Roller Chain Operating Temperature
Potential Issues with Roller Chains Used at Extreme Temperatures
When roller chains are exposed to temperatures beyond the recommended operating range, several issues may occur, including:
For Chains Used at High Temperatures:
Thermal expansion leading to deformation, resulting in tight joints, slackness, and sprocket engagement problems.
Formation of oxidation layers causing tight joints and accelerated wear.
High-temperature metamorphism or carbonization of lubricating oil resulting in abnormal lubrication. The primary components of lubricating oil being hydrocarbons, exposure to high temperatures leads to oil carbonization, formation of carbon deposits, and loss of lubricating properties.
For Chains Used at Low Temperatures:
Reduced fatigue strength of carbon steel chains due to low-temperature brittleness.
Lubricating oil failure or solidification at low temperatures leading to tight joints.
Tight joints caused by frost or snow freezing.
Low-temperature contraction causing chain shortening, resulting in tautened chains and sprocket engagement issues.
Recommended Operating Temperature Range for Roller Chains
It's crucial to adhere to the recommended operating temperature range for roller chains. Below are the suggested environmental temperatures for MCC chains:
Standard Steel (Carbon Steel):
Recommended Ambient Temperature Range: -10 °C to 150 °C
Maximum High/Low Temperatures: Lowest -40 °C, Highest 250 °C
Stainless Steel:
Recommended Ambient Temperature Range: -40 °C to 400 °C
Maximum High/Low Temperatures: Lowest -40 °C, Highest 815 °C
When roller chains are used beyond the recommended environmental temperature, both carbon steel chains and stainless steel chains will experience a reduction in allowable load. The reduction ratio for carbon steel chains will vary depending on the chain's size.
Impact of Temperature on Allowable Load for Carbon Steel Chains
The table below illustrates the impact of temperature on the allowable load for carbon steel chains:
| Ambient Temp. | Allowable Load (%) | ||
| Up to ANSI 60 | Beyond ANSI 80 | Double Pitch Chain | |
| - 40°C below | Out of use | ||
| -30°C ~ - 40°C | Out of use | 25% | Out of use |
| -20°C ~ - 30°C | 25% | 33% | 25% |
| -10°C~ - 20°C | 33% | 50% | 33% |
| -10°C ~ + 150°C | 100% | ||
| 150°C ~ 200°C | 75% | ||
| 200°C ~ 250°C | 50% | ||
| Beyond 250°C | Out of use | ||
Note: High temperatures require the use of high-temperature lubricating oil.
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