Strain-Gauged Chain Link Measures Tension in Poultry Plant Conveyor System

The poultry plant was experiencing severe chain wear problems causing loss of production.  It was suspected that this was due to excessive tension at certain points in the system.  The challenge was to identify these areas, which could only be done effectively in a live running situation.

Applied Measurements Ltd were supplied with a standard link from the chain, this was modified to enable strain gauges to be bonded to the structure, creating a strain-gauged chain link.  The transformation of the link into a load cell was completed by terminating with a four core screened cable, environmental protective coatings and calibration.

The strain-gauged chain link was then installed in the standard process chain and fitted with a portable data logger, this enabled the special link to map the forces around the system allowing adjustments to be made where required to ensure even tension, reducing chain wear and system stoppages.