Donghua in mining: which chains are used in crushers, mills, screens and conveyor belts

In the Argentine mining industry, Donghua roller chains are present in crushing, grinding, classification and mineral transport equipment. They are used in drives that demand wear resistance, load resistance and resistance to working conditions with dust, humidity and vibration. The most common series is ASA, which follows the American inch-pitch standard and is available in different sizes according to the power to be transmitted.

Example codes such as ASA 60, ASA 80 or ASA 50 correspond to roller chains with pitches of 3/4", 1" and 5/8" respectively. Each has a different load capacity and is chosen according to the torque and speed of the equipment. In mining, larger chains usually go on feeders, elevators or high-demand conveyors, while medium-sized ones appear on screens and belts.

Donghua is a brand we market and distribute at MR Accesorios Industriales, with a focus on the Argentine market. We work with roller chains for replacement and for new projects. If you are at a mining plant and need to replace a chain, we help you identify the correct size from the stamped code or the dimensions of the part.

Jaw, cone or impact crushers use chains in auxiliary systems such as crawler feeders, discharge conveyors or adjustment mechanisms. In ball or rod mills, chains appear in ball feeders, lubrication systems or secondary drives. These are applications with impact loads and sudden starts, so it is recommended to verify the pitch and the number of strands.

To order a chain for a crusher or mill, it is advisable to send the code stamped on the links, for example ASA 80, or measure the pitch between pins and the inner width. A photo of the used chain next to the sprocket also helps. With that data we quote the equivalent Donghua chain and tell you whether the sprockets should also be changed due to joint wear.

A common mistake is replacing only the chain without checking the condition of the sprockets. If the teeth are worn, the new chain is damaged quickly. In mining, where downtime is critical, we recommend checking the complete assembly and ordering all components in the same order to ensure compatibility.

Vibrating screens and screw classifiers use roller chains in vibration mechanisms, discharge conveyors or washing systems. These are applications with oscillating movement and the presence of water or sludge, so a chain with good corrosion resistance and abrasion wear resistance is needed.

In screens, chains are usually medium pitch, such as ASA 60 or ASA 50, depending on the size of the equipment. They are mounted in pairs or in short sections that connect motors to eccentric shafts. When ordering, it is important to indicate the number of links or the total length, and whether the chain works outdoors or submerged in water.

A frequent mistake is not properly lubricating chains in humid environments. Lack of lubrication accelerates wear on pins and bushings and causes premature failures. For mining, it is recommended to use suitable chain lubricants and periodically check tension. If you have doubts about which chain goes on your screen, write to us with the brand and model of the equipment.

Mineral conveyor belts use chains in roller drive systems, tensioners, scrapers or belt feeders. These are continuous-service applications, with constant loads and dusty environments. The chain must withstand traction without stretching and maintain constant pitch so as not to damage the sprockets.

On long or high-capacity belts, large-pitch chains such as ASA 80 or larger are used, sometimes in double strand. On smaller or auxiliary belts, ASA 50 or ASA 60 is enough. To quote, we need to know the pitch, the number of strands and the length in links or meters. If you do not have the code, measure the distance between centers of consecutive pins.

A common mistake is stretching the chain more than allowed to compensate for wear. That generates additional loads on the bearings and the motor. Correct tension is achieved by moving the tensioner shaft or adding a compensating link. If the chain keeps coming off the sprocket, it may be due to worn teeth or misalignment between shafts.

Donghua chains have the code stamped on the outer links, for example ASA 60. That code indicates the pitch in eighths of an inch: ASA 60 is 3/4" pitch, ASA 80 is 1" pitch and ASA 50 is 5/8" pitch.

If the chain is very worn and the code cannot be read, you can measure the pitch: distance between centers of two consecutive pins, in inches. With that measurement and the inner width between plates, we identify the equivalent chain. It also helps to count the number of links and measure the roller diameter. Send us a photo with a ruler next to it for greater precision.

In mining, many chains work in hard-to-access places. If you cannot remove it, take photos of the links, the sprocket and the general assembly. With that and the equipment brand, we help you determine which Donghua chain corresponds. You do not need to know the exact code: we verify it.

One of the most frequent mistakes is ordering the chain only by the equipment name, without verifying the pitch. Two crushers of the same model may use different chains depending on the year or configuration. It is always advisable to confirm the stamped code or measure the old chain. If you are not sure, send us photos and measurements.

Another mistake is not checking alignment between shafts and sprockets. Misalignment causes uneven wear on plates and rollers and reduces service life. In mining, where structures move due to vibration, it is key to check alignment at every maintenance. Also verify that the sprockets are well fixed to the shaft.

Finally, not lubricating or using an inadequate lubricant is a cause of premature failures. Chains in dusty environments need lubricants that do not form abrasive paste. At MR we advise you on which product to use according to the application. If you have a broken or worn chain, write to us and we will quote the Donghua replacement.

To quote a Donghua chain for your mining equipment, write to us via WhatsApp or email with the chain code, for example ASA 80, or with the pitch and inner width measurements. If you have the used chain, send a photo showing the wear and another of the sprocket. With that we will send you the quote as soon as possible.

You can also indicate the brand and model of the equipment, and the function of the chain (feeder, conveyor, screen). That helps us verify whether the chain you are ordering is the correct one or whether a variant with special treatment is advisable. We work with Donghua chains of different pitches and configurations.

At MR Accesorios Industriales, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, we market and distribute Donghua chains for the mining industry. If you need spare parts for crushers, mills, screens or belts, contact us. We quote the chain you need and help you choose the correct size.