After more than 35 years, the client, a Dutch salt extraction company, decided to change its chain supplier, switching to K&W Transmissies as a new supplier for the replacement of the elevator chains. The elevators contain an obsolete type of chain. The chance of a chain break and the resulting costly stoppage of the production process was high. Moreover, the availability of this old type of chain was a problem, and as a result the extremely long delivery times became a serious problem for the continuity of the production process.

How's the process going?

K&W Transmissies was asked to assess the production process and make a proposal to improve the chains and sprockets. The chain was not replaced by the end client but by a major maintenance company. Together with the client, the maintenance company and the engineering department of the chain factory, we looked at various solutions. In order to minimize downtime during assembly, the construction of the 50-meter-long chain was prepared with great care over the weekend. Naturally, K&W Transmissies’ product specialist was present and happy to help to link the chain together and mount the elevator buckets on the chain.

The challenge

The product is transported vertically in an elevator. In this case the product is magnesium salt, which is extracted from the soil. Once above the ground, there is a lot of fine dust and the challenge lies in preventing the chain from clogging up. During the magnesium production process, the temperature of the chain can reach 700 degrees Celsius, which places special demands on the wear resistance of the materials.

The solution

The solution was to create specially hardened steel rings, which are mounted as a seal between the plates of the chain. These ensure that the fine dust can escape the hinged parts of the chain clean. The sprockets consist of separate elements, which are mounted on the axle and the hub, which remain in the installation if replacement of the wheels appears to be necessary. We have read on the client’s social media that the preparation of the German chain factory and K&W Transmissies gave the client complete confidence in the reliability of the bucket elevator, guaranteeing the continuity of the production process. It’s nice to hear that we have been able to help this client with complete satisfaction.

More information

If you are also interested in the possibilities of such an engineering project within your company, please contact us. Our experts are happy to work with you!