Chain-Vey Technical Support

Chain derailment typically occurs due to one or more of the following factors:

• Insufficient Tension:
  • Pneumatic Tension: 3”/4”/5”/6” Systems should be set between 20-40psi at the Turn Around. 8” Systems should be set between 45-60psi.
  • Spring Tension: Check that the tension is at the appropriate position on the indication label-green zone (inside the TA). Verify the spring is within this target while running/active.
• Verify that the U-Track or Tension Plate is not pushed against/touching the back or front walls of the TA Housing, a minimum of at least 1” gap is required. Verify that the gap is present while running/active. If any adjustments are made reset the Reed/Limit switches.
• Remove all chain twist-refer to the CV manual to align chain properly. Verify chain twists both going into the Turn Around and the Drive Housings, they are independent to one another and need to be corrected individually. (video below)
• Sprocket Wear: Worn sprocket teeth may cause issues with the chain dropping off the Drive Sprocket.
• Chain Wear/Stretch: Significant chain wear or stretch may alter the engagement pitch to the Sprocket and cause the chain to derail.
• Pipe/Port Misalignment: Port misalignment or Pipe deformation (dents) may cause the chain to enter the Turn Around off center and lead to chain derailment. This may also cause damage to Puck(s) leading to other system issues.

Refer to the CV Manual-Tension Setup Guide. (Link below)

Various products impact CV systems differently. Chain noise can be attributed to many factors:

• Empty systems are commonly more noisy than full systems. The system will be noticeably louder empty compared to when filled.
• Inspect for Over-tensioning at the Turn Around. (refer question #1).
• Verify the Chain is installed and directed in the correct forward direction. Newer Split-Pucks are stamped with an “X” marked on the front/forward direction.
• Inspect the complete chain and all pucks for damage.
• Inspect Connector Links for damage. The link should have the UHMW Backing Plate and/or Wiper Disc.
• Inspect all Pipe-to-Pipe connections to ensure they are flush and without gaps.
• Remove Chain twists if present. (video below)
• For some Wide Puck Applications (1” wide), an option may be available to remove every other Puck, contact MPE Chain-Vey Engineering for details.

There are a few reasons that systems stall. Flood feeding (heavy) products or non-compressible products may lead to amperage overload at the Drive and stop the system. Foreign objects, damaged or broken pucks, product building up in the Elbows and jam between the Pipe wall and Pucks could lead to a system stoppage as well.

• Meter Feed to gradually introduce product into the system and adjust run speed accordingly.
• Inspect all Pipe-to-Pipe connections are flush and without gaps.
• Inspect the complete Chain and all pucks for damage.
• Limit pocket fill by adjusting run speed and Inlet/Baffle openings.

Air flow or inadequate air pressure may not be getting to the Drive Side Covers or Rotary Discharge Valve (RDV) air nozzles.

• RDV-Adjust the needle valve(s) to gain appropriate and consistent air flow.
• Inspect Drive Knocker for wear and check that the Knocker is hitting the pucks. Note: Drive Knockers may be added to systems to “tap” product off Pucks.

Major issues with the RDV usually stem from how the RDV Housing is setup/affixed.

• The RDV should be supported independently from the adjacent pipes, and the weight of the Pipe should not impact force to the RDV axially (hang or lean on the RDV Ports).
• Ensure the RDV is Level to the surrounding Pipe.
• Set the air supply to 5-10 CFM and 90-110 psi. Note: More CFM/PSI is needed for finer/powdery product.
• Adjust the flow nozzles on the Actuator to fully and effectively operate-open/close.
• For powdery applications, upgrade the Pipe Bushings to a Bearing/Bushing combination/Retrofit Assembly on each end.