Drag Chains for Conveyor Systems: Applications, Benefits, and Choosing a Supplier

Many industries rely on a range of conveyor chains for different aspects of their manufacturing or transportation processes. For example, drag chains are an essential component in many bulk material handling systems, offering a durable and efficient way to move products through various industrial processes. If your business relies on such robust conveying equipment, it is essential to source high-quality products from reliable manufacturers to ensure your operations continue to run smoothly.

At John King Chains, we specialise in the manufacture of a wide range of conveyor components, including high-quality drag chains. So, if you’re looking for long-term performance – look no further.

What are Drag Chains?

Drag chains, sometimes also referred to as drag conveyor chains, are a type of conveyor chain engineered to transfer materials through a trough by dragging or scraping the product along the desired path. Their design them to handle heavy, abrasive, and even dusty materials, making them ideal for demanding applications and harsh or abrasive environments.

Drag chains are commonly used in slow-speed, high-torque applications where reliability is essential. As such, these chains are typically constructed for strength, durability, and resistance to wear.

Benefits of Drag Chains

This type of conveyor chain offers several advantages that make it ideal for a range of challenging industrial applications. These include:

• Exceptional durability: Manufactured from high-strength materials, they are built to withstand tough environments where resistance to impact, abrasion, and heavy loads is essential.
• Consistent material flow: Their classic design reduces the risk of blockages to maintain smooth and controlled movement.
• Low maintenance: Made with a simple construction, they require less maintenance than other types of conveyor systems.
• Versatile handling applications: They can be used to transport powders, granules, fibres, and large particulate materials.
• Energy efficient: Drag conveyors often operate at lower speeds, so they offer reduced energy consumption.

Which Industries Rely on Drag Conveyor Chains?

Their versatility and rugged design have made drag chains a vital component for many industries, including:

• Cement and asphalt: Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures, heavy loads, and abrasive materials makes them perfect for clinker handling, cement kilns, and asphalt mixing plants.
• Biomass and renewable energy: Wood chips, pellets, biomass by-products and other materials used in the production of renewable energy can be handled with ease.
• Grain and agriculture: Chains are vital for transporting grains, cereals, and animal feed safely and efficiently.
• Food processing: Hygienic drag conveyor systems support the controlled movement of bulk food ingredients, including flour, sugar, and meal.
• Mining and quarrying: Tough and durable drag conveyor chains are ideal for moving mined materials, such as aggregate and ores.
• Power generation: Their ability to withstand continuous high-load operation makes them an excellent option for supporting coal, ash, and biomass fuel systems.

Why Choose John King Chains as Your Chain Supplier?

John King Chains is a highly trusted manufacturer of conveyor chains, recognised by businesses all around the world. With a century as a world leader in design, manufacture, and supply, we have provided bespoke solutions to clients in a wide range of industries. From our advanced manufacturing facilities, we produce a huge portfolio of conveyor chains engineered to both British and American standards, ensuring reliability regardless of your required application.

Our well-earned reputation is built on delivering products that are fit for purpose and built to last. We know that downtime can be costly, which is why our products – including our drag chains – are produced from the highest quality materials, quality-checked, and dispatched promptly.

So, if you need a drag chain manufacturer, look no further than John King Chains. To learn more about our product ranges, give us a call on 01977 681 910 or fill out our online enquiry form, and a member of our expert team will be in touch soon!