Page 32 - Goodyear2011PTMaintenanceManual

Synchronous Belts
INSTALLATION GUIDE
32
TENSION
Install and tension synchronous belts properly to ensure optimum
performance.
Proper tension is essential for maximum belt life and effciency.
Improper belt tension is the primary cause of premature belt failure
and increased costs. Under-tensioned belts lead to ratcheting and
excessive tooth loading, both of which lead to higher maintenance
costs and ineffcient transmission of power. Also, over-tensioning
belts leads to premature wear, along with bearing, shaft, and
sprocket problems. The result is more frequent replacement of
drive components and costly downtime.
Tensioning Methods
Choose one of two tensioning methods:
TensionRite® Belt Frequency Meter
Using advanced optical technology, our TensionRite® Belt
Frequency Meter provides a simple, repeatable and reliable
method for tensioning belts. It displays the natural vibration
frequency of the belt strand so you can closely monitor belt
tension. The device works with all industrial transmission belts
including V-belts, synchronous belts, banded belts and Poly-V®
belts and calculates the corresponding belt tension in either English
or SI units.
Defection Principle
Plunger-type gauges utilize the defection principle to check the
tension of a belt drive.
First, determine the proper defection force to tension the belt.
Defection forces are listed in Table 17. Defection forces
are also given on the output of the MaximizerPro™ computer
drive analysis.
TABLE 17 - DEFLECTION FORCES FOR
BELT TENSIONING (LBS)
13
where: P = span length, inches
C= Center distance, inches
D = Large pulley pitch diameter, inches
d = Small pulley pitch diameter, inches
The gauge defects the center of the belt span and the force of this
defection is compared to a target defection force for the particular
span. Then, one can adjust the belt tension until the actual defection
force equals the target.