This document discusses chain material selection for different packaging application environments. It provides information on choosing the proper chain for wash-down, sanitary, cold, freezer, warm, elevated temperature, chemical, electro-static, explosive, and abrasive environments. It also summarizes the properties of common plastic chain materials including polypropylene, polyethylene, acetal, and nylon. The document is from Nercon, a manufacturer of conveyor systems and material handling equipment.

1. Evaluating chains For Packaging Applications www.nercon.com 920-233-3268

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

3. COLD Cold temperatures from 32 degrees F to 0 degrees require special chain material. Ice Cream Line Acetal chain material and pins are rated for cold temperatures.

4. FREEZER Freezer Room Conveyors Proper 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. warm Applications ranging from 70 degress to 200 degrees F, such as conveying through heat tunnels and shrink banders. Heat Tunnel A variety of metal chains are available in warm environments; heat resistant nylon chains are also available depending on exposure.

6. Elevatedtemperature Applications operating in environments over 220 degrees F. Oven Infeed Conveyors Metal chains are required with brass wearstrips.

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

8. Electro-static Aerosol Can Line Static 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 Conveyor Volatile 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. AbrasIVe An 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 Line Stainless steel sprockets and abrasion resistant rods will help to increase belt life.

11. PLASTIC CHAIN MATERIAL Polypropylene: 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.com 920-233-3268 Oshkosh, WI USA