DEVELOPMENT OF AN ALTERNATE BAGASSE RECLAIMER CHAIN

A MAJOR MAINTENANCE expense to all Sugar Mills is the frequent replacement of bagasse reclaimer chains. In cogeneration applications, chain replacement and associated wear refurbishment is as frequent as every nine months. The predominant failure mode is pin-bush wear leading to excessive chain elongation and subsequent inoperability. Chain replacement is typically a material and labour intensive exercise, involving replacement of chains, thrust pads, wear runners and significant associated boiler-making, fitting and rigging resources. An alternate chain system was developed for trial at Macknade Sugar Mill in the 2013 crushing season. The primary objective was to achieve a minimum 25% extension of chain life and improve the maintainability of replaceable wearing components. System alterations include: chain component geometry, chain component material selection, automatic hydraulic tensioning and easily replaceable rubber roller-track runners. Initial results of the trial are positive as chain elongation measurements indicate significant improvements in the rate of chain wear relative to the standard chain system being used as the control for the trial.