Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Polyflex Belts Unique Characteristics

Gates Polyflex belts have some unique characteristics. Therefore, special considerations may be needed in designing drive systems and in assessing operating environments:

Liquids act as lubricants – Because of the broad 60° groove angle, belt wedging forces are reduced making the coefficient of friction between belts and sheave grooves critical in transmitting load. Liquid contaminants such as water, chemicals or oils can decrease the coefficient of friction, allowing belt slip. Belt slip can result in belts turning over in the sheave grooves. Heat from belt slippage may also cause belt softening or melting, resulting in catastrophic failure. Adequate shielding should be used when liquid contaminants (either airborne or splashed) are present near Polyflex drive systems.

Damage from debris – The 60° belt sidewall angle and thin cross section both make these belts susceptible to debris. Debris can cause belt instability resulting in belt turn-over, which will result in catastrophic failure. Adequate shielding should be used when debris is present near Polyflex drive systems.

Backside idlers – Polyflex belts running on flat backside idlers can create objectionable noise due to the molded ribs on the back of the belts. Perceived sound level is inversely proportional to the sheave diameter, so using larger idlers can reduce generated noise.

Static conductivity - Polyflex V-belts do not meet the RMA requirements for belt conductivity. Polyflex V-belts should not be used in potentially explosive or flammable environments without the use of adequate static dissipating devices such as grounding brushes.

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