Drives Incline Conveyor Case Study

A Solution for the Food & Beverage Industry
Download the Case Study
Projects > Drives Incline Conveyor Case Study

The Challenge

A major cereal manufacturer faced an ongoing problem: their incline conveyor drive chains were experiencing excessive wear and required monthly replacements across all four incline conveyors. The equipment was being washed down daily, removing the lubrication and causing the competitor’s chains to rust.

The Solution

The Diamond-Drives team was called in to assist with this unique application. They recommended Drives® Extended Life CHP® (chrome-hardened pin) chains with Silver Shield CR® coating to enhance wear life and prevent rusting. This solution is ideal for the food industry, where regular wash downs are required. The cereal manufacturer implemented the recommendation and purchased size 80 riveted chains with Extended Life CHP pins and Silver Shield CR coating.

The Result

Applying the Drives Extended Life CHP chains with Silver Shield CR coating solved the wear and rust issue while providing significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. The life of the chains improved significantly. Instead of monthly replacements, they now lasted two years. The customer now requires only four chains as opposed to the 96 they were previously using in the same period. Estimated cost savings of over $900,000 were forecasted:

– The cost of products decreased
– The labor costs required to replace the chains were reduced
– The downtime costs dropped

This project demonstrated the unique value that Drives chain solutions can bring to the food industry. The customer also mentioned additional opportunities for this chain in other areas of the plant.

More Case Studies