How often should belt tension be checked?
How often should belt tension be checked?
(OP)
Hello,
Just curious as to the intervals of checks on belts are for different plants. We run HVAC units on belt systems 24/7 on motors on average of 75kw and we have an interval of 6 months. I'm beginning to suspect this is not ample as we are experiencing belt failures.
Kind regards,
Thomas
Just curious as to the intervals of checks on belts are for different plants. We run HVAC units on belt systems 24/7 on motors on average of 75kw and we have an interval of 6 months. I'm beginning to suspect this is not ample as we are experiencing belt failures.
Kind regards,
Thomas





RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
That's my opinion, anyway.
Mike
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
If I had to give you a time period I would consider the implications a failure of your equipment would have and with this in mind say as often as production and financial constraints allow.
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
Are the belts the right section for the sheaves? Too narrow belts ride the groove bottom and can't transmit much power at all.
tAre the belt guards ventilated, and visible?
An infrared temperature check of belt and sheaves would help reveal slipping which is the main problem with "looseness."
If either sheave diameter is too small then cut belts can help a lot. Actually I like them on most equipment except garden equipment that uses an idler as a clutch, when only the wrapped green stripe belts will do.
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
It is rather an easy one.
If the occupants of air conditioned area complain of inadequate cooling, the belt is loose.
If the thermal overload element of the motor protection is operating and tripping the motor often, that means the belt is tight.
I think the above comes under condition based maintenance and more preferable than periodic maintenance (I believe so).
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
Mike
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
LOL
Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.- http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
Gates has a decent write-up on belt maintenance available at
http://www.gates.com/index.cfm?location_id=5011
(registration required).
Carlisle has a web page showing what these critters look like.
ht
They also has several excellent maintenance and troubleshooting guides (registration required).
http:
RE: How often should belt tension be checked?
Thanks for the help. I've been off sick so didn't get back to you all. I've decided to get an allignment expert in to start from scratch. All currents and frequencies will be monitored.
And just for 'itsmoked' I've bought a lovely pair of red braces for my pants!!
Thanks again for all the responses.
Thomas.