Common Questions about Chain Wheels And Chains

I. Selection & Matching

1. Question: How to select chains/sprockets by equipment needs?Answer: Focus on 3 core parameters:

• Pitch: Must match sprocket pitch (e.g., 8A for light load, 16A+ for heavy load).

• Teeth Count: Small sprocket ≥17 teeth (avoid undercutting), large sprocket ≤120 teeth (reduce wear). Adjust for speed change with tensioners.

• Center Distance: Short pitch for ≤30×pitch; calculate sag and add idlers/tensioners for >50×pitch.

2. Question: Material selection for chains/sprockets?Answer: Based on working conditions:

• Humid/corrosive: 304 stainless steel/galvanized chains; stainless steel/HT200 sprockets.

• High-temp (>200℃): 310S chains; RQTSi4 sprockets.

• Heavy-impact: 38CrMoAl chains; 20CrMnTi sprockets.

• Normal (RT, no corrosion): Chains (20Mn2/40MnB, HRC58-62); sprockets (45# steel, HRC40-45).

• Severe conditions:

II. Installation & Commissioning

1. Question: How to ensure sprocket coaxiality/parallelism?Answer: Use tools for measurement:

• Coaxiality: Dial indicator error ≤0.1mm/100mm; align shafts to keep sprocket center line perpendicular to axes.

• Parallelism: Laser alignment/wire method, error ≤0.5mm/m.

• Test run manually; fine-tune with tensioners if stuck/uneven tightness.

2. Question: How to adjust chain tension?Answer: Based on center distance/conditions:

• Horizontal: Sag = 1%-2% of center distance (apply 2-3×chain weight force).

• Vertical: Sag = 0.5%-1% of center distance; add guide wheels.

• Note: Avoid over-tight (wear) or over-loose (jumping); adjust tensioners regularly.

III. Maintenance & Troubleshooting

1. Question: Daily maintenance key points?Answer: Focus on lubrication and cleaning:

• Lubrication: Low speed (ZG-2 grease), medium-high speed (L-CKC220 oil), high-temp (MoS₂ grease); lubricate weekly (8h+ daily run) or biweekly (intermittent run).

• Cleaning: Monthly clean with kerosene/diesel; re-lubricate after drying.

• Inspection: Replace chain if pitch elongation >3%, sprocket if tooth wear >1/5 tooth height; check loose pins.

2. Question: Solutions for "tooth jumping/chain disengagement"?Answer: Targeted fixes:

• Deviated coaxiality/parallelism: Realign shafts with laser.

• Insufficient tension: Adjust tensioners; replace over-elongated chains.

• Severe sprocket wear: Replace sprocket (sync with chain for new-old mismatch).

• Foreign objects: Clean and add protective covers.

3. Question: How to identify chain abnormal noise causes?Answer: Judge by noise:

• Uniform "rustling": Insufficient lubrication → re-lubricate.

• Periodic "clicking": Uneven chain pitch/sprocket error → replace worn parts.

• Sharp "squealing": Damaged bearings → replace and recalibrate coaxiality.