What Is a Double-Pitch Chain?
A double-pitch chain is a variation of a standard roller chain, designed with the distance between roller tips being twice as long as that of a regular roller chain.
This design reduces the number of parts, thereby lowering costs. Specifically, the number of teeth on sprockets and the number of link plates and pins are halved compared to normal chains. This results in lower assembly costs and simpler equipment design.
Applications of Double-Pitch Chain
Double-pitch chains are frequently used in conveyor belt roller movements. They are generally not suitable for high-speed or precision applications, as the extended pitch can cause increased vibration when the sprocket teeth engage with the chain.
Depending on the material, double-pitch chains can be used underwater or in environments with corrosive gases like acids and alkalis. In such conditions, stainless steel chains, known for their high corrosion resistance, are preferred.
Principle of Double-Pitch Chain
A sprocket, similar to a gear or chain wheel as seen on bicycles, engages with the chain to transfer rotational force from a pedal or motor. By using chains and sprockets of consistent sizes, multiple sprockets can be driven at the same rotational speed with a single power source.
The rotation speed is adjusted by altering the size and number of teeth on the sprockets, tailored to the specific equipment requirements.
Careful consideration is needed for the number of links in the chain and the number of teeth on the sprockets. Ideally, these should be an odd and even number combination to prevent the same teeth from continuously engaging with the same chain links, which could lead to accelerated wear and failure.