Conveyor Belting Knowledge Center

Common Troubleshooting

Belt Tracking and Training

  1. Before installing a belt
    All pulleys, snubs, idlers, and structure must be square for proper belt alignments.
     
  2. Install belt
    Operate under tension for about two (2) hours before making adjustments (unless there is a severe problem).  This will allow temporary mal-distribution of tension in belt to even itself out.
     
  3. Adjust idlers
    Pulleys and snubs have a very positive effect in training (unless the problem is obvious).
     
  4. Train or track the belt
     by knocking ahead the end of the idler to which the belt rides.  This should be done over a reasonable length of the conveyor preceding the problem area.
     
  5. In order to obtain the expected life & performance of a conveyor belt
    many factors should be investigated before, during, and after installation, as well as during the operation of the system.

Problem - Cause & Solution

Vulcanized splice delamination or failure.

  1. Pulley too small.  Check recommended minimum size for belt.
  2. Belt running wrong direction.  Check for manufacturer’s arrow or make sure that leading edge of splice contacts pulley first.
  3. Reverse bend.  Use thinner belt.
  4. Too much tension for belt.  Use heavier construction.

Belt does not track properly.

  1. Pulleys and/or idler NOT squared.
  2. New belt not "run in" long enough.
  3. Uneven loading; load off-center.
  4. Structure not square.
  5. Lacing or splice not square. 
  6. Bow in belt.

 Cleat delamination

  1. Pulleys too small.  Check minimum cleat type.
  2. Return idlers hitting cleats.
  3. Material conveyed affecting bond (oils, acids, etc.)
  4. Product Overload
  5. Poor tracking.  Cleat edges repeatedly hitting conveyor frame.

 V-Guide delamination

  1. Pulley too small.  Notch V-guide for small pulleys.
  2. Severe misalignment.
  3. Wrong size cross-section for pulley groove.

 Fastener pullout

  1. Wrong size fastener. 
  2. Fastener not installed properly.
  3. Obstruction touching splice area.
  4. Poor tracking.  Splice hitting conveyor frame.

 Severe Edge Wear

  1. Pulleys, idlers, or structure not square.
  2. Worn pulley lagging.
  3. Offset loading conditions.
  4. Load off center.
  5. See section on Training Belt.

 Excessive belt stretch

  1. Too much tension for belt used; use a stronger belt.
  2. Insufficient take-up.
  3. Over-tightening of take-up.

 Excessive belt slip

  1. Tighten take-up or pulley.
  2. Lag or replace worn lagging.
  3. Pulleys too small; not enough wrap.  Use lighter belt or larger pulley.
  4. Material spillage.  Lag pulleys and/or install cleaning devices.

 Elevator belt pull-out

  1. Bolts not tight; tighten monthly.
  2. Bucket hung-up on boot.
  3. Belt tension too low causing elongation of holes.
  4. Adverse conditions - heat, oils, acids, etc.

 Cover and/or ply delamination

  1. Adverse conditions - heat, oils, acids, etc.
  2. Pulley too small for belt type.
  3. System misaligned causing poor tracking; edges hitting the conveyor frame.
  4. Improper belt splice techniques.
  5. Manufacturing error
Global Belting Technologies

Phone: 770.638.4636

sales@globalbelting.com

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