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RUD introduces updated central chains for bucket elevators

 

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World Cement,

RUD expands its range with new central chains for bucket elevators.

New design and reduced weight are the key features of the latest central chains from RUD. Available in several sizes with either an integrated or separate mounting bracket, these chains extend RUD’s product range into lower nominal sizes. As a specialist in conveyor technology committed to continuous innovation, RUD is addressing industry needs across various sectors, including cement production. "Our central chains have been manufactured since 1992, and now we have launched a new variant with a new design and lower weight. We have also extended the nominal sizes and offer the new central chains in two variants";explains Anne Kühling, Head of Product Management Conveying & Driving at RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG.

Central chains for high-performance bucket elevators

RUD’s central chains are specifically designed for high-performance bucket elevators, which are used to transport materials such as cement, limestone, gravel, coal, rock salt, and soda efficiently and reliably. These chains provide a durable solution for vertically conveying powdery, granular, lumpy, and high-temperature materials.

New design with low weight

What’s new about RUD’s central chains is their design and the technology behind them. The system functions similarly to a bicycle chain. RUD has completely updated its original rotating pin process to achieve a lower overall weight. As a result, the new generation of central chains is significantly lighter, operating with less dead-load and improved performance.

The market demand

The weight reduction of RUD’s central chains resulted from a global survey conducted with RUD's customers and sales partners. “The weight factor was raised by the majority of respondents. We addressed this issue early in the development phase, which allowed us to design and optimise the chains accordingly,” explains Rupert Wesch, Head of Application Technology Conveying & Driving at RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG.

Efficient conversion

RUD central chains are designed in accordance with VDI 2324 and are suitable for use in bucket elevators within the bulk materials industry. They can be installed in new systems or retrofitted into existing bucket elevators that use round link chains or belts. Thanks to the expanded product range, production and maintenance engineers can now select the most appropriate central chains for their elevator systems. Existing round steel and belt-driven elevators can be upgraded to high-performance systems using RUD central chains. One key advantage of central chains over round link chains is their ability to operate at higher speeds. Original equipment manufacturers also benefit from the RUD portfolio, as new bucket elevators can be built narrower and more cost-effectively.

Expanded range

RUD central chains are available in two variants: one with a separate mounting bracket and one with an integrated mounting bracket. The version with a separate fixing bracket is offered in size RU 100, which has a breaking force of 1000 kN, a weight of 45.2 kg/m, and is suitable for bucket widths between 400 and 800 mm. For the integrated mounting bracket variant, RUD offers three chain sizes: RU 40, RU 55, and RU 70. The smallest, RU 40, has a breaking force of 400 kN and weighs 20.3 kg/m. It is suitable for bucket widths between 200 and 400 mm. RU 55, with a breaking force of 550 kN, and RU 70, with a breaking force of 700 kN, are designed for bucket widths ranging from 250 to 420 mm and 300 to 630 mm, respectively. “With this new innovation, we have focused on the lower nominal sizes,” emphasises Rupert Wesch.


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