The document discusses the evaluation of chain materials for various packaging applications in environments that vary in temperature and exposure to chemicals. It highlights the properties of different chain materials, such as polypropylene, acetal, nylon, and stainless steel, and their suitability for specific conditions like cold, warm, and abrasive environments. Nercon has been a leader in manufacturing conveyor systems for the consumer goods industry for 35 years, primarily serving North American manufacturers.

1. Evaluating chainsFor Packaging Applicationswww.nercon.com920-233-3268

2. Wash-downHigh pressure water and chemical cleaning create a wet, caustic environment which affects chain selection.Sanitary ConveyorCleaning agents will attack Acetal chains; Polypropylene chain material is preferable.

3. COLDCold temperatures from 32 degrees F to 0 degrees require special chain material.Ice Cream LineAcetal chain material and pins are rated for cold temperatures.

4. FREEZERFreezer Room ConveyorsProper chain selection is especially critical in freezer rooms to reduce maintenance and manpower in these harsh environments.Acetal chain is preferred, with Nylon pin material.

5. warmApplications ranging from 70 degress to 200 degrees F, such as conveying through heat tunnels and shrink banders.Heat TunnelA variety of metal chains are available in warm environments; heat resistant nylon chains are also available depending on exposure.

6. ElevatedtemperatureApplications operating in environments over 220 degrees F.Oven Infeed ConveyorsMetal chains are required with brass wearstrips.

7. chemicalChemical spillage environment or extensive chemical used in the cleaning process.Bleach Leak Test ConveyorsFor constant chemical exposure, stainless steel chain and pins are recommended.

8. Electro-staticAerosol Can LineStatic build-up is caused by friction, especially plastic chains running plastic containers.Static causes safety hazards.Anti-static chain material allows the static to safely discharge through the conveyor to the floor. Lubricating conveyor surfaces is another method of reducing static.

9. Explosive Ammunitions ConveyorVolatile fumes in an electro-static environment can lead to an explosion.Products with an explosive make-up such as ammunitions, for example.Stainless steel chain with brass wear-strips, and explosion-proof motors.

10. AbrasIVeAn abrasive environment is caused by the product on the conveyor (dust build-up, broken glass, baking flour, cereal) or by the conditions in the plant.Sugar Handling LineStainless steel sprockets and abrasion resistant rods will help to increase belt life.

11. PLASTIC CHAIN MATERIALPolypropylene: A standard, relatively strong chain material for general applications. It has chemical resistance to many acids, bases, salts and alcohols. It may be somewhat brittle used in cold temperatures.Polyethylene: Offers high impact strength and flixibility with resistance to fatigue. It is also resistant to many acids, bases and hydrocarbons.Acetal: Is stronger than polypropylene and polyethylene with a good balance of mechanical, thermal and chemical properties with low coefficient of friction.Nylon: Can be used in place of standard Acetal for impact intensive applications. Nylon, however, does absorb water and is more susceptible to damage than Acetal.

12. For the past 35 years, Nercon has been a leader in manufacturing and engineering conveyor systems and material handling equipment for the consumer products goods industries.We serve manufacturers primarily in North America with our corporate headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.www.nercon.com920-233-3268Oshkosh, WI USA