Chain‑Vey® Tubular Drag Conveyors
Gentle, Dust‑Tight Conveying with CIP Options
Move delicate products long distances—horizontal and vertical—in sealed stainless tubing with ultra‑strong chain & polymer discs. Add automated Clean‑in‑Place for fast changeovers.
Why Tubular Drag Chain?
- Near‑zero product breakage and excellent blend integrity.
- Dust‑ and gas‑tight tubes protect product and environment.
- Any direction: go horizontal ↔ vertical with multiple inlets/outlets.
- CIP tiers from dry clean‑out to fully automated wet wash and dry.
- Food‑grade design: FDA‑approved discs, flanged connections, pass‑swab sanitation.
See Chain‑Vey® in Action
Conveying Capacities
Actual rates depend on product, chain speed, layout, and disc selection. Typical ranges below:
| Tube Size | Indicative Capacity* | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 3" | Up to ~175 ft³/hr | Malted barley, seeds, crumbs |
| 4" | Up to ~650 ft³/hr | Coffee (green/roasted), oats, nuts |
| 5" | Up to ~1,000 ft³/hr | Pet food, cereals, peanuts, cashews |
| 6" | Up to ~1,400 ft³/hr | Large‑scale ingredient transfer |
| 8" | Up to ~2,000 ft³/hr | High‑volume baking/brewing systems |
*We confirm rates with testing and layout modeling.
System Layouts & Integrations
Complex Paths, One Drive
Combine long horizontal runs with elevation, curves, and multiple discharge points—all with gentle handling and sealed tubes.
Bulk‑Bag Unloader → Chain‑Vey
Secure spout connection feeds directly into the conveyor; options for agitation and mass‑flow discharge for tough powders.
Operator‑Friendly Bag‑Dump
Ergonomic hood with dust collection ties to Chain‑Vey inlet for clean, contained product transfer.
Scales, Mixers, & Batching
Integrate loss‑in‑weight feeders, mixers, or blenders with Chain‑Vey for precise ingredient handling and routing.
Sanitation: Clean‑In‑Place Options
- Tier 1 – Dry Clean‑Out Air knives, brush box (static or powered), and clean‑out discs to eliminate carryover.
- Tier 2 – Hybrid Wet/Dry Spray nozzles, drains, drying ports, and clean‑out access; semi‑automated sequences.
- Tier 3 – Full Wet CIP Flanged piping, full‑CIP turnarounds & drive units, automated cart (rinse, wash, sanitize, dry), HEPA hot‑air drying.
Durability & Upgrades
- Ceramic Elbows Wear‑resistant elbows extend life on abrasive products and high‑turn areas.
- Brush Box Powered or passive units scrub chain & discs; tool‑less access and fines tray simplify cleaning.
- U‑Track Carryover‑eliminating return path keeps fines out of product stream.
- Retrofit Cable → Chain Replace cable conveyor internals with Chain‑Vey chain/discs and upgraded drive/turnarounds.
Common Products Conveyed
Coffee (green/roasted/ground), nuts & snacks, cereals, grains, flours, sugars, spices, cocoa, pet foods, plastics & resins, vitamins, minerals (talc, limestone), and more. Ask about material testing in a full‑scale Chain‑Vey lab.
FAQ
How do tubular drag chains compare to cable conveyors?
They share sealed‑tube, gentle handling benefits; chain offers greater tensile strength, robustness, and typically longer service life. Existing cable systems can often be retrofitted to chain with new drive/turnarounds and chain/discs.
Do I need filtration at the discharge?
No—systems are sealed. Receiving vessels may still need venting per process needs. CIP tiers manage residue and allergen control between batches.
What tube sizes are available?
Common sizes are 3", 4", 5", 6", and 8" with typical capacities from ~175 to ~2,000 ft³/hr depending on product and layout. We confirm with testing.