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Belt Alignment

Laser Belt Alignment Pulls Efficiency in the Right Direction

Conventional wisdom has long had it that v-belt drives, which transmit power with 90-98% efficiency, are very forgiving of loose tolerances. But when belts, pulleys and bearings wear out prematurely, it becomes clear just how wrong this notion is; and how important correct alignment and belt tension are to efficiency and mean time between repairs. Poor belt alignment translates into belt misalignment; and misalignment is the main cause of excessive vibration in flexible drives and bearings.

Belt pulley alignment problems can be easy to spot

High motor-drive end-bearing operating temperature
Abnormally high noise levels, often with thumping or squealing
High vibration (high 1x axial vibration; high 1x and 2x radial)
High motor-current readings
Noticeably increased belt/sheave wear before anticipated replacement date
Un-even belt tension on a multi-belt sheave

Replacing belts should always come first

Replacing belts should always include aligning the drive. If the belt or sheave failed, finding out why can prevent a reoccurrence. Incorrect belt tension and sheave misalignment may be likely causes, but so can using the wrong belts, installing belts improperly by forcing them on, an overload condition, or an environmental factor such as hours of harsh, direct sunlight every day. Inspect the belts, sheave, grooves - everything - for damage, including if the shaft is bent. After performing sheave rim (radial) and face (axial) runouts to tolerance, replace all belts with new ones that have been properly stored, come from the same manufacturer, and preferably are packaged in a matched set. Be sure to tighten all bolts and setscrews to their correct torques.

The Belt Hog from VibrAlign

The Belt Hog offers a better solution for belt pulley alignment. With this laser belt alignment tool you can achieve precision alignment. Unlike other belt alignment systems based on a single laser, the Belt Hog uses two transmitters to produce two laser beams. Also unlike other models, it mounts directly in pulley grooves to check and correct angular, parallel and twist deviations. It checks all three simultaneously, giving live feedback as pulleys are repositioned. Proper tensioning of the belts, with the Belt Hog in place to monitor alignment, completes the maintenance. Running the machine for a few hours seats the belts. Learn more about the Belt Hog from VibrAlign.

For belt-drive fans and mixers to pulpers and more, proper sheave alignment has genuine benefits. Fans, mixers and pulpers are driven by coupled shafts or belts. They all need to be aligned for cost effective and trouble-free operations.

Benefits of proper belt pulley alignment:

Increases lifetime of belts, bearings, seals and couplings
Reduces vibrations and noise
Minimizes scheduled downtime
Lessens risk of unplanned stops
Extends operating time between services
Saves on energy costs

For further information on belt alignment systems from VibrAlign

VibrAlign engineers and technicians can assist your company with your belt alignment needs as well as any and all shaft alignment needs. Check out our full line of products along with our belt alignment tool, Belt Hog. For further information, product brochures, or to arrange onsite alignment of plant machinery, please contact VibrAlign at 800-394-3279 or by email.

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