Serapid has provided a customer with a stainless steel push/pull Rigid Chain system with the feature of providing both horizontal and vertical motion using a single motor. The customer required a mechanical linear actuator for a guided carriage transporting 6000lbs of nuclear waste. The load moves horizontally through 200in of travel, with multiple stop points. At each stop point, the carriage locks in place while the 6000lb load is lifted using a Serapid Rigid Chain actuator. Corrosion protection, safety and accessibility are maximized by locating as much machinery outside the chamber as possible. Serapid developed a solution with a pressure-sealed, stainless steel push/pull Rigid Chain System positioned outside the chamber. The Rigid Chain acts through a single opening in one wall of the chamber to push or pull the carriage to a precise position. Serapid supplied a redirection housing, which was integrated into the carriage to redirect the chain from horizontal to vertical motion. At designated points the same chain providing the horizontal motion will then lift and lower the 6000lb load. The entire Rigid Chain push/pull system retracts into a small package and is powered by a single electric motor.
