Drive Chain Tensioning

After a conveyor has been in use for a period of time, it may be necessary to make adjustments to the chain tension. A loose chain can jump the drive sprockets and can cause sprocket wear and failure. A tight chain requires excessive motor power, and can cause chain and sprocket failure. Chain tensioning can be done adjusting the tensioner. If more adjustment is required than can be done with tensioner adjustment, then links should be added or removed as necessary from the drive chain and the tensioner readjusted.

Generally the slack of the chain should be on the lower side (See Figure 2). Adequate slack (distance between A and B) is 4% of the span. The slack should be 2% of the span in the following cases:

1. The Drive is vertical or close to vertical
2. The span is greater than 36 inches
3. The Chain is operated under heavy load and high frequency of on-off cycles
4. The direction of the Drive is change often.

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