In the recycling industry, conveyor chains play a crucial role in moving and sorting materials throughout the recycling process. Proper lubrication of these chains is essential to ensure their smooth operation, minimise wear and tear, and prolong their service life. Our expert RotaLube engineers have come face-to-face with the challenges of operating a chain conveyor in this demanding environment and can help you implement a reliable, automated lubrication system that will increase uptime, while reducing cost and environmental impact.
How can I increase the service life of recycling conveyor chain?
Excessive chain wear and short replacement intervals are among the most common problems we see on chain conveyors in the recycling industry. These issues contribute to increased conveyor downtime and maintenance costs, impacting the overall productivity and profitability of the recycling plant.
Recycling is a highly demanding application for chain conveyors. Conveyor chains in recycling plants often operate at high speeds and carry heavy loads of potentially corrosive materials, which places significant stress on the conveyor or roller chains. They may also be exposed to high temperatures, which can cause lubricants to break down more quickly, or processes involving water, which can wash lubricants away, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased wear.
These demands need to be factored into the choice of chain, lubricant, and lubrication method to counter the increased likelihood of wear. RotaLube can help reduce wear and increase chain service life by ensuring optimal lubrication at all times, irrespective of conveyor speed or temperature. The patented system delivers precise amounts of lubricant directly to the pivot points of the chain each time the sprocket-shaped applicator engages with the chain link.
In addition to increasing replacement intervals, RotaLube also reduces the demands on service technicians because the system is automated, optimises lubricant consumption, and does not need to be recalibrated as chains stretch. It also makes the lubrication process easier as some conveyor systems in recycling facilities may have hard-to-reach chain sections. Overall, these benefits result in less disruption of production schedules and frees up maintenance staff to focus on other work.
How can I decrease the environmental impact of recycling conveyor operations?
Recycling industries often prioritise sustainability and there are several ways that effective lubrication, especially via the patented RotaLube delivery system, can help reduce environmental impact.
First, by decreasing friction, proper lubrication reduces the force required to drive the conveyor and, therefore, the energy consumed by the electric motor. Secondly, because the targeted RotaLube method applies lubricant only to the chain pins and bushes where it is needed, less lubricant is used. In addition, less chain is used because it is kept in good condition and lasts longer. This equates to less material consumption and fewer indirect emissions attributable to the recycling plant for its transport. Finally, the targeted application using smaller amounts of lubricant reduces the risk of excess oil dripping down and contaminating the ground.
What is the best lubricant for recycling conveyors?
Chain lubricants for the recycling industry need to be up to the challenges of high conveyor utilisation, heavy loads, high temperatures and moisture, as well as potential contaminants from the materials conveyed. At RotaLube, we are the experts in the lubrication process and we can supply the lubricant itself. Furthermore, we can supply this lubricant to you on subscription to ensure you are always ready to refill.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our application engineers today to discuss how RotaLube can help you optimise your recycling chain lubrication.