MPE CHAIN-VEY User manual


GENERAL INFORMATION pg. 2-3
Safety Recommendations and Warnings
Safety Instructions
Equipment Identification
180° DRIVE UNIT pg. 4-5
180° TURNAROUND UNIT pg. 6
DISCHARGE UNIT pg. 7
CONVEYOR PIPING pg. 8-10
INLETS pg. 10
CHAIN / DISCS pg. 11-12
FLOOR / CEILING SUPPORTS pg. 12
OPERATION pg. 13-16
Setting the Tension
Testing
Operation
Flow Control
MAINTENANCE pg. 17-20
Troubleshooting
Equipment Lubrication
Parts Replacement
ELECTRICAL pg. 21-25
Drive Unit
Shock Relay
Tension Switch
Solenoid Valves

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General Information:
Safety Recommendations and Warnings
MPE Chain-Vey conveyors are built and tested to comply with current safety regulations and laws.
To continue this practice of safety, MPE requires that the following is noted:
Before installing, operating, or servicing the conveyor, it is necessary to completely understand the
information found in this manual.
The tubular drag conveyor is designed to be operated only as specifically stated in this manual.
MPE can only warrant safety and proper performance of equipment that is used in accordance with
this manual.
All planning, installation, transport, assembly, commissioning, maintenance and repair (mechanical
and/or electrical) may only be completed by qualified personnel.
Safety Instructions
1. Do not attempt to install, connect power to, operate or service Chain-Vey equipment
without proper instructions, or until you have been thoroughly trained in its use.
2. Do not attempt to work on, clean, or service the conveyor until the power has been turned
off and locked out. If and when it is necessary to momentarily start and stop (jog) the
conveyor, use extreme caution and ensure that all personnel are clear of the conveyor
chain.
3. Do not manually override or electrically bypass any protective device.
4. Do not connect power to, or operate the conveyor unless all moving parts are covered and
all covers, guards, safety grids and maintenance panels are in place and securely fastened.
5. Do not place any part of your body or loose clothing within the feed hoppers, discharge
hoppers, or any other access point on the conveyor while it is in operation.
6. All conveyor inlet and discharge openings and access panels must be completely enclosed
to prevent human access when the conveyor is running and remain enclosed until power
has been turned off and locked out.
7. All protective covers, guards, grates, maintenance panels and warning decals must be kept
in place. Any equipment with damaged, defective, or missing protective devices must be
taken out of service until such protective devices can be repaired or replaced.
No portion of this document may be reproduced in any format without written authorization by MPE

3
Equipment Identification
1. 180° Tensioning Turnaround Unit
2. Product Inlet
3. Product Inlet with optional Flow Baffle
4. Double-pipe Floor Support
5. Product Sight Glass
6. Compression Coupling
7. Sweep Elbow
8. Rotary Discharge
9. Rotary Discharge – Discharge Transition
10. Double-Pipe Suspension Support
11. 180° Drive Unit
12. Drive Unit – Discharge Transition
Note: Equipment layout is shown only as an example. The component numerical designations are
shown for reference purposes only.

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180° Drive Unit:
Used in conjunction with the 180° turnaround unit, the 180° drive unit is the mechanism that pulls
the chain through the system. The chain is pulled through the drive unit by a sprocket which is
powered by an electric gearmotor. The drive unit may be run in either direction, and the chain can
enter or exit through either of the two ports. The drive unit is installed at the end of the circuit
system. Typically, the drive unit is used as the final or single discharge point.
The drive unit is to be ceiling suspended or base mounted. The unit may be oriented horizontally
or vertically. For ceiling suspension, (4) 1/2”-13 thru holes are located at the top of the drive unit.
These mounting holes may be used for running through threaded rod or placing eye-bolts.
*the unit weighs app. 430 lbs (195.0 kg)
Note: The Drive unit is shipped with a breather plug already mounted on the
gearmotor.Once the unit is installed, the black rubber seal located on
the breather MUST BE REMOVED. In addition, the oil level should
be checked. (see Equipment Lubrication pg. 16)

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When the drive is used as a discharge point, the unit may be equipped with adjustable air jets. The
air jets aid the discharge of product and keep the chain/discs clean of any residue. The air jets are
adjusted by using the air flow controller to reduce and increase air flow to the jets. To allow for
pressure relief, all units are supplied with a low-profile breather vent. In applications where the
breather vent is not desired, the port can be plugged with any 3/8” NPT plug.
Note:
•For best results, a filter separator should be used on all compressed air supplies.
•Each air jet assembly uses a total of 44 SCFM of air at 80 PSI [5.5 bars].
Adjusting the Speed:
The conveyor speed is controlled by the drive unit gearmotor. Units
equipped with the optional integrated VFD (variable frequency
drive), are designed for speed adjustment. To adjust the speed,
remove the dial cover and adjust the dial between 2 and 10. The
suggested running rate is slightly above that which is required to
maintain 80% product fill in the conveyor (see Flow Control pg.13).
For units that have been configured to have their speed remotely
controlled via HMI or PLC, the speed dial should be set to 6.When
remotely controlled, the speed dial sets the maximum value from 10hz to 100hz, so a setting of 6
allows the remote control to vary the speed up to 60hz.
Manual Rotation: A notable feature of the drive unit gearmotor is that it can
be used to manually rotate the drive sprocket. This is often
helpful during chain installation and other maintenance
events. To manually rotate the drive sprocket, simply
remove the motor fan cover and slowly turn the fan in the
desired direction. Note that before removing any guards
that the machine should be powered off and secured against
unauthorized activation.

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180° Turnaround Unit:
Used in conjunction with the 180° drive unit, the 180° turnaround unit is the mechanism that keeps the chain
tensioned within the system. The turnaround unit may be run in either direction, and the chain can enter or exit
through either of the two ports, but must correspond with the direction of travel on the drive unit.
The 180° turnaround unit is to be ceiling suspended or base mounted. The unit may be oriented horizontally or
vertically. *the unit weighs app. 270 lbs (122.5 kg)
In instances where the 180° Turnaround is to be ceiling suspended, the standard mounting legs are replaced with
two suspension supports which allow for suspending the unit at four points by 1/2” threaded rod. (Suspension
supports supplied by request only)

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Discharge Unit:
The discharge unit is placed in the conveyor system at any location of desired product discharge. The discharge
unit has a pneumatic rotary actuated drop-door which allows for remotely opening and closing the discharge.
Multiple discharge units may be placed in a system when multiple discharge points are required.
The discharge unit is to be ceiling suspended or base mounted. *unit weighs app. 190 lbs (86.2 kg)
Note:
•Air pressure to the rotary actuator should not exceed 120 PSI.
•Air flow controllers are used to control the speed of the door actuation by controlling the air flow into and
out of the rotary actuator. Adjust the air flow so that the door does not slam closed, or swing open too
quickly.
•The rotary actuator uses app. 6.5 in3[.10 liters] of air at 87 PSI [6 bars] to cycle one time (open & close).
•For best results, a filter separator should be used on all compressed air supplies.
To aid in discharge of product and to keep the chain/discs clean of any residue, each discharge unit is equipped with
adjustable air jets. The air jets are adjusted by using the air flow controller to reduce and increase air flow to the
jets. To allow for pressure relief, all units are supplied with a low-profile breather vent. In applications where the
breather vent is not desired, the port can be plugged with any 3/8” NPT plug.
•The air jets of each Discharge Valve use a total of 44 SCFM of air at 80 PSI [5.5 bars].

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Conveyor Piping:
Piping:
Chain-Vey conveying pipe is seamless 6" sch10 stainless steel pipe. The pipe OD is 6.625”
[16.83cm] with a wall thickness of 0.13” [0.34cm]. The weight of the pipe is approximately 9.29
lbs/ft [14.2 kg/m]
Elbows:
Conveying elbows are used for gradual transitions in the direction of chain travel. The elbows are
bent seemless 6” sch10 stainless steel pipe. The pipe O.D. is 6.625” [16.83cm] with a wall
thickness of 0.13“ [0.34cm]. The pipe is bent uniformly to keep the pipe I.D. concentric, and avoid
any ovality. The standard pipe elbow is 90° with a centerline radius of 60” [152.4cm]. Elbows are
also available with bends between 5°-90° and a centerline radius of 60”-72” [152.4-182.88cm].
The weight of the standard elbow is approximately 98 lbs [44.5 kg].

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Sightglass:
The sightglass has the same dimensions as the stainless steel conveying piping, and is installed to
enable viewing the product as it is being conveyed, as well as permit inspection of the chain and
discs. The sightglass is made from durable polycarbonate, but can be scratched or dented if not
handled properly. When cleaning the sightglass, use a mild soap or detergent and wash with
lukewarm water and a clean sponge or soft cloth.
To avoid buildup of static electricity at the sightglass, it is important to ground the piping. Wrap
the supplied copper grounding wire around a sightglass to create a “bridge" reaching from the bolts
of the compression couplings at each end of the sightglass. Approximately 3ft [1m] of wire is
needed to accommodate a standard 20" [51cm] long sightglass. In some cases, the weight of the
surrounding conveying pipe may cause the sightglass to bend or bow. To avoid this, the supplied
structural support bar should also be installed as shown above.
Before installing any pipe section, elbow, sightglass, etc… first assure that all cuts are square, and
that both pipe ends are free of dents, sharp edges, or burrs.
Installation:
The tube ends are to be joined together with 4-bolt (8” [20.32cm] long) compression couplings.
The pipe connection point should be centered within the coupling, with equal lengths grasping each
pipe section. For best results, each pipe end should be marked at 4 inches (half of coupling length)
from its end. When tightening the coupling, assure that the pipe ends are held together squarely,
and that the ends do not separate when tightened.
Note: For better likelihood of keeping the pipe ends square and together, first partially tighten all
bolts and then go back and apply a final torque, always tightening the outer bolts first, then inner
bolts.
* Shorter 3-bolt (6” [15.24] long) compression couplings may be used if space is limited, but the 4-
bolt compression coupling is recommended for ideal support and straighter connections.

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For the least amount of wear on the discs, the ERW line of
the pipe should be oriented at the top of the tube.
Inlets:
Inlets are the entry point of product into the conveying system. Systems using the 180° drive and
turnaround units should be configured having a “product side” and a “clean side”. Accordingly, all
inlets should be placed on the “product side”. For head loaded applications, such as under a
storage hopper without a metering device, a flow control baffle is used. This device is used to set
the product fill level and prevent product shear reducing product breakage and minimizing
excessive pull on the chain. (see Flow Control pg.15)

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Chain / Disc:
Chain-Vey chain is custom made and is rated for a minimum breaking load of 9,000 lbs [4,082 kg].
Conveying discs are molded from FDA compliant, ultra low friction UHMW. The weight of the
chain and molded discs is approximately 2.11 lbs/ft [3.14 kg/m].
Installation:
After the tubing circuit is installed, use a cable-puller or wire snake, equipped with a steel cable to
route through the conveying tube. Connect the chain to the cable and pull or winch the chain
through the tube. It is very important to avoid twists in the chain. One method to ensure the chain
is not twisted is to mark a point, for example the “top” of each disc with a marker. When the chain
is fed into the system, be sure to always feed the discs with the mark oriented in the same direction.
Such as the “top” always up.
CORRECT
INCORRECT
Once the chain is pulled through the system, cut off any excess chain links with a grinder/cutting
wheel or large bolt cutter. When cutting the chain, always error on the conservative side by leaving
a few more links than will probably be needed. Be sure that the connector link is spaced between
two empty links so it is spaced where a puck should be located. The chain ends can then be
connected using the provided chain connector.

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The chain connector link joins the two ends of the chain together to complete the loop.
The clean-out disc is a 1/8” [.32cm] thick FDA compliant polyurethane disc used for wiping the
inside walls of the conveyor piping. Because the OD of the clean-out disc is larger than the ID of
the piping, it is able to collect any product that is left behind by the conveyor discs.
*Installation of the connector link in accordance with the direction of travel is important for
reducing the wear on the cleanout disc.
*It is very important to avoid stripping the threads of the connector link. A stainless steel anti-
seize lubricant is recommended during install. The bolts should be fastened with the suggested
torque of 268.4 in-lb [30.3 N-m]
Ceiling / Floor Supports:
Ceiling and floor supports are used to support the conveyor pipe and keep them at the set distance
of 12.75” [32.39cm]. The floor support stand is design to utilize leveling mounts that allow for
vertical adjustment of horizontal piping. The ceiling support is designed to allow for suspension
from the ceiling using 3/8” [10mm] threaded rod or cable. The ceiling support may also be used on
vertical piping, to keep the piping at the set distance of 12.75” [32.39cm]. A ceiling support or
floor support should be used to support the piping approximately every 8ft [2.44m].
FLOOR SUPPORT
CEILING SUPPORT

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Operations:
1. Setting the Tension
When rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise, the tensioner nuts move the tensioner plate towards
or away from the inlet outlet ports, placing more or less tension on the chain. Once the desired
tension is obtained, it is important to tighten the nuts against each other to ensure that the tension is
locked. The tension is correct when the chain is taut, but will allow for approximately 1/16”
[1.6mm] of movement (1/8" deflection) when the chain is tugged on by hand. If the discs touch the
bottom of the tube when entering the return path, the tension is too low and needs to be adjusted.
TOO LOOSE
CORRECT
To help with tracking the tension setpoint, a scale is provided next to the tensioning spring so that
the amount of compression applied can be noted. At zero tension (zero compression) the spring
should measure about 6" [15.2 cm].
When adjusting the tension, it is also very important to allow for at least 1.5" [38.1mm] of
clearance between the rotation of the pucks and the back wall of the 180° turnaround unit. It may
be necessary to shorten the chain to obtain this clearance.
Note:
If the tension of the chain is too high it will cause excessive wear on the conveyor

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2. Setting the Tension Switch
To control any undesirable fluctuations in the tension of the system, each 180° turnaround unit is
equipped with a tension limit switch. Any adverse changes in the tension (+ or -) will "trip" the
switch which in-turn cuts power to the conveyor. This allows the operator the opportunity to
examine the tensioning issue prior to damaging the equipment or causing disengagement from the
sprocket.
To set the limit switch, first tension the system the appropriate amount. Once the tension is set,
adjust the placement of the trip brackets so that the roller plunger of the limit switch is centered
between them. The trip brackets should be spaced away from the roller-plunger to allow for some
movement, but not drastic fluctuations. Typically a spacing of about 9/16" [14.3mm] is
recommended between the trip brackets, but individual systems may vary.
If the tension switch trips, investigate to determine the cause and correct the issue prior to restarting
the conveyor. To re-set the switch, the switch must be manual reset by pulling up on the blue reset
knob.
Note:
For maximum life, periodically put a drop or two of lightweight oil on the roller. Specific
application conditions will determine lubricating frequency.

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3. Testing
Check the conveyor thoroughly before first turning it on.
- check that all covers and safety features are installed and function properly
- check that all tools have been removed from the conveyor
- before running for a long period of time, check that the conveyor runs in the intended direction.
During the first hour of running, the equipment should be watched closely so that it may be stopped
immediately if necessary. While running, each pipe connection point should be checked for any
“clicking”. Clicking is a good indicator that the pipe connection is not square or that a gap is
between the two pipes. Following the first hour of running, turn the conveyor off and again inspect
all connections, the tension of the chain and the proper installation of the chain connectors.
Now the conveyor can be run loaded for a day shift before checking everything again.
After testing the equipment and a thorough inspection, the conveyor is ready for operation.
4. Operation
The conveyor should only be operated by authorized personnel who are familiar with the specific
features of the equipment and have read and understood the contents of this manual.
It is important to feed the conveyor at a rate less than the capacity stated in the technical
specifications. Otherwise damage to the sprockets and chain and all moving parts may result.
The chain should be checked regularly for the correct tension and length.
If the motor starter, fuse, or shock relay trips, the conveyor may only be turned back on after the
origin of this malfunction is detected and has been properly addressed.
Let the machine run empty before turning it off. Any product left within the system could harden or
become gummy over an extended period of time, therefore potentially hindering restarting the
conveyor.
E-stop buttons should only be used when immediate safety is impaired, and should not be used for
regular operation. After an E-stop has been used, be sure that the cause of the emergency is
established and resolved before putting the conveyor back into service.

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4. Flow Control
When there is a bulk source or direct head-load of product feeding the Chain-Vey conveyor, the
inlet flow control baffle is very important. The flow control baffle utilizes two plates on a pivot
which increase or decrease the opening of the inlet. Two hand knobs are used to adjust and also
lock the plates' position once the desired feed rate is attained. If desired, a tamper-resistant, tooled
adjustment is an available alternative to the hand knobs.
Note:
To prevent product shear and reduce excessive pull on the chain, the inlet and baffle must be
installed in accordance with the conveying direction as shown above.
Low Fill
(< 50%)
Standard Fill
(70% - 80%)
Maximum Fill
(90%)
To achieve desired fill level, adjust the baffles of the inlet flow control, and make adjustments to
the conveyor speed and feed rate.

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Maintenance:
Maintenance should be carried out by trained personnel in order to avoid personal injury or damage
to equipment. Deviations from normal performance (higher power input, higher temperatures,
vibration, unusual noises or odors, etc.) indicate that functionality of the unit is impaired.
The frequency of inspections is dependent on several variables, but the should be routinely
addressed.
1. Routine Equipment Inspections
Drive Unit
1
Ensure that all hardware on the sprocket is present and tightly fastened.
2
Inspect the sprocket teeth for wear
3 Check the gearbox oil level, and add oil if needed
4 Test the air-jets for proper pressure and flow
5 Clean the fins of the motor fan to optimize cooling
6 Verify the motor and gearbox mounting bolts are tightly fastened
7
Inspect the shaft oil seal for wear or damage
8
Remove any product build-up from all internal surfaces
Turnaround Unit
1
Check for proper tensioning, and note any changes since last inspection
2
Ensure that all hardware on the sprocket and tensioning plate is present and tightly
fastened
3
Inspect the sprocket teeth for wear
4
Inspect the sliding plates for excessive wear
5
Check the position and functionality of the tension switch
6 Remove any product build-up from all internal surfaces
Discharge Valve
1 Inspect the alignment and open/close of the drop-tube
2 Verify the proper functioning of the open/close reed switches on the rotary actuator
3 Remove any product build-up from all internal surfaces
4
Test the air-jets for proper pressure and flow
Pipe / Elbows
1
Inspect all floor and ceiling supports for misalignment and verify that all hardware is
present and tightly fastened
2
Check for any dents or damage which may affect the inner diameter of the pipe
3
Inspect the inner walls for excessive wear or abnormal build-up of material
Chain / Disc
1
Inspect the discs for wear and/or damage on the outer edges
2
Examine the chain for any excessive wear
3 Check the welds on the chain links for any sign of potential failure
4 Confirm that connector link wiper disc is fully intact
5 Confirm that the connector link hardware is present and tightly fastened
Sight-Glass
1
Check for any discoloration or any other obstruction of visual clarity
2
Inspect for any scratches or cracks
3
Confirm that the grounding wire is intact and in good condition
Inlets
1
Remove any product build-up from all internal surfaces
2
Check the inlet baffles (if present) for the proper flow control settings

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2. Troubleshooting
If in doubt, switch off the equipment immediately!!
ISSUE
PROBABLE CAUSE
Chain "jumps” Sprocket
Tension Too Low
Tension Too High
Product Build-Up on Sprocket
Wear on Chain
Wear on Sprocket
Twisted Chain
Chain / Connector Breaks
Foreign Object in Conveyor
Product Build-Up in Conveyor
Conveyor is Overloaded
Chain is Worn
Conveyor Won’t Start
No Electricity
Defective Motor
Product Build-UP in Conveyor
Check Shock Relay
Reset Tension Switch
ITEM
REQUIRES REPLACEMENT WHEN...
Chain / Chain Connector
Diameter of link is less than 5/16" (8mm) at point of contact with next link
Conveying Disc
Diameter of disc is less than 4-7/8" (123.8mm)
Cleanout Disc
Disc becomes torn, worn, or excessively discolored
Sprocket
Point of contact with chain is worn more than 3/32" (2mm)
Tubing Wall thickness is less than 1/32" (1mm) note; tubing may be rotated up to
7 times, because majority of wear occurs on bottom of tube
When working on the machine, make sure the equipment is off, and secured against
unauthorized activation.

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3. Equipment Lubrication
Drive Unit:
Unless otherwise specified, Drive Unit gearmotors are supplied with food grade Klüberoil UH1-6-
460 lubricant. The gearmotor requires that this oil be changed every 10,000 operating hours or
every two years, whichever comes first. In applications where hostile operating conditions exist,
such as high humidity, corrosive environment, or large temperature changes, the oil should be
changed at more frequent intervals. To check the oil level, remove the plated (non-painted) oil
level plug. The oil level is correct when the surface of the oil is level with the lowest point of that
tapped hole.
For units installed in the standard upright position (nameplate should state “Mount Pos. M5A”) the
recommended amount of oil is 1.16 gallons [4.4 liters]. For any other mounting position, contact
MPE for recommended oil amounts.
Turnaround Unit:
The two flange bearings located on the Turnaround unit are double sealed and are permanently pre-
lubricated with USDA approved H1 grease. These bearings require no relubrication, even in
washdown environments.
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