MechChem Africa November-December 2021

Sealed chains for the harshest environments

BMG’s extensive range of Tsubaki high performance chains comprises engineering class SJ3 sealed joint chains, with improved sealing technology designed to improve the reliability of mechanical components exposed to harsh environments. “A n important feature of the Tsubaki SJ3 series, is that ex- tended bushing barrier seals prevent abrasive materials finely crafted groove in the bushing.” BMG’s durable Tsubaki SJ3 series, has been designed for dependable operation in harsh environments, including mining, cement, paper, sugar, grain and asphalt applications. the feeder, and in a fly ash bucket elevator, standardelevator chain lastedapproximately 12months, while the service life of the chain increased to more than 36 months after the installation of Tsubaki SJ3 chain.

from entering and attacking chain joints, thus reducing wear and extending the ser- vice life of chains,” explains Gavin Kirsten, Tsubaki product manager at BMG. “Tsubaki’s patented SJ3 labyrinth structure keeps each pin and bushing assembly free and clear of contaminants. This multi-seal combination inhibits fineparticulates fromentering critical bearing areas. “The Tsubaki SJ3 design comprises three distinct seals. Although independent of one another, the seals complement each other to provide secure bushing and pin protection. Thefirst seal is an industry standardextended bushing, that limits the clearance between the ends of the bushings and the mating sidebars. This provides a highly effective first layer of protection. “The second seal is a polymer face seal placed around the extended bushings. These are available in various performancemateri- als and can withstand temperatures up to 204 °C. The final seal is a patented labyrinth seal that inhibits any remaining fine particles from entering the critical bearing area. The labyrinth is formed by a stainless steel ring attached to the pin, which rotates freely in a

BMG’s total plant management solutions encompass a technical advisory service on correct chain selection – a critical factor in any power transmission system. The com- plete range of Tsubaki power transmission components is available fromBMG’s national branch network, which offers a 24-hour back-up service. www.bmgworld.net

Successful installations of Tsubaki’s SJ3 technology include a synthetic gypsum feed- er breaker, where the user was struggling to get more than four months of use from an OEM-installed chain. Since the installation of SJ3 chain with stainless steel pins, service life of chain has extended to more than 36 months. Another customer using a carbon coke bucket elevator initially installed a non- sealed elevator chain that lasted 12 months, followed by a non-sealed chain with hard- ened stainless steel pins, which lasted double that period. The lifespan of the chain on this system increased to 56months after installing

a Tsubaki SJ3 chain. Also, the chain of a potash feeder, with packed joints that kinked and eventually failed, was replacedwith a Tsubaki SJ3 chain with stainless steel pins, which trebled component life for

BMG’s Tsubaki SJ3 sealed joint chain has extended bushing barrier seals that prevent abrasive materials from entering and attacking chain joints, thus reducing wear and extending service life of chains.

Tsubaki SJ3 chain is protected by three distinct seals: Industry standard extended bushing; a polymer face seal placed around the extended bushings; and a patented labyrinth seal.

14 ¦ MechChem Africa • November-December 2021