Retrofit Chain Disc Feed System

The Retrofit Chain Disc Feed System is designed for the modernization of existing pig houses where reliable automatic dry-feed transport is required without completely rebuilding the original barn layout. A continuous chain fitted with engineered plastic carrier discs moves feed through an enclosed pipe circuit from the silo or receiving hopper to feeders, volume dispensers or designated discharge points.

Its modular pipe routing makes the system particularly suitable for renovation projects involving existing pen layouts, columns, walkways and steel structure building components. Straight pipe sections, corner units, drive assemblies and outlets can be arranged around existing livestock equipment according to actual site conditions.

The system can transport common dry pig feeds including meal, crumbles and pellets. It can operate as a straightforward automatic feed distribution line or be integrated with sensors, programmable controllers and farm management equipment for more advanced commercial pig production.

• Designed for Farm Retrofit: Modular routing helps adapt automatic feeding to existing pig houses with limited structural modification.
• Enclosed Feed Conveying: Feed travels inside a closed pipe circuit, helping keep the transport process organized and reducing unnecessary exposure to the barn environment.
• Chain and Disc Transport: Hardened chain and engineered carrier discs provide smooth mechanical movement of dry feed through straight sections and corners.
• Flexible Routing: Suitable combinations of straight pipes and corner units allow the system to follow existing barn geometry.
• Direct Silo Connection: Suitable layouts can receive feed directly from the silo discharge, reducing the need for additional intermediate conveying equipment.
• Multiple Feed Outlets: One circuit can supply multiple automatic feeders, storage hoppers or volumetric dispensers according to project design.
• Automation Ready: Feed sensors and control equipment can automatically stop the conveyor when the required filling condition is reached.
• Expandable Design: Existing manually operated or basic automatic systems can be upgraded with additional control functions when required.
• Low Routine Maintenance: Simple mechanical conveying architecture supports dependable operation and straightforward inspection.
• Commercial Pig Farm Application: Suitable for sow farms, nursery houses, growing-finishing barns and multi-building livestock projects.

• Drive Unit: Provides the mechanical force required to circulate the chain through the complete feed circuit.
• Conveyor Chain: Heavy-duty chain designed for continuous movement inside the feed pipe.
• Carrier Discs: Engineered plastic discs fixed along the chain move feed through the enclosed pipe.
• Conveying Pipes: Galvanized steel, corrosion-resistant coated steel or stainless steel options can be selected according to the installation environment.
• Corner Units: Guide the chain smoothly around changes in direction and allow flexible routing through existing buildings.
• Feed Hopper: Receives feed from a silo, auger or other compatible feed source and introduces it into the chain circuit.
• Feed Outlets: Deliver feed to automatic feeders, drop pipes, volumetric dispensers or intermediate hoppers.
• Telescopic Drop Pipes: Available where adjustable connection between the conveyor line and feeder is required.
• Feed Sensor: Detects filling status at the designated end point and provides a signal for automatic system control.
• Chain Tensioning Device: Helps maintain appropriate chain tension for stable operation.
• Control Panel: Provides start, stop, timing and sensor-based operation according to the selected automation level.

Dry feed enters the conveying circuit from a silo discharge or feed hopper. The motor-driven chain travels continuously through the enclosed pipe system, and the carrier discs push controlled portions of feed along the circuit.

As the chain passes each outlet, feed is discharged into the corresponding feeder, dispenser or drop pipe. The system continues operating until the programmed feeding sequence is complete or a feed-level sensor confirms that the final designated filling point has reached the required level.

The chain then continues through the return section to form a closed conveying loop. Corner assemblies guide the chain around changes in direction, making the principle suitable for retrofit installations where the feed line must follow an existing building layout.

• Existing pig house feeding-system modernization
• Sow and breeding farms
• Gestation and farrowing units
• Piglet nursery houses
• Growing and finishing pig barns
• Commercial multi-house pig production facilities
• Dry feed transport from silo to automatic feeders
• Volumetric dispenser feeding systems
• Livestock equipment renovation projects
• Pig farm expansion and automation projects
• Steel structure livestock buildings with existing pen layouts

• Conveyor pipe diameter and material
• Chain and carrier disc configuration
• Feed circuit length and routing
• Number and position of 90-degree corners
• Drive unit capacity
• Single-circuit or multiple-circuit arrangements
• Feed hopper and silo connection arrangement
• Outlet quantity and spacing
• Rigid or telescopic drop pipes
• Feed-level sensors and safety switches
• Timer-based or computerized controls
• Integration with existing livestock feeding equipment
• OEM configurations available upon request
• Designed according to local climate and farm conditions

• Reduced Reconstruction: Flexible pipe routing can make use of the existing barn structure and feeding layout.
• Existing Equipment Integration: Feed outlets can be adapted to compatible existing feeders, dispensers and drop tubes.
• Phased Automation: Farms can begin with basic automatic feed transport and add computerized control functions later.
• Space-Efficient Installation: Overhead pipe routing helps preserve floor and service-space availability inside the pig house.
• Expandable Layout: Additional feed points or circuits can be considered when barns are renovated or production capacity is expanded.
• Suitable for Complex Barn Geometry: Corner units allow the line to bypass columns, partitions and existing livestock equipment where technically practical.

Site Survey: Existing barns should be measured before installation to confirm silo position, feeder locations, ceiling clearance, structural obstacles and possible pipe routes.

Route Planning: The number of corners and total circuit length should be optimized to reduce unnecessary conveying resistance while providing access to all required feed points.

Pipe Support: Conveyor pipes must be securely supported from suitable building structures. Support positions should be selected according to the existing pig house or steel structure building design.

Chain Installation: The disc chain should be correctly joined, tensioned and checked for free movement through straight pipes and corner assemblies before feed is introduced.

Commissioning: Check motor rotation, chain movement, safety devices, feed outlets and level sensors before full-load operation.

Routine Maintenance: Periodically inspect chain tension, carrier discs, corner wheels, drive components, pipe joints, outlet mechanisms and sensors. Remove abnormal feed accumulation and replace worn components when required.

A typical retrofit project replaces labor-intensive feed distribution or outdated conveying equipment while retaining suitable existing feeders, pen partitions and building structures. The chain disc circuit is routed above pens or service passages and connected to the existing feed-storage area.

For large commercial pig farms, separate circuits can be planned for different barns, production stages or feed types. Control systems can coordinate feed transport according to feeding schedules and sensor feedback.

Final system design should be based on a site survey, feed characteristics, barn dimensions, silo locations, required conveying capacity and existing livestock equipment.

Q: Is this chain disc system suitable for upgrading an existing pig house?

A: Yes. Retrofit capability is one of the main applications of this system. Its modular pipe sections, corners and feed outlets can be arranged around many existing barn layouts after a site assessment.

Q: Does the complete old feeding system have to be removed?

A: Not necessarily. Compatible feeders, dispensers, silos and other components may be retained when their condition and connection design are suitable for the new conveying system.

Q: What types of feed can the system transport?

A: Chain disc systems are commonly used for dry meal, crumbles and pellets. Feed characteristics should be confirmed before selecting pipe size, conveying capacity and operating settings.

Q: Can feed be transported directly from the silo?

A: Yes. A correctly configured hopper or silo outlet can introduce feed directly into the chain conveyor, which can reduce the need for a separate intermediate auger in suitable projects.

Q: Can the system be automated later?

A: Yes. Suitable systems can be upgraded with feed sensors, timers, control panels and compatible computerized farm management functions.

Q: Can the feed line run around corners in an existing barn?

A: Yes. Dedicated corner assemblies guide the chain through directional changes. The permitted number of corners and total conveying distance depend on drive capacity and the overall system design.

Q: What information is required for a retrofit quotation?

A: Please provide barn drawings or dimensions, silo locations, existing feeder types, number of feed points, required feed types, approximate conveying routes, desired automation level and photos of the current feeding installation.