Description
Introduction:
A Drag Chain Conveyor is a robust material handling system designed to transport bulk materials by dragging them along the bottom of a closed or open trough using chain-mounted flights. It is especially suitable for handling granular, powdery, abrasive, or hot materials in controlled and dust-free conditions. Drag chain conveyors are widely used in industries where material containment, reliability, and continuous operation are essential.
At Tech Trek Engineering, we design and manufacture drag chain conveyors that are heavy-duty, efficient, and fully customized according to material properties, capacity requirements, and plant layout. Our systems are engineered for long service life and consistent performance in harsh industrial environments.
What is a Drag Chain Conveyor?
A drag chain conveyor is a type of chain conveyor in which material is moved inside a trough by flights (scrapers) attached to a continuous chain. As the chain moves, the flights drag the material along the conveyor path toward the discharge point.
Unlike belt conveyors, drag chain conveyors are ideal for enclosed conveying, making them suitable for dusty, abrasive, or hazardous materials.
Working Principle:
The working principle of a drag chain conveyor is based on controlled chain and flight movement:
- Material is fed into the conveyor inlet or hopper.
- A geared motor drives the head sprocket.
- The sprocket pulls the chain fitted with flights.
- Flights drag the material along the trough.
- Material is discharged at the outlet by gravity.
- The empty chain returns through the lower or upper return path.
This mechanism ensures steady and controlled bulk material transport.
Key Features of Drag Chain Conveyor:
- Fully or partially enclosed design
- Dust-free and spill-free material handling
- Suitable for abrasive and hot materials
- Heavy-duty chain and flight construction
- Continuous and reliable operation
- Low maintenance with proper design
- Long operational life
- Customizable configuration
Types of Drag Chain Conveyors:
Based on application and material characteristics, drag chain conveyors can be designed as:
- Horizontal drag chain conveyor
- Inclined drag chain conveyor
- Enclosed drag chain conveyor
- Heavy-duty drag chain conveyor
- Drag chain conveyor with multiple inlets/outlets
Each design is engineered to match material flow behaviour and site conditions.
Chain and Flight Options:
We offer various chain and flight configurations:
- Chain Type: Single-strand or double-strand chain
- Chain Material: Mild Steel / Alloy Steel / Stainless Steel
- Flight Material: MS / SS / Wear-resistant plates
- Flight Type: Straight flights, paddle flights, customized designs
Selection depends on material abrasiveness, temperature, and capacity.
Applications of Drag Chain Conveyor:
Drag chain conveyors are widely used in:
- Cement plants
- Power plants and ash handling
- Chemical and fertilizer industries
- Grain and bulk material handling
- Foundries and metal processing units
- Mining and mineral processing
They are ideal for conveying ash, clinker, coal, sand, dust, and granular materials.
Advantages of Drag Chain Conveyor:
- Dust-free and clean conveying
- Handles abrasive and hot materials efficiently
- Compact and space-saving design
- Low material degradation
- Reliable continuous operation
- Reduced spillage and material loss
- Long service life
Customization Options:
We provide extensive customization options, including:
- Conveyor length and layout
- Enclosed or open trough design
- Chain and flight material selection
- Variable speed control
- Multiple feed and discharge points
- Wear-resistant liners and coatings
Drag Chain Conveyor – FAQs:
Q1. What materials are suitable for a drag chain conveyor?
Drag chain conveyors are suitable for powders, granules, ash, clinker, coal, sand, and abrasive bulk materials.
Q2. What is the main advantage of a drag chain conveyor?
Its enclosed design allows dust-free and controlled bulk material handling.
Q3. Can drag chain conveyors handle hot materials?
Yes, they are suitable for handling hot and abrasive materials with proper material selection.
Q4. What factors affect the price of a drag chain conveyor?
Price depends on conveyor length, chain type, flight material, capacity, and customization.
Q5. Can drag chain conveyors be installed at an incline?
Yes, inclined drag chain conveyors can be designed within application limits.
Q6. Is speed control available?
Yes, variable speed control can be provided using VFD or PLC systems.
Q7. Do you provide installation and commissioning support?
Yes, we provide complete technical guidance during installation and commissioning.
