DRAG CHAIN CONVEYOR

Drag Chain Conveyor

A Drag Chain Conveyor is a robust mechanical conveying system designed to transport bulk materials by dragging them along a trough or enclosed housing using one or more chains. It is widely used in industries such as waste-to-energy, power plants, cement, mining, and agriculture for handling bulk materials like ash, coal, biomass, clinker, granules, and powders.

Key Features of Drag Chain Conveyors

1. Chains:
   • Heavy-duty chains equipped with attachments or paddles (drag flights) to push materials.
   • Made of durable materials like alloy steel for high wear resistance.
2. Drag Flights (Scrapers):
   • Attached to the chains to drag material along the conveyor trough.
   • Available in various materials (steel, cast iron, or UHMW polyethylene) depending on the application.
3. Trough or Housing:
   • An enclosed or open channel where the material is dragged.
   • Enclosed designs prevent dust emissions and spillage.
4. Drive System:
   • Includes a motor, gearbox, and sprockets to power the conveyor.
   • Drives the chain and scrapers along the length of the trough.
5. Material Inlet and Outlet:
   • Allows material to be fed into and discharged from the conveyor.

Working Principle

1. Loading:
   • Bulk material is fed into the conveyor via a chute, hopper, or directly from another piece of equipment.
2. Dragging:
   • The chain with attached flights moves along the trough, dragging the material with it.
3. Discharge:
   • Material is released through discharge outlets positioned along the conveyor’s path or at the end.
4. Return Path:
   • The chain returns along the empty side of the trough, completing the cycle.

Types of Drag Chain Conveyors

1. Single Chain Drag Conveyor:
   • Uses a single chain with flights for lighter materials and smaller capacities.
2. Double Chain Drag Conveyor:
   • Features two parallel chains for heavier loads and longer spans.
3. En-Masse Conveyor:
   • Material is moved in a dense, compact layer with minimal agitation, making it suitable for delicate or fragile materials.
4. Flat-Bottom Drag Conveyor:
   • Ideal for horizontal conveying over long distances.
5. Round-Bottom Drag Conveyor:
   • Designed for self-cleaning operation, reducing material buildup.

Advantages

• Durable and Reliable:
  • Suitable for abrasive, hot, or heavy materials.
• Enclosed Design:
  • Prevents spillage and minimizes dust emissions.
• Versatile Configuration:
  • Can handle horizontal, inclined, or even vertical conveying.
• High Efficiency:
  • Capable of moving large volumes of material with minimal energy consumption.
• Customizable:
  • Trough shape, chain type, and flight materials can be tailored to the application.

Disadvantages

• Higher Maintenance:
  • Chains and flights are subject to wear and need periodic inspection and replacement.
• Energy Usage:
  • More power-intensive compared to lighter conveying systems like belt conveyors.
• Slower Speed:
  • Typically operates at slower speeds, which may not be ideal for time-critical operations.

Applications

1. Waste-to-Energy Plants:
   • Handling bottom ash, fly ash, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF).
2. Power Plants:
   • Coal and biomass feeding or ash removal.
3. Cement Plants:
   • Conveying clinker, limestone, and gypsum.
4. Steel Plants:
   • Handling slag, coke, and other byproducts.
5. Agriculture:
   • Transporting grains, seeds, or fertilizers.
6. Mining:
   • Moving ores, coal, and aggregates.

Design Considerations

1. Material Characteristics:
   • Bulk density, abrasiveness, and moisture content.
2. Capacity Requirements:
   • Volume of material to be transported per hour.
3. Conveyor Layout:
   • Horizontal, inclined, or vertical movement.
4. Operating Environment:
   • Temperature, dust levels, and corrosion resistance.
5. Chain Type and Flight Material:
   • Must match the material being conveyed to reduce wear and tear.

Maintenance Tips

1. Regularly inspect chains, flights, and sprockets for wear or damage.
2. Lubricate chains and bearings to prevent friction.
3. Ensure proper chain tension to avoid slack or excessive strain.
4. Clean material buildup in the trough to maintain smooth operation.
5. Check alignment of chains and drive components to prevent premature wear.

Why Choose a Drag Chain Conveyor?

Drag chain conveyors are particularly suited for heavy-duty applications where durability, reliability, and low spillage are critical. Their ability to handle a wide range of materials, including hot, abrasive, and dense substances, makes them ideal for demanding industrial environments.

SELECTION & TECHNICAL QUESTIONS

Q1: How do I select the right conveyor model? What information should I provide?

> To recommend the most suitable solution, please provide the following details:

> 1. Material type: What material are you conveying? (e.g., fly ash, wood chips, biomass pellets, bottom ash, etc.)

> 2. Material properties: Particle size, temperature, moisture content, abrasiveness

> 3. Capacity requirement: How many tons per hour (t/h) do you need?

> 4. Installation conditions: Conveying distance, incline angle, space limitations

> 5. Application industry: Which industry is this for? (e.g., waste-to-energy plant, biomass power plant, cement plant)

> You can also email us or contact us via WhatsApp. Our engineers will get back to you within 24 hours.

Q2: What is the difference between screw conveyors and chain conveyors? Which one should I choose?

> Both types have different applications:

> – Screw Conveyors: Best for powdery and small-grain materials (e.g., fly ash, cement powder). Good sealing performance, simple structure, low maintenance cost.

> – Chain Scraper Conveyors: Best for bulky, highly abrasive materials (e.g., bottom ash, municipal solid waste, biomass fragments). Supports multiple inlet and outlet points.

> – Bucket Elevators: Ideal for vertical or steep-incline material lifting.

> If you are not sure, tell us your material and working conditions, and our engineers will help you choose.

Q3: Can your equipment handle high-temperature materials? What is the maximum temperature?

> We can customize equipment according to material temperature:

> – Standard type: 0~80°C, carbon steel

> – Medium temperature type: 80~200°C, thickened wear-resistant liner

> – High temperature type: 200~400°C, special heat-resistant steel, optional cooling jacket

> Please tell us your material temperature, and we will recommend the most suitable material solution.

Q4: Are there any limits on conveying distance and lifting height?

> Standard design range:

> – Screw conveyor: Single section up to 70 meters; multiple sections can be connected for longer distances

> – Chain conveyor: Single machine up to 60 meters

> – Bucket elevator: Lifting height up to 50 meters

> We can also customize for extra-long distances or special angles. Contact us for detailed solutions.

Q5: Do you provide explosion-proof design?

> Yes. For explosive and flammable conditions such as pulverized coal and biomass dust, we offer:

> – Explosion-proof motors (Ex d IIB T4 standard)

> – Reserved openings for explosion vents / rupture discs

> – Fully sealed structure to prevent dust leakage

> Please specify your explosion-proof rating requirements.

CUSTOMIZATION & MANUFACTURING

Q6: Do you support customization? What is the lead time?

> Over 90% of our equipment is customized according to customer working conditions. Standard models take about 90–120days. Special customizations take 120–180 days, depending on configuration complexity.

Q7: What material options do you offer?

> Common materials include:

> – Carbon steel (Q235B): Standard working conditions

> – Wear-resistant steel (NM400/NM500): Highly abrasive materials

> – Stainless steel 304/316L: Food, chemical, corrosion-resistant requirements

> – Bi-metal wear-resistant composite plate: Extreme abrasion conditions

> We will recommend the most cost-effective material solution based on your material properties.

Q8: What certifications do you have?

> We hold the following certifications:

> – ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System

> – ISO 14001 Environmental Management System

> – ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management

> – CE Certification (EN 1090 Steel Structure)

> If you need scanned copies of specific certificates, please contact us.

DELIVERY & LOGISTICS

Q9: Which countries do you export to? Do you have export experience?

> Our equipment has been exported to more than 20 countries worldwide, including:

> – Europe: Germany, France, Poland, Turkey, etc.

> – Southeast Asia: Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.

> – Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE, etc.

> – South America**: Brazil, Chile, etc.

> We are familiar with the full export process: packaging, customs declaration, and ocean freight. We can provide FOB, CIF, and other trade terms.

Q10: What is your packaging method? Is it suitable for long-distance ocean shipping?

> Export-standard packaging:

> – Large items / complete machines**: Rust prevention + waterproof film + fumigated solid wood pallet

> – Precision components: Wooden case with shock-absorbing filling

> – Random accessories: Categorized packing with detailed packing list

> All wooden packaging meets IPPC fumigation standards for direct customs clearance.

Q11: What is your minimum order quantity?

> We do not have a strict minimum order quantity. Single-unit orders are welcome. Bulk orders can enjoy more favorable pricing.

INSTALLATION & AFTER-SALES

Q12: Do you provide installation guidance? Do engineers need to come to site?

> We offer two service options:

> 1. Remote guidance: Detailed installation drawings and operation manuals, video guidance for installation (free of charge)

> 2. On-site service: Dispatch engineers to site for installation and commissioning (travel costs are additional)

> Most customers choose remote guidance. Our equipment is designed as a modular structure for easy installation.

Q13: What is the warranty period? What are the wearing parts?

> Standard warranty period is 12 months (from the date of arrival at port).

> Wearing parts list:

> – Chain / screw flights: Approximately 1–3 years, depending on material abrasiveness

> – Liners: Approximately 2–4 years

> – Bearings: Approximately 2–3 years

> We recommend ordering a wearing-parts spare kit together with your first order.

Q14: How do you solve problems during operation?

> We provide 7×24 technical support:>

> – Response within 24 hours for technical issues

> – Remote video troubleshooting guidance

> – Engineer on-site service when necessary

> – Common spare parts in stock for fast delivery

QUOTATION & COOPERATION

**Q15: How can I get a quote? How long does it take?

> Quotation process:

> 1. You provide material parameters, capacity, installation conditions, and other requirements

> 2. Our engineers evaluate and select the appropriate model

> 3. Formal quotation and technical proposal provided within 7 working days

> You can contact us via email, or the online inquiry form.

Q16: What are your payment terms?

> Standard payment terms:

> – 30% advance payment: After contract signing, to start production

> – 70% balance: Before shipment, or against copy of Bill of Lading

For long-term cooperative customers, more flexible payment terms can be negotiated.

Follow these 3 steps to find your ideal conveyor solution

Step 1: Identify Your Material Type

Different materials require different conveyor designs. Tell us what you are conveying:

Step 2: Define Your Working Conditions

Please prepare the following parameters before contacting us:

Step 3: Choose Configuration Options

Based on your answers above, our engineers will recommend:

Material grade — carbon steel / wear-resistant steel / stainless steel

Sealing type — open trough / fully enclosed / gas-tight

Drive system — motor power, gearbox brand, speed range

Auxiliary options — explosion-proof motor, cooling jacket, cleaning device, level sensors

 Not Sure Where to Start?

Send us your basic requirements, and our engineers will design a customized solution for you — completely free.

Email: bootec@bootecgroup.com  Response time: Within 24 hours

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