Understanding Drag Chain Drives in Dairy Manufacturing Plants

Introduction to Drag Chain Drives

In dairy manufacturing plants, a key component is the conveyor system, particularly those equipped with specific chains like the 3500, 3498, or "tiger" chain. These conveyors were traditionally made of spring or hardened steel, but now feature a durable plastic liner for enhanced resilience. The chains are typically lubricated with a soap-type solution containing a biocide to prevent bacterial growth.

The Role and Variants of Dairy Drives

Central to these systems is the drag chain drive, also known as the dairy drive or milk crate drive, and most commonly as the stack conveyor drive. These drives vary in power, typically available as 5hp, 7.5hp, or 10hp models. They operate at different gear ratios to achieve varying speeds, ranging from 40 feet per minute to 60 feet per minute, with overhead drives reaching up to 90 feet per minute for empty case lines.

Significance of Milk Case Stack Conveyor Drives

These drives are crucial in dairy conveyor systems for stack conveyors, as they move dairy stacks through the plant, facilitating processes like accumulation, manual pick stations, palletizing, and loading into delivery trucks.

Comparing Different Stack Conveyor Drives

Stack conveyor drives generally fall into two categories:

1. Drag Chain Drives: Positioned usually at floor level in a pan.
2. Angle Conveyor Drives: Characterized by a 19-inch top of chain elevation.

Gearmotor and Inverted Drives Explained

Gearmotor drives directly connect a motor to a gearbox. An inverted drive, on the other hand, uses a drive motor with a belt sheave to drive belts connected to a gearbox. This gearbox then drives chains linked to the main conveyor chains.

Benefits of Inverted Drives

Inverted drives offer several advantages:

1. Easier cleaning and servicing.
2. No need for guards on sheaves, belts, or drive chains.
3. No lubrication required for drive chains.
4. Easy access to bearings and gearboxes.
5. Potential for integration with load cells for additional safety.

Knight's Innovations in Stack Conveyor Drives

Knight has focused on safety in their conveyor drives to address risks associated with surplus slack chain or worn curve wear strips. They've implemented load cells to detect abnormal conditions, incorporated overloads to stop the drive motor in case of amperage issues, and included slack chain switches as redundant safety measures.

Enhancing the Cleanliness of Drives

Knight's design minimizes cumbersome guards, reducing areas for debris accumulation and making the entire internal cavity easily accessible for cleaning. Safety switches on covers ensure operational safety.

Lubrication and Maintenance Advantages

With fewer guards, Knight's conveyors offer easy access to bearings for greasing, and the absence of drive chains eliminates the need for chain oiling. Gearboxes are also more accessible compared to inverted drives.

Space Efficiency of Knight's Gear Motor Drive

The design of Knight's gear motor drive is not only safer and easier to maintain but also more space-efficient, making it an optimal choice for dairy manufacturing plants.

1. What is a Drag Chain Drive in Dairy Manufacturing? A drag chain drive, also known as a dairy drive or milk crate drive, is an essential component in dairy manufacturing plants. It’s part of a conveyor system used to move milk cases or stacks, operating with chains like the 3500, 3498, or "tiger" chain. These drives vary in power, with common types being 5hp, 7.5hp, or 10hp, and are designed to operate at different speeds to accommodate various processing needs.
2. Why are Milk Case Stack Conveyor Drives Important in Dairy Plants? Milk case stack conveyor drives are crucial as they facilitate the movement of dairy stacks throughout the plant. This includes integrating with various systems like accumulation systems, manual pick stations, palletizers, unitizers, and stack pushers, ensuring efficient transportation of dairy products to the load-out area.
3. What are the Main Types of Stack Conveyor Drives? There are mainly two types: drag chain drives, typically located at floor level in a pan, and angle conveyor drives, which have a 19-inch top of chain elevation. Each type serves different functional requirements in the dairy manufacturing process.
4. How Does a Gearmotor Drive Differ from an Inverted Drive? A gearmotor drive directly connects a motor to a gearbox, while an inverted drive uses a drive motor with belt sheaves that drive belts connected to a gearbox. The gearbox then operates the conveyor chains. Inverted drives are known for their ease of cleaning, servicing, and safety due to fewer guards and easier access to components.
5. What Innovations has Knight Introduced in Stack Conveyor Drives? Knight has enhanced the safety and efficiency of their stack conveyor drives by implementing load cells for detecting abnormal loads, incorporating overload protections, and including slack chain switches. These features help prevent accidents and ensure smoother operation. Additionally, Knight’s design reduces the need for cumbersome guards, making their drives easier to clean, service, and lubricate.
6. What is a Drag Chain Drive, Often Referred to as a Stack Drive? A drag chain drive, also known as a stack drive, is a component of conveyor systems used in dairy manufacturing plants. It's designed to facilitate the movement of milk cases or stacks along the conveyor line. These drives are essential for efficiently transporting dairy products through various stages of processing and packaging.
7. How Does a Drag Chain Drive Work in Dairy Manufacturing? In a drag chain drive system, the drive powers chains, such as the 3500, 3498, or "tiger" chain, to move dairy cases or stacks along the conveyor. These chains typically sit in a pan, often at floor level, and are lubricated to ensure smooth operation and to prevent bacterial growth, vital in dairy processing.
8. What is a Stack Conveyor and its Role in Dairy Plants? A stack conveyor is a type of conveyor system specifically designed for moving stacked dairy products like milk cases. It's an integral part of dairy manufacturing plants, helping to streamline the transportation of dairy products from one point to another, often interfacing with systems like palletizers and unitizers.
9. What are the Typical Specifications of Drag Chain Drives in Dairy Conveyors? Drag chain drives in dairy conveyors are usually available in different horsepower ratings, like 5hp, 7.5hp, or 10hp. They are designed to operate at various gear ratios, which allows for different conveyor speeds, typically ranging from 40 to 90 feet per minute, depending on whether they're transporting empty or full cases.
10. Why is Lubrication Important for Drag Chain Drives in Dairy Conveyors? Lubrication is crucial in drag chain drives to ensure smooth operation and to mitigate wear and tear. The lubricants often contain a biocide to prevent the growth of bacteria, an important consideration in dairy processing environments where hygiene and cleanliness are paramount.

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