Field Operator Certification

Drag Conveyors
Learner Guide
 Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide

Introduction
This lesson on Drag Conveyors, as with your other lessons on Auxiliary Equipment, consists of two
main learning components a self-directed/in-class component and an on-the-job component. You
are expected to complete both components as part of your Certification Program.

Review the remaining information contained in the Introduction section of this document prior to
beginning the Content section. If you have any questions about this information, speak with your
Instructor.

Objectives
Your learning objectives are broken down into two categories learning objectives for the self-
directed/in-class portion of your learning; and, learning objectives for the on-the-job portion of your
learning. They are listed below for your information.

Self-Directed/In-Class Learning Objectives

Describe the purpose of the Drag Conveyor
Name the main components of the Drag Conveyor
Explain the principle of operation for a Drag Conveyor
Describe the applications for a Drag Conveyor
Describe the running and static inspections for a Drag Conveyor
Describe the troubleshooting for common Drag conveyor problems
State safety concerns related to Drag Conveyors

On-the-job Learning Objectives

Perform an inspection on an operational Drag Conveyor
Perform an inspection on a static Drag Conveyor

Lesson Outline
The first portion of the lesson, the self-directed/in-class portion, involves reviewing the following
information:

The purpose and basic principle of operation of a Drag Conveyor

A listing of the various components of a Drag Conveyor
Various applications of a Drag Conveyor

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Inspection points of a Drag Conveyor and basic troubleshooting

Safety concerns related to Drag Conveyors
Pictures and graphics are included where appropriate to help you understand how Drag Conveyors
function. At the end of this section, there are a series of questions that you will be required to
answer and review with your Instructor.

The second portion of the lesson, the on-the-job portion, primarily involves the completion of
several inspections on belt conveyors, including both an operational and static Drag Conveyors
inspection and lockout procedures. When you are ready to perform these inspections, inform your
Instructor.

If you are a new Field Operator, you will complete a series of steps in your OJT portion of this
lesson. These steps are listed below for your information.

Step One
Your Instructor will walk through an inspection procedure with you. At that time
you can ask questions and take down any notes required.
This walkthrough may be completed out in the field or during a meeting with your
Instructor.
Step Two
Your Instructor will demonstrate an inspection procedure in the field.
Step Three
You will conduct an inspection procedure in the field under the supervision of your
Instructor.
Your Instructor will provide you with feedback about your performance during the
inspection.
Step Four
You will complete a full inspection procedure without any assistance from your
Instructor.
This inspection will be assessed against the inspection checklist contained in this
document. If you achieve 100% on the inspection, you will be certified on it. If you do
not achieve 100% your Instructor will provide you with further feedback and you will
have the opportunity to be re-assessed.
If you are an experienced Field Operator, you may already be quite familiar with inspection
procedures. Discuss this with your Instructor and you may only be required to actually complete
Step Four as discussed above.

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 Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide

Reference Material
NA

Pre-requisites
NA

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Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide

Drag Conveyors Learning Content

Purpose
D RAG C ONVEYOR
The purpose of the Drag Conveyor is to
transport material from one location to
another

DRAG C ONVEYOR

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Components

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Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide

The components of Drag Conveyors are:

Main Drive System

Casing
Wear Liners
Head Shaft and Bearings
Head Sprocket
Material Discharge Chute
Tail Shaft and Bearings
Tail Sprocket
Conveyor Chain
Take-up assembly
Material Inlet Chute
Inspection ports and doors

D RAG C ONVEYOR C HAIN

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D RAG C ONVEYOR C HAIN & S PROCKET

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Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide

Principle of Operation
The Drag Conveyor consists of an endless loop of chain strung between the head sprocket
and the tail sprocket operating within a fully enclosed casing
The sprocket at the discharge of the Drag Conveyor is usually configured with the drive
assembly
The sprocket opposite the drive is connected to a take-up assembly that is designed to
maintain tension on the chain during operation.
Material is introduced into the drag at the conveyors inlet chute. It is common for the drag
conveyor to have multiple feed points along its length.
The material falls through the open area around the chain and flights on the top or return side
of the conveyor first. The material then passes into the bottom section of the drag where it is
sheared between the drag flights and the casing and propelled forward by the chain
advancing towards the head sprocket.
Material is discharged from the Drag Conveyor through a chute that can be located anywhere
along the length of the conveyor

D RAG C ONVEYOR

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Applications
Typical applications for the Drag Conveyors include

Clinker cooler evacuation

Belt conveyor clean up systems
Hot and cold material evacuation from surge bins
Electrostatic Precipitator return dust

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Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide

Inspection Points
Drag Conveyors Running Inspection
Check For OK

Inspect the drive motor for

material build up on cooling fins and cooling fan inlet screen
Remove build up
Inspect drive motor electrical connections for signs of damage or strain
Inspect the drives mounting base for
damage
cracks
loose bolts
Palm test the motor casing temperature
If too hot to touch, record temperature with hand pyrometer or contact thermometer
Inspect the condition and support integrity of all safety guards
Inspect the condition of drive components (motor to reducer)
V-belt condition and tensioning, sheaves
direct coupling condition
chain and sprocket
fluid coupling
intermediate shafts and bearings
Inspect the condition of drive components (reducer to driven shaft).
V-belt condition and tensioning, sheaves
direct coupling condition
chain and sprocket
Palm test the drive reducer casing temperature
If too hot to touch, record temperature with hand pyrometer or contact thermometer
Inspect the reducer for
leaks
lubrication level
breather condition
Listen for abnormal noise or vibration in all drive system components
Note general condition of Drag Conveyors head assembly
cleanliness
material leaks
lubrication leaks

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Drag Conveyors Running Inspection

Check For OK

Inspect the discharge chute for

proper material flow
build-up
obstruction
Inspect field control station for
damage or cable strain
Remove any obstructions for access
Inspect the condition of the head shaft seals and support bearings
Inspect the head sprocket for
damage
cracks
wear
Inspect the condition of the chain and flights for
signs of damage
wear
cracks
Check that all access doors and inspection ports are
closed
properly sealed
Inspect the condition of Drag Conveyor
protection devices
mounting
electrical connections
cable strain
Inspect the condition of the Drag Conveyors casing. Inspect for
leaks
signs of wear
damage
Inspect the condition of the Drag Conveyors take-up. Inspect for
proper chain tension
Inspect the condition of the tail shaft
seals
support bearings
Inspect the tail sprocket for

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Drag Conveyors Running Inspection

Check For OK
damage cracks
wear

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Drag Conveyors Static Inspection

Check For OK

Inspect the drive motor for

material build up on cooling fins and cooling fan inlet screen
Inspect drive motor electrical connections for signs of damage or strain
Inspect the drives mounting base for
damage
cracks
loose bolts
Inspect the condition and support integrity of all safety guards
Inspect the condition of drive components (motor to reducer)
V-belt condition and tensioning
sheaves
direct coupling condition
chain and sprocket
fluid coupling
intermediate shafts and bearings
Inspect the condition of drive components (reducer to driven shaft)
V-belt condition and tensioning
sheaves
direct coupling condition
chain and sprocket
Inspect the reducer for
leaks
lubrication level
breather condition
Note general condition of Drag Conveyor
cleanliness
material leaks
lubrication leaks
Inspect the discharge chute for
build-up
obstruction
Inspect field control station for
damage
cable strain

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Drag Conveyors Static Inspection

Check For OK

Inspect the condition of the head shaft

seals
support bearings
Inspect the head sprocket for
damage
cracks
wear
Inspect the condition of the chain and flights for
signs of damage
wear
cracks
Check that all access doors and inspection ports
closed
properly sealed
Inspect the condition of Drag Conveyor
protection devices
mounting
electrical connections
cable strain
Inspect the condition of the Drag Conveyors casing. Inspect for
leaks
signs of wear
damage
Inspect the condition of the Drag conveyors take-up. Inspect for
proper chain tension
Inspect the condition of the tail shaft
seals
support bearings
Inspect the tail sprocket for
damage cracks
wear

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Troubleshooting
The following troubleshooting information has been prepared to help you resolve problems
associated with Drag Conveyors.
T ROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Drag Conveyor Vibrates
Drag Conveyor Will Not Start
Drag Conveyor Reduced
Capacity
Abnormal Wear To Chain
Excessive Noise from Chain and
Sprocket and/or Pulsating Chain
Field Operator Certification
Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide
Test OK
Build-up of material in the discharge chute
Excessively loose or tight drag chain
Loose or broken flights or chain
Misalignment of head and tail shaft
Flights striking the inside casing due to misalignment
Drive components damaged or loose
Electrical isolation, overloads, local disconnect, main
breaker, fuses, interlock
Build-up of material in the discharge chute
Excessively tight chain
Loose or broken flights interfering with casing
Drive component failure, reducer, coupling, V-belt,
chain, sprockets
Drag Conveyor chain failure
Verify design speed VS current operating speed
Inspect flights for damage or wear.
Inspect inlet and discharge chutes for material build-up
or obstruction
Excessive chain tension
Loosen bolts & tighten down if needed
Sprockets misaligned
Loosen sprockets on shafts and realign with straight
edge across sprocket face
Damaged sprocket or drive chain
Replace damaged component. Check tension and
sprocket alignment
Insufficient chain tension
Use idler sprocket take-up adjustment tension on
both sides equally
Overload
Inspect for obstruction to or excessive drag on
conveyor
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Drag Conveyors - Learner Guide

Problem Test OK
Frozen shaft or sprocket
Broken Chain
Inspect for damaged bearings, replace as required.
Check shaft for straightness. Replace chain as
required
Worn or damaged chain
Replace entire chain as required. Attempt to find
cause of wear (misalignment, etc.) in order to
correct
Loose set screws
Sprocket Loose on Shaft
Realign sprockets with straight edge and tighten set
screws
Worn or damaged key
Replace with new key
Inspect for damage to key seat on shaft and in
sprocket hub
Normal wear
Excessive Slack Chain
Expect rapid chain growth in first two weeks of
operation
Loosen mounting bolts and reposition sprocket
take-up
Abnormal wear
Check chain tension. Adjust as required

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Safety
Always lock out Drag Conveyor prior to performing any service on the conveyor
Be aware that Drag Conveyors are controlled automatically and can start and stop at any time
Be aware of all conveyor nip points
Never attempt to remove build-up off conveyor components while operating
Keep clothing, fingers, hair, and other parts of the body away from conveyor drive
components
Never climb or step onto drag conveyor lids as they are not generally designed to support the
weight of an individual
Inspect conveyor guards for damage and support integrity
Know the location and function of all control stations
Keep all control stations free from obstructions to ensure access at all times
Keep area around conveyors clear of obstructions
Report all unsafe conditions or practices immediately

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Module Name

Lesson Review
Complete each of these questions and review your answers with your Instructor

1. What is the purpose of the Drag Conveyor?

2. Describe 5 components of a Drag Conveyor

3. What is the purpose of the Drag Conveyors take-up assembly?

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4. List 3 applications for Drag Conveyors in cement manufacturing

5. Describe 5 inspection points for a Drag Conveyor

6. Describe 3 conditions that would explain a loss of Drag Conveyor capacity

7. List 4 safety hazards associated with Drag Conveyors

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