The biggest anchor chains typically used in maritime applications have the following key specifications and technical properties:
Size: Diameter ranges from 84mm to 180mm (Grade 3) or larger for ultra-large vessels.
Grade: Common grades include Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4, with Grade 3 being the most widely used for heavy-duty applications.
Viscosity: Not applicable (anchor chains are solid metal links).
Buoyancy: Negative buoyancy (sinks in water due to high-density steel construction).
Material: High-tensile carbon steel or alloy steel, often with galvanized or painted coatings for corrosion resistance.
Breaking Load: Ranges from 1,500 kN to over 10,000 kN depending on chain size and grade.
Proof Load: Typically 50-70% of the breaking load for testing purposes.
Link Length: Standard link length is 6 times the diameter of the chain.
Weight: Approximately 150 kg/m to 500 kg/m for large chains.
Corrosion Resistance: Enhanced through galvanization, epoxy coatings, or sacrificial anodes.
