Jam-Free High-Speed Slat Chain Conveyor for Multi-Lane Merging in Liquid

The slat chain conveyor uses standard slat chains as its conveying surface and is driven by a geared motor. Multiple rows of slat chains can be arranged in parallel to create a wider conveying surface. By operating the individual chain rows at different speeds, products can be smoothly merged from multiple lanes into a single lane without squeezing or excessive accumulation.

This arrangement meets the single-lane conveying requirements of beverage labelling, filling, washing, and other processing equipment. The discharge end of one slat chain conveyor and the infeed end of another can also be arranged in an overlapping transfer configuration, keeping bottles or cans in continuous motion during transfer and preventing products from remaining stationary on the conveyor line.

The system is suitable for both pressure and pressureless conveying of empty and filled bottles or cans.

• The conveying surface is flat and smooth with a low coefficient of friction, ensuring stable product transfer between conveyor sections. Suitable for conveying glass bottles, PET bottles, cans, cartons, containers, and various packaged products.
• Slat chains are available in stainless steel, engineering plastic, and other materials. A wide range of specifications can be selected according to the conveyed product and process requirements.
• The conveyor frame can be manufactured from aluminium profiles, carbon steel, or stainless steel.
• The conveyor offers a large conveying capacity and can carry relatively heavy loads. Can also be used in industries involving electric vehicles, motorcycles, generators, and similar products.
• The conveying speed is accurate and stable, enabling precise synchronized conveying.
• Slat chain conveyors can generally be washed directly with water, and certain configurations may be immersed in water for cleaning. Meets the hygiene requirements of the food and beverage industries.
• The equipment offers a flexible layout. Horizontal, inclined, and curved conveying can be integrated into a single conveyor line.
• The equipment features a simple structure and is easy to maintain.

Slat chain conveyors are widely used in the beverage industry to improve production efficiency and simplify material handling. In addition to meeting the conveying requirements of labelling, filling, and washing processes, they can also be integrated with sterilization, buffering, and storage systems.

During transportation and storage, the conveyor and its components must not come into contact with acids, alkalis, oils, water, or other contaminants. The equipment should be kept away from heat sources and protected from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, rain, and snow.

The equipment must not be squeezed, struck, dropped, or subjected to severe impact during transportation and storage.

When lifting the conveyor or a rolled conveyor belt with a crane, it is recommended to use a steel lifting bar together with suitable ropes and spreader bars. Insert the steel bar through the central shaft hole and attach the lifting ropes to both ends of the bar. A spreader bar should be used to prevent the ropes from pressing against and damaging the belt edges.

Where no steel bar or spreader bar is available, a high-strength fabric sling may be passed through the central shaft hole. Protective padding must be placed between the sling and the belt to prevent damage to the belt edges.

A forklift with sufficient lifting capacity may also be used. Care must be taken to avoid damaging the outer surface of the belt or the conveyor components.

Slat chain conveyor lines are generally easy to clean, and the surface of the conveyor may be washed directly with water where the equipment design permits. However, the motor, gearbox, electrical components, sensors, and control system must not be washed directly with water to avoid damage or safety hazards.

• The lubricating oil in the geared motor should normally be checked and replaced after approximately one year of operation, or in accordance with the gearbox manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
• After operation, the power supply should be switched off when the equipment is no longer required.
• The conveyor surface and surrounding areas should be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt, product residue, and foreign matter.
• Maintenance and repair work must be carried out by trained and qualified personnel. Unauthorized personnel must not dismantle or repair the equipment.
• When a fault occurs, the equipment must not be inspected or repaired blindly while energized. The power supply should first be isolated, and the fault should be diagnosed by professional technicians.
• Guards and protective devices must not be removed while the conveyor is operating.

During operation, the slat chain conveyor may be subjected to loads of different types, sizes, and impact levels, resulting in complex stress conditions. Typical forms of damage include:

• Wear of the conveying surface and edges
• Impact damage, penetration, tearing, or separation caused by large or sharp materials
• Fatigue caused by repeated bending as the chain, belt, or supporting components pass around sprockets, pulleys, and idlers
• Reduction in mechanical strength and premature ageing caused by temperature, moisture, chemicals, or other environmental conditions

Regular inspection, correct loading, timely lubrication, and proper cleaning can significantly reduce wear and extend the service life of the conveyor.