Belt Tracking and Training
- Before installing a belt
All pulleys, snubs, idlers, and structure must be square for proper belt alignments.
- 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.
- Adjust idlers
Pulleys and snubs have a very positive effect in training (unless the problem is obvious).
- 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.
- 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.
- Pulley too small. Check recommended minimum size for belt.
- Belt running wrong direction. Check for manufacturer’s arrow or make sure that leading edge of splice contacts pulley first.
- Reverse bend. Use thinner belt.
- Too much tension for belt. Use heavier construction.
Belt does not track properly.
- Pulleys and/or idler NOT squared.
- New belt not "run in" long enough.
- Uneven loading; load off-center.
- Structure not square.
- Lacing or splice not square.
- Bow in belt.
Cleat delamination
- Pulleys too small. Check minimum cleat type.
- Return idlers hitting cleats.
- Material conveyed affecting bond (oils, acids, etc.)
- Product Overload
- Poor tracking. Cleat edges repeatedly hitting conveyor frame.
V-Guide delamination
- Pulley too small. Notch V-guide for small pulleys.
- Severe misalignment.
- Wrong size cross-section for pulley groove.
Fastener pullout
- Wrong size fastener.
- Fastener not installed properly.
- Obstruction touching splice area.
- Poor tracking. Splice hitting conveyor frame.
Severe Edge Wear
- Pulleys, idlers, or structure not square.
- Worn pulley lagging.
- Offset loading conditions.
- Load off center.
- See section on Training Belt.
Excessive belt stretch
- Too much tension for belt used; use a stronger belt.
- Insufficient take-up.
- Over-tightening of take-up.
Excessive belt slip
- Tighten take-up or pulley.
- Lag or replace worn lagging.
- Pulleys too small; not enough wrap. Use lighter belt or larger pulley.
- Material spillage. Lag pulleys and/or install cleaning devices.
Elevator belt pull-out
- Bolts not tight; tighten monthly.
- Bucket hung-up on boot.
- Belt tension too low causing elongation of holes.
- Adverse conditions - heat, oils, acids, etc.
Cover and/or ply delamination
- Adverse conditions - heat, oils, acids, etc.
- Pulley too small for belt type.
- System misaligned causing poor tracking; edges hitting the conveyor frame.
- Improper belt splice techniques.
- Manufacturing error
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