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Conveyor Chain Tension – How to Properly Tension the Chain
Applicability
| Product | SmartConveyor |
|---|---|
| Subsystem | Conveyor chain and take-up adjustment |
| Hardware generation | Installed SmartConveyor systems; take-up layout varies by conveyor |
| Skill level | Maintenance technician |
| Lockout/tagout | Required before removing guards or adjusting the chain |
| Estimated time | 30–60 minutes |
| Tools or parts | Appropriate wrenches, straightedge, and facility-approved lockout devices |
Before You Begin
Safety: Stop the machine, follow the site lockout/tagout procedure, verify that hazardous energy is controlled, and release or secure stored mechanical and pneumatic energy before opening a panel, removing a guard, or adjusting components. Electrical work must be performed by a qualified technician.
Periodically checking the chain tension of your SmartConveyor(s) is normal and recommended. This article will go over the basics of how to adjust the tension and how to determine if it needs to be tightened or loosened
Step 1: Assess the chain tension. If the chain can be lifted over the track and flops beside the conveyor, as shown below, it is too loose and must be tightened.
If the chain cannot be lifted off the channel, it is too tight.
A properly tensioned chain can be lifted about 2–3 inches above the track at its midpoint, as shown below.
Step 2: To adjust the chain tension you will need two 3/4-inch open-end wrenches. First, loosen the locking bolt identified as 1 in the image below.
Next, loosen the jam nuts identified as 2. Adjust the appropriate nut to tighten or loosen the chain while keeping both sides even.
After adjusting the chain, tighten both jam nuts.
Confirm the Result
Reinstall all guards and restore energy through the approved startup procedure. Run a controlled no-load test, watching for binding, tracking changes, unusual noise, vibration, leaks, or unexpected movement before returning the machine to production.
If the issue remains, record the exact on-screen message, affected component, indicator-light state, and the last change made. Provide those details to Enventek Technical Support; do not repeatedly recalibrate or replace parts without identifying the cause.
What Correct Looks Like
- The chain is supported and cannot be lifted over the conveyor side.
- Both take-up sides are adjusted evenly and the chain remains aligned.
- The conveyor completes repeated starts and stops without binding, jumping, or abnormal noise.
- All guards are reinstalled before returning the conveyor to service.