Powered rollers; single or double

The advantages and disadvantages of powered roller conveyors are listed below, implemented with single or double sprocket heads. Important points to consider when using accumulating rollers are also covered.

When using a single sprocket
- the roller spacing is independent of the size
- assembly is less time-consuming
- the load on the teeth is the same for every roller
- the roller load is carried by one or two teeth per sprocket
- only one joining link is needed
- the chain has to be supported
- the chain wear is less
- the chain has to run at the base of the teeth
- a single long chain is used
- only a single chain tensioner is needed

When using a double sprocket
- the roller spacing depends on the size (see table of spindle separations below)
- the manufacturing costs are higher because of the level of precision
- the load on the teeth of each roller is not the same; the roller next to the motor has the highest load on the teeth and (depending on the chosen sprocket) the conveyor load will be pulled by 6 to 10 teeth
- the chain does not have to be supported
- more chain wear occurs because there is more movement
- the chain can start banging against the frame as it wears
- many shorter chains are used
- many whole or half joining links have to be used

When using accumulating load rollers
- the time a product takes to be conveyed is variable
- the pressure accumulation is 5% to 7% of the conveyor load
- the pressure accumulation is reduced by 1% for every 1% upward gradient of the conveyor
- the pressure accumulation is increased by 1% for every 1% downward gradient of the conveyor
- the product must not bump up against the side guides
- the product must have a hard and flat underside
- the product is placed above the friction coupling as much as possible
- there is less wear of chain and sprockets because the torque due to drag is more evenly spread
- the transport rate (V) may not be higher than 0.5 m/sec, at diameter ø 80 mm