Failure Analysis on Conveyor Chain Links of a Central Bucket Elevator

Authors

  • E. Yin
  • J. M. Kihiu
  • O. M. Muvengei
  • K. Njoroge

Keywords:

buccket elevator, chain link, failure analysis, fracture

Abstract

Failure of chain links of a bucket elevator is inevitable. For this reason, analysis of failure is very crucial to the continuous improvement on the chain links which as a result will minimize down-time therefore increasing productivity. Whenever the chain link of the bucket elevator fail, it takes the technicians a minimum of three days depending on the severity of damage. This results in increased down-time which reduces production time coupled with damaged buckets and links which increases maintenance cost. The objective of this research is to analysis the cause of failure of the chain link of a bucket elevator by carrying out visual examination, chemical analysis and metallurgical analysis on failed chain link samples. Preliminary examination using stereo microscope revealed the type of fracture is a brittle fracture and chevron marks showed that the fracture began from the core of the fractured surface and progressed through the material until eventual fracture occurred. Metallurgical analysis revealed that the micro-structure is a tempered martensite and the material had a lot of cracks embedded within it which propagated during loading. Chemical analysis revealed that the carbon content was below the required standards and therefore does not meet the requirements.

Author Biographies

E. Yin

Department of Mechanical Engineering, JKUAT.

J. M. Kihiu

Department of Mechanical Engineering, JKUAT

O. M. Muvengei

Department of Mechanical Engineering, JKUAT

K. Njoroge

Department of Mechanical Engineering, JKUAT.

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Published

04-04-2022