How to Improve Conveyor Chain Longevity in Cement and Asphalt Plants

Cement and asphalt plants are demanding environments that demand strength and durability from all tools and equipment used across operations. Conveyor chains play a vital role in many of these operations, ensuring the continuous movement of heavy and abrasive materials. 

With constant exposure to high temperatures, dust, debris, and mechanical stress, attention and effective maintenance is crucial for avoiding costly downtime and preserving operational efficiency.

At John King Chains, our decades of experience allows us to understand the unique challenges of the cement and asphalt industries. This insight empowers us to not only design and manufacture high-quality products but also to offer expert solutions to improve conveyor chain longevity and performance. 

So, let’s take a look at some important factors when improving the longevity of your conveyor chains and systems. 

Choose the right chain for your needs

Let’s start right at the beginning. The first step in ensuring a long life for your converter chain is to select a product designed specifically for your requirements and the environment in which it will operate. In asphalt and cement plants, this means choosing a chain designed with high strength and resistance to abrasion and high temperatures in mind. 

We manufacture a wide range of conveyor chains for such heavy-duty applications. Our expertise and production capabilities ensure products that can perform even under the most extreme conditions. 

Regular inspection and maintenance

Regular inspections are crucial to identifying any potential signs of wear, corrosion, and misalignment. Performing inspections and maintenance checks helps to ensure safe and efficient operations. Things you should check for in your cement and asphalt plant conveyor chains inspections include:

• Chain elongation
• Side plate or roller wear
• Cracked or deformed links
• Build-up of materials that may cause tension of mis-tracking 

Chain alignment and tensioning

Tension and improper chain alignment can contribute to uneven wear, reducing the overall efficiency of your conveyor systems. Ensure your conveyor chains are aligned parallel to the sprockets and are set at the correct tension. This will help to prevent sagging or excessive load on the links. 

John King Chains offers technical advice, as well as on-site support, to help our clients install and maintain their conveyor systems for optimal performance. Learn more about our Site Service Division.

Ensuring proper lubrication

Proper lubrication is one of the most important factors in improving your industrial chain maintenance. Lubrication helps to minimise friction between the moving parts in your conveyor system, protecting them from corrosion. It is also important to select the appropriate lubricant for your needs. For example, in high-temperature environments, such as those found in asphalt production, choosing a heat-resistant lubricant is essential. 

Automatic lubrication systems can often be installed in enclosed or difficult to access areas. This ensures consistent application without the need for manual intervention. 

Trust John King Chains for Longevity and Performance 

With almost one hundred years of experience, we are well placed to help with the maintenance of your cement and asphalt plant conveyor chains. John King Chains is a trusted partner of cement and asphalt clients around the world, providing high-performance conveyor chain solutions and expert advice. Our team of engineers is always on hand to provide technical advice, while we support you with custom solutions and prompt delivery. For more information, give us a call on 01977 681 910 or use our online enquiry form today!