When designing conveyor belt chains for high-speed beverage and food processing lines, a company chose a polymer for its high temperature and superior chemical resistance properties.

When Tokyo-based Yamakyu Chain Company was designing conveyor belt chains for high-speed beverage and food processing lines, they chose Victrex PEEK polymer for its high temperature and superior chemical resistance properties. According to Andrew Ragan, Victrex Global Leader polymer slat band chains are proving an ideal fit for the food processing industry where high heat resistance and superior chemical resistance are an essential requirement. Traditionally, this industry has used intermesh, low friction transfer plates made from acetal.

But acetal's operating temperature limit of 176degF (80degC) prohibits its use in high-temperature environments.

Chains made with PEEK polymer, on the other hand, can withstand exposure to temperatures as high as 482degF (250degC).' In addition, the PEEK polymer chains offer superior long-term resistance against detergents such as chlorine and hydrogen peroxide as well as antistatic properties.

Stainless steel has typically been the material of choice for chains requiring high heat resistance.

However, stainless steel chains need lubrication to ensure smooth operation and this creates adhesion problems and product contamination.

'PEEK polymer is naturally lubricious,' says Ragan.

'The chains can run at a rate of 11ft/sec (200m/min) without lubrication.' In addition, the chains are a third of the weight of stainless steel chains.

This allows for motor downsizing that saves power and reduces operating noise.' Yamakyu is a leading manufacturer of slat band chains for conveyors.

The company focuses on offering customers a total solution from chain selection to the design and manufacture of a complete conveyor system to meet individual requirements.

Victrex USA, a division of Victrex plc, is the sole manufacturer and supplier of PEEK polymer worldwide.