This paper describes the development of a non-destructive inspection method for cracks in a trolley conveyor chain, using a high-frequency electric current heater and an infrared radiation camera. This method is based on the idea that cracks affect heat conduction in the chain. When the chain is heated properly with the heater, variations in the heat conduction can be detected by monitoring the surface temperature of the chain with the infrared camera. The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by a numerical analysis of the heat conduction in the chain. It is confirmed that the method is applicable to the chain which consists of portions with high and low emissivity, and that it is not affected by oil mixed with wear debris on the chain surface or by the operation speed of the conveyor.
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Yamashina, H., Okumura, S. & Kimura, K. Detection of small cracks in the chain of a trolley conveyor with an infrared camera. J Intell Manuf 4, 259–267 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00124139
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00124139