Cable drag chain is used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications wherever there are moving cables or hoses. Constructed from durable, hard-wearing plastic cable drag chain can withstand the most arduous environmental conditions. Some of the most common are KABELSCHLEPP Metool is a market leader in drag chain technology, with over four decades of offshore experience. We have installed hundreds of systems all over the world and we are a specialised engineering resource, offering global support to our customers. Drag conveyors are not unlike most other conveyors in terms of operation – a motor powers an endless single or double-stranded chain of flights (see Figure 1) which pulls or “drags” material through the bottom of the conveyor. The chain can be partially or completely enclosed, but in all cases, there must be some form of housing to allow material to be dragged by the flights to the outlet(s). These flights, known also as paddles or scrapers, are distinct in that they can use up to 50% of the available space within the conveyor for material movement, instead of the typical 20-45% of other conveyor types. They are, therefore, able to move more material with less power and are generally an efficient option of conveyance. The gaps between each paddle are large enough to allow for multiple inlets and top-loading of materials into the conveyor, making it a great-multi-purpose option. Though polypropylene entered the market in the 1950s, cable drag chain producers did not begin to use this flexible plastic until the 1970s. However, since then, both steel and plastic remain popular materials for cable carriers because they offer durability, flexibility and heat resistance.

Design of chains and turnkey assemblies: chain, hose, cable and fittings, and trays and substructures Conveyors that use drag chains may help to transport coal from collection to discharge points. These types of conveyors can solve issues apparent in transporting coal via other methods. These types of conveyors help deliver coal to proper locations throughout coal-fired power plants to assist in energy production. This section will help readers interested in drag conveyors by showing some important specifications to bring to your supplier. Note that this is not a complete list of specifications but it should be adequate to begin initial application discussions with your supplier, who can then steer you in the right direction. Capacity rate output and flight/material qualities For example, hot clinker and hot lime drag conveyors that run up to 1000ºF degrees. To provide greater fatigue life this series of chain is made with special heat treated and induction hardened pins. To provide a greater sliding resistance, both sides of the chain have a bead of hard face weld.

easy chain® Series E06, energy chain, to be filled at the outer radius

Drag conveyors are best suited for dry, free-flowing materials and are most useful for agricultural, railway, chemical, cement, and other applications which require metering and efficient movement of product. They can be inclined as well as horizontal, but their paddles must be designed for vertical conveying, if desired. They are easy to implement into plants and can be configured to have multiple inlets/outlets, making them a great plug-and-play conveyor type. They can also be used in tandem with other open conveyors to help reclaim any lost material, giving them additional applications in recycling, environmental protection, and accumulation functions. Types of drag conveyors Vehicle movers and car washes are some of the transportation industry applications for cable drag chains. These chains permit flexible or linear movement of the cables, even in applications that require heavy-duty use, such as moving extremely heavy vehicles. Robotics There are two important considerations when sizing your cable chain: the internal dimensions and bend radius. The internal dimensions usually refer to the internal cross-sectional width and height inside of each chain link. For example, a 10x10 cable chain has an internal width of 10mm and height of 10mm. Bend radius refers the smallest radius that can be formed by the cable chain when bent. For example, R18 refers to a radius of 18mm. ¶ Open type cable chains

Cable chains (also known as drag chains or cable carriers) are an important part of cable management and routing. They help prevent entanglement and minimize wear by flexing cables evenly and at a fixed radius. They also help make your machine look organized and neat. ¶ Sizing Cable ChainsKABELSCHLEPP Metool was the first company to pioneer the use of hose in drag chains in the North Sea, thus extending hose service life substantially. Since then, we have delivered many systems and applications to every continent and every offshore theatre in the world. Detailed references are available on request. Many robotics rely on power cables or hydraulics to power their components, which need to move smoothly with the machinery. Cable carriers provide this movement without damaging the integrity of the cables or the function of the robotic equipment. Food and Beverage Manufacturing Present in the oil and gas market since the early 1970s, we have supplied hundreds of systems to all continents and applications. Our focus is quality and superior service life. We offer full engineering support in all relevant marketplaces. Customers benefit from our extensive industry, product and engineering know-how. Stainless steel drag chains operate best in heavy-duty environments. They offer better thermal protection in extreme heat and more support for heavy hoses or large numbers of cables. Flame Retardant Materials

Heavy Duty Steel Drag chains are designed for severely abrasive and extremely high-temp applications. A cable drag chain is a protective covering that secures cables or hoses to keep them separated and permit movement around automated machinery. Consequently, with numerous industries embracing automation, the need for these drag chains is essential. Now this end link will be able to bend just like the other chain links. The red area is cut away to allow the end link to bend ¶ Other Considerations Hostile materials will need additional protective measures, both for the machine and for operators; ensure you are aware of the potential hazards and chemical interactions, as well as the flow characteristics of your material so that the best drag conveyor can be chosen. Also detail the desired enclosure, as drag conveyors come in both open and enclosed housing. Finally, if sanitary environments are needed, get your supplier to show you sanitary options to keep your product and your space clean. Control & special considerations

easy chain® Series E16, energy chain, to be filled at the outer radius

Renewable energy companies may use cable drag chains for the production and transmission of green power. For equipment that requires hydraulic hoses, the use of drag chains prevents the hoses from kinking, ensuring a constant flow of hydraulic liquid to avoid interruption of functioning. Mining The number of cables that can be fitted into anenergy chainis virtually limitless. Since we offer a full range of internal separation solutions, this can be done safely and to meet almost any layout required. The huge benefit of energy chains is that almost any combination of cables and hoses can be run in the same system, something that cannot be said of alternative technologies like busbars and festoons. Where can energy chains be used? Drag conveyors are great for metering applications, which are sometimes a part of larger control systems. If this is the case for your application, let your supplier know as they will ensure variable speed and operator input is a part of your ideal conveyor. Also, provide your supplier with any needs unique to your application, whether it be orientation, number of inputs/outputs, verticality, material specifications, etc. Summary The standard drag conveyor, or simply drag chain conveyorsuses two endless chains with evenly spaced paddles between them, which drag along the bottom of a trough to transport material. The amount of bulk moved by each paddle is dictated by its surface area, as well as the chain speed, and they are replaceable once they wear down. The chain speed is typically slow which decreases energy consumption, and the whole assembly is easy to use, simple, and cost-effective. Certain models can run at up to 50 ft/min with a capacity of 10 cubic feet per minute at a length up to 400 feet per drive. They are ideal for non-sanitary, non-abrasive products such as grain, pebbles, and more, and are often used as feeders for other machines. Their major disadvantages are their propensity to wear down, as materials interact directly with the chain and can cause issues. Also, the chains will unevenly stretch over time, requiring consistent maintenance to ensure proper alignment. En-masse drag conveyors Figure 3: En masse conveyor - notice the single chain.