A tube chain conveyor is a continuous conveying device used for transporting powdered, small granular, and small block materials. It operates inside a sealed pipe, using a chain or steel wire rope as the traction tool, which drives discs to push materials along the conveying pipe. The discs act as the transmission components, moving the materials efficiently along the pipeline.
The tube chain conveyor supports horizontal, vertical, inclined, and curved conveying. It can operate as a standalone system or work together with other equipment to form a more powerful conveying system that meets a variety of transportation needs.
A tube chain conveyor is a continuous conveying device used for transporting powdered, small granular, and small block materials. It operates inside a sealed pipe, using a chain or steel wire rope as the traction tool, which drives discs to push materials along the conveying pipe. The discs act as the transmission components, moving the materials efficiently along the pipeline.
The tube chain conveyor supports horizontal, vertical, inclined, and curved conveying. It can operate as a standalone system or work together with other equipment to form a more powerful conveying system that meets a variety of transportation needs.
Structure
As a flexible traction element, the basic structure of the tube chain conveyor includes the following components: tensioning device, redirection device, feeding device, chain or steel wire rope, circular scraper, enclosed material trough, inspection hole, drive unit, and discharge device.
Working Principle
During operation, the chain or steel wire rope, along with the discs fixed on it, acts as the traction and conveying component. These elements transport the material to the feeding port, where it enters the material trough. The material moves synchronously with the scraper chain along the direction of the trough, and is eventually discharged at the outlet.
The conveyor has two branches: the load-bearing branch and the return branch. The material is placed in these branches and is conveyed even if it has strong fluidity and low internal friction. The material moves forward as it is constrained by the scraper and the trough walls.
For horizontal conveying, the material is pushed by the chain discs. When the internal friction between material layers is greater than the external friction between the material and the pipe wall, the material moves forward with the chain discs, forming a stable material flow.
For vertical conveying, the material is pushed upwards by the chain discs. The pressure from the material below prevents the upper material from sliding down, enhancing the internal friction between the materials, enabling upward transportation.
2. Flexible layout, suitable for various site conditions, easy to install.
3. Compact structure, saving space and reducing construction costs.
4. High transportation efficiency with minimal material sediment.
5. Gentle on fragile materials, reducing damage during transportation.
6. Can be fully washed, low maintenance needs, and long service life.
7. Can handle bulk materials with high efficiency and low operational costs.
8. Supports long-distance transportation and flexible multi-point feeding.
9. Can start under full load.
- Disadvantages
Noise：
Although noise is generated during operation, it can be controlled within an acceptable range.
Component wear：
The discs may wear out over time and need replacement every 5 years.
Applications
With its mature technology, the tube chain conveyor is widely used in industries such as fine chemicals, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and coal chemistry. It is particularly effective for transporting powdered or granular materials in environments where dust control is important.
Typical materials for tube chain conveyor
Fine Chemicals: Pigments, dyes, coatings, carbon black, titanium dioxide, etc.
Agricultural Chemicals: Urea, ammonium chloride, solid pesticides, tungsten powder, etc.
Building Materials: Cement, quartz sand, limestone powder, etc.
Food Industry: Flour, starch, grains, milk powder, food additives, etc.
