Scraper chain for scraper chain conveyors

A scraper chain conveyor comprising a scraper chain having interlinked vertical and horizontal chain links:

• each said horizontal chain link having a constant cross-section all around the link, said constant cross-section being circular with a first diameter of at least 48 mm;
• each said vertical link having a pair of opposed longitudinal limbs joined at their ends by curved nose-parts, said curved nose-parts having a round cross-section with a second diameter, and said longitudinal limbs having a cross-section which is flattened with respect to said round section, being approximately oval in form, said flattened cross-section having a width greater than said first and second diameters and a height smaller than said first and second diameters;
• said scraper chain having a strength at least equal to that of a size 48 standard round link chain;
• said horizontal links serving as scraper connection having a pitch which is at least 10% greater than a pitch of the vertical links, said vertical links having a pitch which is approximately equal to three times said second diameter of said circular cross-section of said nose-parts of said vertical links, plus or minus 5 mm;
• and
• said horizontal links having an outer width which is approximately 30% greater than an outer width of said vertical links and said scraper chain having a spacing between consecutive links such that said scraper chain can be used with a sprocket at the head and tail of the scraper chain sized for a size 42 standard round link chain and including both head and tail sprockets of a diameter used for a size 42 standard round link chain.