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Nuclear power application chain costs cut by 40%

A Cross + Morse product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 25, 2001

In a nuclear power industry application, Cross and Morse was not only able to exceed the product specification, but also to reduce costs by 40% compared with the chains which had previously been used

Presented with the challenge of supplying customised roller chains to meet the demanding requirements of the nuclear power industry, power transmission expert, Cross and Morse, was not only able to meet - and exceed - every aspect of the product specification, but also to reduce costs by 40% compared with the chains which had previously been used.

The customer's specification called for pairs of duplex BS roller chains to be used in lifting applications.

This is, in itself, a simple enough requirement, but there were a few complications! The chains are 100 feet long, and it is essential that the lengths of the chains in each pair should be matched to within 0.005 inches.

To make matters even more complicated, the chains also operate in an area where they are subject to high levels of nuclear radiation.

This has two important consequences: maintenance is difficult, so maximum reliability is essential, and ordinary greases and lubricants cannot be used, as they break down when exposed to radiation.

Prior to approaching Cross and Morse, the users had found it necessary to pre-stress and match the chains themselves after purchase, and then to apply a special graphite lubricant.

These processes were inconvenient, time-consuming and costly.

After considering the application requirements carefully, however, Cross and Morse's expert design team developed a modified version of the company's standard " pitch duplex chain which can be manufactured economically in-house at the company's Birmingham plant.

Tight control over all aspects of the manufacturing process allows length-matching to within 0.001 inch for the 100 foot chains, exceeding the user's requirements for matching precision by a factor of five! Cross and Morse has also developed a unique device to apply the special lubricant required in nuclear applications.

This device applies the lubricant, which has an unusually high viscosity, to the chain under pressure, ensuring that it fully penetrates the mating surfaces of every link.

This has proved far more satisfactory than the surface application method used previously.

As a final measure to ensure maximum reliability, Cross and Morse applies a special surface coating to the chain, which protects against corrosion, even in the extreme operating conditions encountered in this application.

Efficient and flexible manufacturing techniques mean that Cross and Morse supplies these precision-matched lifting chains within two weeks of receiving an order, and the company can, if necessary, offer even faster deliveries.

The chains are ready for immediate use as received, eliminating the tedious preparatory work which had to be carried out by the user, and they exceed all requirements for precision, performance and reliability.

When all of these benefits are combined with cost savings of 40%, it's small wonder that the end user has now purchased several sets of Cross and Morse chains, and has plans to purchase more in the near future! Cross and Morse is one of the UK's leading and most experienced manufacturers of power transmission products.

The company is dedicated not only to developing and supplying products which accurately match the requirements of today's market, but also to providing unrivalled service and support for its customers.

Cross and Morse was successfully assessed by Lloyds in 1992, and is now registered as an approved manufacturer to ISO 9002:1994.

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