Motion Control & Drives


Tsubaki sealed chains for the harshest environments

January 2024 Motion Control & Drives

BMG’s extensive range of Tsubaki high-performance chains comprises engineering class SJ3 sealed joint chains, with improved sealing technology, designed to improve the reliability of many mechanical components exposed to harsh environments.

“An important feature of the Tsubaki SJ3 series, is that extended bushing barrier seals prevent abrasive materials from entering and attacking chain joints, thus reducing wear, and extending service life of chains,” explains national product manager, Marthinus Janse van Rensburg. “Tsubaki’s patented SJ3 labyrinth structure keeps each pin and bushing assembly free and clear of contaminants. This multi-seal combination inhibits fine particulates from entering critical bearing areas. As a result, the risks of premature elongation, joint lockage and dry cavitation are reduced, allowing for more effective chain performance and longer life.

“The Tsubaki SJ3 design comprises three distinct seals. Although independent of one another, the seals complement each other to provide secure bushing and pin protection. The first seal is an industry standard extended bushing that limits the clearance between the ends of the bushings and the mating sidebars. This provides a highly effective first layer of protection.

“The second seal is a polymer face seal placed around the extended bushings. These polymer face seals are available in various performance materials and can withstand temperatures up to 204° C. The final seal is a patented labyrinth seal that inhibits any remaining fine particles from entering the critical bearing area. The labyrinth is formed by a stainless steel ring attached to the pin, which rotates freely in a finely crafted groove in the bushing.”

BMG’s durable Tsubaki SJ3 series, has been designed for dependable operation in harsh environments, including mining, cement, paper, sugar and grain, chemical and petrochemical, and in asphalt applications.

Successful installations of Tsubaki’s SJ3 technology include a synthetic gypsum feeder breaker, where the user was struggling to get more than four months of use from an OEM chain. Since the installation of SJ3 chain with stainless steel pins, the service life of chains has been extended to more than 36 months.

The user of a carbon coke bucket elevator initially installed a non-sealed elevator chain that lasted 12 months, and then a non-sealed chain with hardened stainless steel pins, which lasted double that period. Lifespan of the chain increased to 56 months after the installation of a Tsubaki SJ3 chain.

The chain of a potash feeder, with packed joints that kinked and eventually failed, was replaced with a Tsubaki SJ3 chain with stainless steel pins, resulting in the component lifespan trebling.

In a fly ash bucket elevator, standard elevator chain lasted approximately 12 months. Service life of the chain has increased to more than 36 months, since the installation of Tsubaki SJ3 chain.

BMG’s total plant management solutions encompass a technical advisory service on correct chain selection − a critical factor in any power transmission system. The complete range of Tsubaki power transmission components is available from BMG’s national branch network, which offers a 24-hour backup service.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

BMG expands fluid technology portfolio with Boston by Danfoss industrial hose
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Pneumatics & Hydraulics
BMG has added the Boston by Danfoss Industrial Hose range to its fluid technology portfolio, giving customers a single source for both hydraulic and industrial hose requirements across Africa.

Read more...
Premium slewing rings from SKF
SKF South Africa Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s slewing bearing portfolio spans standard and customised designs across a wide range of types and sizes, backed by advanced monitoring, remanufacturing services and application engineering expertise for demanding industrial applications.

Read more...
World’s first fully electric hydrogen fuel cell aircraft engine
Motion Control & Drives
Airbus and MTU Aero Engines are establishing a joint venture to industrialise hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation, combining liquid hydrogen expertise with fuel cell development to support the ZEROe programme’s 2035 target.

Read more...
Monopile handling innovations boost offshore wind farm
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet’s XXL monopile transport system and new MTC 1600 terminal crane are helping offshore wind developers safely marshal and install ever larger monopile foundations, as demonstrated on Van Oord’s Baltic Power project.

Read more...
Automation without the mega factory
Yaskawa Southern Africa Motion Control & Drives
Mid-sized South African manufacturers are turning to targeted, low-risk automation to solve specific bottlenecks rather than chasing full factory transformation, helped by retrofit-friendly robotics and advanced simulation software.

Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.

Read more...
Choosing the right level of protection in modern automation
Motion Control & Drives
Choosing the right ingress protection rating for a motor or drive is less about maximising the number, and more about understanding what the machine will actually face in operation.

Read more...
Industrial valve solutions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
BMG’s Fluid Technology division supplies and supports an extensive range of components for fluid technology systems. These include valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, as well as pumps and reservoir accessories.

Read more...
BMG achieves GBCSA Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG News
BMG has achieved Green Building Council South Africa Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification after diverting more than 90% of operational waste from landfill, demonstrating how practical sustainability measures can deliver measurable environmental and commercial benefits.

Read more...
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved