Chains and Their Applications in Power Transmission

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary characteristic of roller chain that makes it suitable for various applications?

Complex assembly

Positive engagement (correct)

High speed capacity

Requires special tools

Which of the following is considered a disadvantage of using roller chain?

Speed limitations (correct)

Highly efficient

Inexpensive

Versatile

What role does lubrication play in the performance of roller chains?

Enhances aesthetic appeal

Reduces wear between parts (correct)

Increases noise

Accelerates rust formation

How can chain length be adjusted for roller chains?

Using a chain break and stretching tool with a master link Signup and view all the answers

Which lubrication technique is generally employed in clean environments?

Drip lubrication Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential consequences of inadequate lubrication on roller chains?

Higher risk of noise and wear Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a characteristic associated with roller chain maintenance?

Minimal maintenance needs Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable benefit of using inexpensive tools with roller chains?

Lower downtime due to easy configuration Signup and view all the answers

What type of chain is designed specifically for power transmission applications?

Roller chain Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of chains is noted for use in material handling functions?

Drag chain Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of using roller chains in applications requiring power transmission?

They can transmit greater horsepower. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chain is referred to as engineered class chains due to their robust construction?

Pintle, mill, and drag chains Signup and view all the answers

What are leaf chains primarily used for?

Elevating loads in lift trucks Signup and view all the answers

Which features are common in roller chains that enhance their performance?

Bending and shearing resistance Signup and view all the answers

What type of roller chain is specifically known for its anti-friction properties?

Roller chain Signup and view all the answers

Why is the offset sidebar chain favored for conveying service?

It's designed for extreme power transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of chain lubrication?

To minimize wear and reduce friction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a standard consideration when choosing a roller chain?

The latest market trends Signup and view all the answers

How is the pitch of a roller chain determined?

As the center to center distance on the roller pins Signup and view all the answers

What does a metric #8 chain (08B-1) correspond to in ANSI standards?

#40 Signup and view all the answers

What are the common materials used to manufacture roller chains?

Plain carbon or alloy steel Signup and view all the answers

What does the last digit in ANSI chain specifications represent?

The type of chain (standard, lightweight, bushed) Signup and view all the answers

In sprocket nomenclature, what does the letter 'B' typically indicate?

Hub on one side Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is NOT part of a roller chain?

Linkage rod Signup and view all the answers

What does the '50' represent in the sprocket identification number 50BSS28 7/8?

The chain pitch the sprocket is designed for Signup and view all the answers

In the designation 'SC816' for a silent chain, what does the first digit represent?

Pitch in 1/8 inches Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the elongation of a chain exceeds 3%?

Replace the chain Signup and view all the answers

How are sprocket axial alignments verified?

Using a straightedge across the faces of the sprockets Signup and view all the answers

What is the allowable offset for parallelism in a #40 chain?

1/32 inch Signup and view all the answers

What result can occur from running a new chain with old sprockets?

Sprocket teeth will become worn incorrectly Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of minimizing axial float during chain installation?

To allow for thermal expansion of the shaft Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chain is typically rated for prime movers below 50 horsepower?

Silent chain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chains

Chains are used for power transmission in various applications.
Various types of chains exist, including decorative chains, ball and chain, transport chains, ladder chains, and roller chains.
Roller chains use anti-friction roller bearings for power transmission in machinery.
They are available in various configurations and sizes.
Conveying chains are used in material handling functions and can include tabletop and mat-top types.
Offset sidebar chains, pintle chains, mill chains, and drag chains are engineered for extreme power transmission or conveying service.

Roller Chain

The working load is carried by link plates.
Pins, rollers, and bushings experience bending and shearing forces from sprockets.
Large pitch roller chains have limits on operating speed but can transmit higher horsepower.
They are available in multi-pitch and self-lubricating varieties.

Advantages of Roller Chains

Inexpensive
Available in various sizes and lengths.
Highly efficient.
Easy assembly and disassembly.
Versatile.
Positive engagement.
Lengths can be adjusted/modified.
Simple to work with using basic tools.
Available in multiple configurations.

Disadvantages of Roller Chains

Lubrication is critical.
Subject to dirt.
High maintenance.
Noisy operation.
Speed limitations.
Backlash.

Lubrication

Lubrication reduces wear between parts, cushions load impact, dissipates heat, retards corrosion, and flushes away contaminant particles.
The lubricant viscosity needs to be low enough to flow through and over the chain without sticking to components.
Additives that can coke and leave behind varnish must be avoided.
Lubrication methods include immersion, drip systems, pump and spray, and brush applicator methods.

Chain Nomenclature

Roller chain is specified by pitch, width, and roller diameter.
Pitch is the distance between the centers of adjacent roller pins.
ANSI standards for roller chain include 40, 50, 60, and 80.
The first digits in the nomenclature refer to the chain pitch, expressed in eighths of an inch.
The last digit in the nomenclature can indicate standard chain (0), lightweight chain (1), and bushed chain (5).

Sprocket Nomenclature

Sprockets are identified based on 2 digits followed by 2-3 letters and 2-3 numbers followed by a fraction.
The first two numbers indicate the chain pitch.
The letters indicate the style of hub, and the materials used (stainless steel).
The last few numbers denote the number of teeth on the sprocket, followed by a fraction representing the bore diameter.
Sprocket types include plate only, hub one side, hub both sides, and detachable hubs.

Chain Inspection

Inspect for chain elongation (exceeding 3% requires replacement).
Check for proper meshing.
Look for wear on the side of sprocket teeth (misalignment), wear on the working faces (improper lubrication), and hook shapes (replacement is needed).

Chain Alignment

Ensure parallel and level shafts.
Verify sprocket axial alignment using a straightedge.
Allowable out-of-parallelism tolerances exist per sprocket type.

Chain Installation

Position sprockets close to bearings to reduce overhang.
Minimize axial float to accommodate thermal expansion.
Calculate chain length based on pitch diameters and center distance.

Chain Tension

Tension should be approximately 1.5 inches per 5 inches of tangential distance between sprockets.
Excessive slack or tension can cause vibration or premature wear.

Silent Chains

Silent chains utilize an inverted tooth design.
They consist of toothed link-plates assembled on pin connectors.
They are typically used for prime movers rated below 50 horsepower.
Silent chains have a specific nomenclature, generally denoted by "SC" followed by numbers indicating pitch and width. This allows identification of appropriate replacement parts.

Chain Identification

Roller chain guides are used as identifiers and as functional parts.

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Description

This quiz covers the various types of chains used for power transmission, including roller chains and their specific applications. Explore the characteristics, advantages, and configurations of different chain types in machinery and material handling. Test your knowledge on the mechanics and engineering aspects of chains.