NOTE: Uneven distribution of weight may require individual chain calculations.


1.) Determine operation mode:

Accumulation or Transferring

2.) Confirmation of the operating conditions of conveyor.

2a.) Material, weight, dimensions and quantity of the conveyed object (including palette).

2b.) Conveyor speed.

2c.) Conveyor length (the length for and transferring portion requirements).

2d.) Lubrication requirements and environment.

3.) Tentative selection of model (chain size). - T = W*F*K

W = Total weight of conveyed object (including pallet) except chain.

F = Coefficient of friction: F=F1+F2, (see tables 4 and 5).

K = Chain speed coefficient (see table 6)

Note: Chain's maximum allowable tension shown in table 7 should be verifies with T/2 to decide the model (chain and size).

4.) Confirmation of the allowable roller load.

Roller load for transferring should not exceed allowable roller load shown in table 1. The roller load, however, of the base chain should be by using table 2.

5.) Ambient temperature range.

Recommended ambient temperature range is between 14 degrees F to 176 degrees F, if chain will be operated outside of the above range, Please conduct factory.

6.) Calculation of maximum chain tension. Calculation of required HP.

HP = T * V / 33,000 * N

T: Maximum chain tension (lbs.)

L: Length (FT)

W: Total weight of conveyed object. (including pallet) except chain.

F1: Coefficient of friction between chain and guide when transferring.

F2: Coefficient of friction between chain and conveyed object when accumulating.

F3: Coefficient of friction between chain and guide when accumulating.

M: Weight of chain (lbs/FT)

HP: Required power

V: Chain speed (FPM).

N: Transition efficiency of drive unit.

Calculate the maximum chain tension (T) by following formula(s) referring to tables 3, 4 and 5.

6a.) Accumulating, T = (W*L*F2)+(W+M)(L*F2)+(1.1*M*L*F1)

6b.) Transferring, T=  W+M)(L*F1)+(1.1*M*L*F1)


In general, the conveyor will have two matched strands of chain and in this case, the chain weight should be for two strands of chain. Maximum chain tension (T), calculated by the above formula(s) is for two strand of chain.

7.) Determination of model (chain size).

Multiply the maximum chain tension (T) by the chain speed coefficient (K) listed in table 6 and verify with the following formula: T * K = maximum allowable chain tension.

Note: There are two matched strands, the maximum chain tension should be T/2.

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