Escalator Chain Lubricants and Types
An escalator chain is a moving component of an escalator. It allows passengers to ascend and descend the escalator and is responsible for preventing the escalator from tipping over. There are several parts to an escalator chain, and proper lubrication is critical to its lifespan. The following article provides information on escalator chain lubricants, types and maintenance, and different ways to maintain your escalator’s chain.
escalator step chain
An escalator step chain is a type of escalator part. This chain is manufactured to industry standard dimensions, or to meet the specifications of the customer. These steps are designed to support a weight of 450 kg/m2.
The escalator step chain has two parts. One is the bearing part, which is located in the center of the chain plate. The other is the chain rollers, which support the weight of the steps and the passengers. A proper chain should have a precise length between steps. A special sprocket is also needed for step chains. The low noise type is ideal for environments where passengers must remain quiet. Once installed, the escalator step chain can be easily disassembled and inspected.
The steps in an escalator are installed every 400 mm, at various heights. Step chains vary in strength, with tensile strengths ranging from six to 30 tons. The most common are fifteen and nine tons. Escalator step chains are usually installed with a small chain pitch, so that they do not produce too much chordal action. The chain pitch must also be small enough to ensure smooth operation.
The escalator step chain is made of metal or plastic and about six meters long. It is the main part of an escalator overhaul. It is also one of the most difficult technical tasks. To perform this task, two people must remove the upper part of the cascade chain and then move the lower end of the ladder chain to the location where the cover plates are removed. Once the chain is removed, the steps can be replaced.
escalator chain lubricant
There are several benefits to using an escalator chain lubricant. The lubricant will reduce the amount of lint and grease that accumulates on the chain and prevents unwanted oil transfer to exposed surfaces. This helps reduce sanitary and safety concerns, as well as the risk of oil odor. By using a dry lubricant, the escalator chain will last longer.
The application of escalator chain lubricants is a simple, yet important, maintenance procedure. In the past, a manual application of oil would have to be done by staff. This would leave pin points untreated and accelerate wear and tear. Not to mention spills in the pit area! But now, automatic technology has been introduced to the escalator industry. Custom-fit lubricators are mounted at critical points along each chain and fed by a central reservoir. A dry-film lubricant is targeted onto the pin points of the chain, which would otherwise be inaccessible.
A utility model of an escalator chain lubricant includes a gradient-transmission chain device comprising a heterotype hole link plate (1) and an inner link plate (2). The axis pin is inserted through the external chain plate (3). The chain bearing (10) and sleeve (9, 11) are positioned relatively close together. This arrangement ensures simultaneous operation of the step transmission chain.
Proper lubrication increases the life of the chain. A properly lubricated chain can last 100 times longer than one that is improperly lubricated. Proper lubrication requires good quality petroleum oil without any additives. Oil should also be free-flowing at prevailing temperatures. Some additives prevent the oil from entering the chain joints. Also, heavy oils are too stiff to enter the joints of the chain. Therefore, they should be heated indirectly or be immersed in a molten bath before application.
Maintenance of escalator chain
As you can see, escalator chain maintenance requires regular inspections. This maintenance plan is crucial for your escalator’s safety. There are some basic maintenance steps you can take to keep your escalator operating safely and smoothly. Before you get started, make sure to understand the maintenance chart and its contents. It should contain detailed instructions on how to replace the chain, as well as instructions for adjusting the mechanical components. In addition, it should include pictorial instructions for removing the floor plate and replacing the comb segments. Also, a detailed lubrication schedule should be included, as well as an instruction sheet detailing the lubrication points. The maintenance chart should also include electrical and control wiring diagrams for the safety devices.
Before beginning maintenance work, it is important to know when the escalator’s peak usage periods are. These periods are typically between 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily. In addition, you should consider the frequency and scope of maintenance interventions throughout the life cycle. Additionally, you should be aware of any customer-facing unavailability during maintenance. This will help you plan ahead for future maintenance and repair work.
Proper lubrication is vital to ensuring optimum performance. Using a dry lubricant can extend the chain’s life and decrease oil consumption. An escalator can use up to 200 gallons of oil a year. It also saves valuable maintenance staff time by reducing oil consumption. In addition to maximizing the lifespan of your escalator, dry lubricants will reduce the amount of oil required.
As part of the maintenance plan, you should inspect the landing plates. Landing plates are crucial for safety. They should be clear of any tripping hazards and be free of obstructions. Other maintenance tasks include inspecting the machine rooms and checking the truss interior. The main controller should be an Allen Bradley SLC5/03 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) with Ethernet or approved equal communications. PLC racks should have room for up to two future single-slot modules.
Aside from frequent inspections, escalator chain maintenance should include replacing the steps on an escalator. Despite the safety and convenience of using the escalator, the frequency of use and exposure to weather conditions also contribute to the degradation of the equipment. The bent track is indicative of the frequency of use and environmental factors. This means the chain should be replaced every 12 years. However, this is not always the case.
Types of escalator chain
The step chain structure of an escalator is an example of this. It comprises the inner and outer chain sheets that circulate around each other. A transmission steel wheel (2) is mounted outside of the escalator’s step chain. Depending on the design, a chain may have several types. This article will examine some of the more common types. Read on to discover which chain structure will work best for your escalator.
Step chains, also known as escalator chains, are typically installed every 400 mm at different heights. The strength of these chains varies from six to 30 tons. The most common type of step chain is rated at fifteen tons. Step chains are important because they ensure smooth operation and minimize chordal action. In order to choose the right chain, consider how much tension is required. A chain should be strong enough to support the weight of the stairs, but not too heavy.
Step chains and roller chains have different functions. Both are used to carry weight. Roller chains, for example, carry the weight of passengers while step chains carry the weight of steps. Step chains are designed for higher wear resistance. The pin diameter on step chains is much larger than the standard chain. The distance between step shafts and chain links is closely coordinated. Regardless of the type of step chain, the installation process varies from country to country. The bearing part is the focal point of the chain plate and the location of the step shaft. The step shaft and step side carry the weight of travelers and steps, respectively.
Drive chain: The drive chain is the most common type of escalator chain. This chain transmits the motive force from the main drive shaft to the handrail drive shaft. Step chains consist of two sets of chains that are linked by several axels. Aside from the steps, the newel chain has small bearings under the handrail, which provides smooth movement at the newel ends. A step chain also needs a ceiling opening that’s the proper size.
