CHAIN DRIVE
Chain Drives - A chain is a power transmission element consisting of
series of pin-connected links/chain links, which mesh with toothed
sprockets. Chain drives are used to perform three basic functions:
transmitting power, conveying materials and for timing purposes.
ADVANTAGES OF CHAIN DRIVES
▪ Do not slip, perfect velocity ratio is ▪ Gives fewer loads on shaft
obtained ▪ Can transmit power/motion to
▪ Due to metal strength, it occupies less several shafts by one chain only
space in width than a belt drive ▪ Can be operated at high
▪ Can be used for both long as well as temperature
short distances. ▪ Permits high speed ratio of 8 to
▪ High transmission ratio/ high 10 in one step
transmission efficiency (97-99%)
DISADVANTAGES OF CHAIN DRIVES
▪ Production cost is relatively high
▪ Needs accurate mounting and careful maintenance, particularly
lubrication and slack adjustment
▪ Velocity fluctuations occurs, especially when unduly stretched
and mounted inaccurately
▪ Noisy
CLASSIFICATION OF CHAIN
Hoisting and Hauling (or crane) Chains
▪ Can be used up to 0.25 m/s
▪ Two types: oval and square links
Chains 1
Conveyor Chains
▪ Used for elevating and conveying within 0.8 to 3 m/s
▪ Two types: detachable or hook joint, and closed
joint type
Power Transmitting Chain
▪ Used for short centre distances
▪ Three types:
▪ Block or Bush
▪ Roller Chain
▪ Silent Chain or Inverted Tooth Chain
LUBRICATION OF CHAIN DRIVES
• The performance of chain assembly is enhanced by proper lubrication.
• Proper lubrication reduces friction and act as a coolant.
• Improper lubrication produces premature chain failure.
• Lubrication type depends upon the speed and environment.
• Petroleum oil is the recommended lubricant for chain drive operation.
TYPE I – Manual Lubrication TYPE II – Drip Lubrication
▪ Lube is applied periodically using brush or ▪ Oil drips with sufficient flow is directed to
oil can the chain
Chains 2
TYPE III – Bath or Disc Lubrication TYPE IV – Oil Stream Lubrication
▪ Chain runs through an oil sump or bath in ▪ Some nozzles attached with supply of oil
the drive housing are set on the chain to spray the oil on
the chain near the sprocket
▪ In disc lubrication, a disc picks up the oil engagement
and deposits on chain. Oil level is
maintained in these cases.
Important Elements and Information
▪ Sprockets for roller chain are available from 5 to 159 teeth.
▪ For smooth operation, small sprocket should not have fewer than 11 teeth and preferably not
more than 24 are recommended.
▪ A speed of 2500 fpm is recommended for economical design.
▪ Minimum number of teeth for smaller sprocket:
▪ For low speed – 12 teeth
▪ For moderate speed – 17 teeth
▪ For high speed – 21 teeth
▪ For maximum quietness, use sprocket with 27 teeth.
▪ It is recommended for high speed applications that the minimum number of teeth in small sprocket
should be 18 to 24.
▪ Consider a maximum safe center distance of sprockets of 80 pitches. Very long distance can
cause catenary tension on chains.
▪ For average application, a center distance equivalent to 30 to 50 pitches of chain represents good
practice.
▪ For silent chains, the recommended economical speed is 4000 fpm.
▪ For silent chains, sprockets are available with 17 to 150 teeth. The recommended minimum
number of teeth is 21 for best result.
Chain Nomenclature
Pitch – is the distance between the center
of two adjacent pins
Pitch Circle Radius– It is the distance between the pin
center and the center of sprocket, when the hinge is meshed
with that sprocket
Chains 3
