engineering Features
Body structure is manufactured from U or box-section high-strength steel. Modular design shortens installation time and provides transport convenience. Standard flanged connections offer quick and error-free assembly capability in the field.
Leak-proof structure and dust control mechanism are important for worker health and environmental cleanliness. Sealing gaskets used in body connections minimize dust emission.
Design features providing maintenance ease include easily accessible control covers, quickly dismountable parts, and modular structure. These features accelerate routine maintenance processes.
Safety Features and Protection Systems
Overload protection and emergency stop systems protect both equipment and workers. Speed and temperature sensors prevent motor overloading.
Chain tension control mechanisms ensure the chain operates at optimum tension. Automatic or manual tension systems extend chain life and reduce failure risk.
ATEX compliant models offer safe working capability in environments with dust explosion risk. Tanış A.Ş. fulfills its responsibility for facility safety with these special design options.
Transport Performance and Operational Superiority
The ability to transport heavy grain loads is the most distinctive advantage of chain conveyors. Strong chain structure and drive system transport even high-density materials without problems.
The advantage of high-volume transport at low speed preserves product quality. High capacity can be achieved even at low chain speeds of 6-24 meters per minute. This low speed prevents grain damage.
The feature of transporting with minimum damage while preserving grain integrity is valued especially in seed grain and fragile products. Chain conveyors move the product by carrying rather than dragging.
Long-distance transport capability provides great advantage in facility design. Transport up to 100 meters can be done with a single unit, reducing the number of equipment needed for intermediate stations.
Installation and System Integration
Easy integration into existing mill lines is possible thanks to the flexible design of chain conveyors. Standard inlet and outlet flanges ensure compatible operation with other equipment.
The installation process is managed by professional Tanış technical team. Field assembly of modular sections, installation of drive and tension stations, assembly of chain and paddle systems are carried out quickly and smoothly.
The feature of integrated operation with other transport systems ensures uninterrupted material flow. Transfer points compatible with elevators, screw conveyors, and belt conveyors can be designed.
Usage and Operating Features
Daily operation requirements ensure reliable system operation. Recommended controls for operators include regular monitoring of chain tension, abnormal noise or vibration, and material flow.
Optimum loading and operating recommendations maximize system performance. Using the conveyor at 70-90% of capacity is ideal for both energy efficiency and equipment life.
Maintenance and Service Ease
Planned maintenance schedule extends equipment life and reduces failure risk. The maintenance program recommended by Tanış includes weekly, monthly, and annual controls.
Chain tension control is the most critical maintenance point. Loose chain causes skipping and abnormal wear, while excessively tight chain increases mechanical stress.
Easily accessible service points shorten maintenance time. In Tanış conveyors, maintenance covers are placed at strategic points for access to all critical components.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Advantages
Efficient transport with low energy consumption is one of the economic advantages of chain conveyors. 15-30% less energy consumption per ton can be achieved compared to other transport systems.
Long-lasting components reduce total cost of ownership. High-quality chains and paddles can serve for 5-10 years under normal operating conditions.
Minimum product loss and waste control provide operational savings. Closed system design and leak-proof structure reduce product spillage to nearly zero.
Industrial Applications and Usage Areas
In flour mills and integrated facilities, chain conveyors provide reliable transport between cleaning, tempering, and grinding sections. They are especially preferred in mill processes where wheat needs to be transported delicately.
In feed factories and legume processing facilities, they show superior performance in transporting heavy and abrasive products. They offer long-lasting solutions in transporting corn, soy, and other feed raw materials.
In silos and storage facilities, they provide connection between storage units and processing lines. They provide reliable transport in high-capacity silo emptying and filling operations.
Environmental Compliance and Dust Control
Dust emission control with closed design is an important advantage for environment and worker health. Conveyors designed in line with Tanış’s corporate value of “Environmental responsibility” minimize dust spread.
Noise level control and reduction mechanisms increase working environment comfort. Low-speed operation and balanced drive systems keep sound levels low.
R&D and Continuous Improvement
Tanış A.Ş.’s R&D studies in chain conveyor technology closely follow innovations in the sector. As stated in our vision, “keeping production technology and innovation at the forefront” and “making corporate investment in R&D,” we continue our leadership in the sector.
Improvements made in line with customer feedback ensure our products respond to real needs encountered in the field. Every customer experience is a valuable input to our product development process.
Comparative Analysis and Competitor Systems
The advantages of chain conveyors over belt conveyors are particularly evident in heavy load transport and wear resistance. Although belt systems can operate at higher speeds, their lifespan is shorter with heavy and abrasive products.
Comparison with screw conveyors varies according to transport distance and product characteristics. While screws offer compact solutions for short distances, chain conveyors are more efficient for long distances.
Correct selection criteria among different transport solutions include transport distance, required capacity, installation area, and product damage-free requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can chain conveyors be manufactured? Tanış chain conveyors can be manufactured up to 100 meters as a single piece. For longer distances, multiple units can be connected in series.
What is the maximum transport capacity? Our standard models offer capacity between 10 tons/hour and 400 tons/hour. Special designs with higher capacity can be made for special applications.
At what incline can chain conveyors operate? Standard models work efficiently at inclines up to 10 degrees. With special designs, inclined installation up to 15-20 degrees is possible.
What is the maintenance frequency? Under normal operating conditions, weekly simple checks, monthly chain tension adjustments, and annual comprehensive maintenance are recommended. More frequent maintenance may be required in harsh environments.
How much noise does it make during operation? Tanış chain conveyors have noise levels in the 70-80 dB range thanks to their low-speed operating principle, which is considered quite quiet by industrial standards.
For more information and chain conveyor solutions suitable for your business, contact Tanış A.Ş. today. Our expert team is ready to offer solutions specific to your process needs.