A log conveyor moves individual logs between processing areas. Enter their center-to-center spacing, conveyor speed and average mass to compare ideal log count and mass flow.
Log Conveyor Discrete-Item Rate Calculator
Enter log centre spacing, conveyor speed and average log mass. The result is ideal one-log-per-pitch arithmetic only, not equipment capacity or a chain, drive, structure or safety rating.
Equation Used
- Exactly one log occupies every entered centre-to-centre pitch.
- The conveyor moves continuously at the entered linear speed without slip or stoppage.
- The entered mass is the average mass of the conveyed logs; equipment loads and dynamics are excluded.
With one log at each pitch, spacing and speed determine the interval between logs. Multiplying the resulting log rate by average log mass gives mass flow; equipment capacity and drive loads require separate analysis.
Discrete logs on a chain conveyor
OSHA's sawmill guidance shows chain conveyors moving logs and lumber between process areas. A driven sprocket moves one or more chains while supports or lugs carry discrete logs. The empty chain returns around the opposite sprocket.
The animation is a side-view schematic with logs drawn transverse to travel. It does not reproduce any manufacturer geometry or guard arrangement.
Use as a scheduling arithmetic check
The calculator can translate an independently established log pitch and chain speed into an ideal count rate, then multiply by an entered average log mass. It cannot select the conveyor, drive, chain, sprocket, support, controls or guarding.
Discrete-item continuity
Here p is centre-to-centre pitch between logs, v is conveyor linear speed and m is average mass per log. The identities assume exactly one log per pitch and continuous synchronized motion.
Arithmetic example
At p=1.5 m and v=0.30 m/s, the ideal interval is 5 seconds per log or 12 logs/min. With average mass 500 kg/log, arithmetic mass flow is 100 kg/s or 360 t/h. These numbers do not establish equipment capacity.
Model boundary and safety
Real flow is affected by gaps, doubles, log diameter and length variation, acceleration, slip, accumulation, singulation and downtime. Forces and power require the exact layout, lift, friction, acceleration and rotating components. OSHA identifies conveyor nip points, chains, sprockets, shafts and spiked rolls as hazards; guarding, lockout and procedures are outside this arithmetic screen.
Log-conveyor questions
Why does the calculation use log spacing?
The calculation counts individual logs. For one log at each center-to-center pitch, dividing conveyor speed by that pitch gives the ideal number of logs passing per second.
Does average mass size the chain or motor?
No. Dynamic loads, friction, lift, starting, shock and equipment ratings are not modeled.
Does the animation show compliant guarding?
No. It is a topology sketch only.
Primary references
- OSHA Sawmills eTool, Conveyors: log/lumber transport uses and chain, sprocket, shaft and nip-point hazards.
- OSHA Sawmills eTool, Conveyance to Sawmill: chain conveyor moving logs into a mill.
- US Patent 3,858,713, Log feed conveyor for bandmill: chainway, articulated links, supports and lugs for controlled log feed.
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