Tension V.belt

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V-Belt Tensioning

Using the Spring Loaded Tensiometer

1. Measure the span length of


the drive. Set the large “O” ring at
1/64” for each inch of belt span.
For example, set the large “O” ring
1/4” for a span length of 16”, at
1/2” for a span length of 32”, at 1”
for a span length of 64” etc.
V-Belt Tensioning
Using the Spring Loaded Tensiometer

2. Set the small “O” ring at zero and press


down the Tensiometer at the center of
the belt span.
A. On a single belt drive, depress the
Tensiometer until the large “O” ring is
even with the bottom of a straight edge
placed on the outside rims of the two
sheaves.
B. On a multiple belt drive, depress the
Tensiometer until the large “O” ring is
even with the top of the next belt.
Measure each belt in the drive. and take
the average reading of all belt tensions.
3. Remove the Tensiometer, and observe that the small
“O” ring has moved from its original setting at zero to
the number of pounds required to deflect the belt to
the extent noted above.

4. Check this reading against the value of Pmin and Pmax


calculated in Step 4 of the “Formula Method” or from
the Table.
This method is based on the fact that the force required to deflect a given
span length by a given amount is related to the tension in the belt.

Step 1. Measure span length (t) in inches as shown


or calculate as follows:

Where:
t = span length, in inches
C = center distance, in inches
D = large sheave pitch diameter, in inches
d = small sheave pitch diameter, in inches
Step 2. Calculate the deflection distance by: t/64 = deflection. Note that the deflection
distance is always 1/64” per inch of span length (for example, a 32” span length would
require a deflection of 32/64 or 1/2 inch).

Step 3. Calculate the static strand tension (Ts) per belt by the following formula:

Design HP x K
Ts = + Tc
QxS

Where: K = value from the table depending on value of D - d


C
Q = number of belts/ribs on drive
S = belt speed, feet per minute / 1000
Tc = add-on tension allowance for centrifugal force, from Table.
For drives using only one belt, and at least one shaft is free to turn, use the
following for the deflection forces (P):

Ts + tLr (1.5xTs) + tLY


Pmin = Pmax =
16 16

Where: t = span length, inches (from step 1)


L = belt pitch length, inches
Y = constant from Table
STEP 5 Using a Tensiometer apply force to ONE belt of the drive,
perpendicular to the span at its mid-point. Measure the deflecting force
being applied when the belt has been deflected the distance calculated in
Step 2 (use an adjacent belt as reference point; on single belt drives, use
straight edge or taut string across sheaves). The measured force should be
between the values of Pmin and Pmax calculated in Step 4. If the
measured force is outside these values, adjust center distance to increase
or reduce tension, and repeat above procedure. On multiple belt drives an
average of readings on each belt is recommended.
NOTE: If new belts are being installed for the first time, it is
permissible to tension as much as 1.33 x Pmax to allow for initial
stretch and seating in the grooves.

STEP 6
During the first 24 hours of operation, it is advisable to repeat the
procedure in Step 5 at least once.
• Keep the drive free of foreign material which might cause
slippage or damage to the belt and sheave surfaces.

• If a V-Belt slips, it is too loose. Increase the tension by


increasing the center distance.

• Never apply belt dressing as this will damage the belt and
cause early failure.
• Excessive tension can be even more detrimental than too
little tension not only on the belts but also the bearings
and shafts.
• Indicators of excessive tensioning may be repeated belt
breakage, excessive vibration, overheated bearings,
whipping or bent shafts

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