EZ Align Battery Life

Occasionally we get questions about battery life on our EZ Align tool.  Typically it is not a problem, but not all AAA's are created equal.  For best battery life, we recommend Lithium batteries.

Calculating Pressure Drop for a Hose Assembly

With some basic system information, reliable pressure drop approximations may be readily calculated. First, determine the applicable mechanical components and fluid for the analysis. Completing this process one hose assembly at a time is recommended. Next, enter those values into the Gates online pressure drop calculator (Fluid Flow Calculator). The link to the calculator is: http://www.gates.com/catalogs-and-resources/resources/repository/engineering-business-applications/fluid-flow-calculator/fluid-flow-calculator . Required Hose Assembly information to complete the calculations includes Inside Diameter, Length, Couplings, and Adapters. Required Fluid Information includes Density, Viscosity, and Heat Capacity. These may be estimated with fluid type and temperature. Examples of Specific Gravity and Viscosity for some common fluids are: Water- Specific Gravity 1.00, Viscosity 1.0; Gasoline- Specific Gravity 0.71, Viscosity 0.5; Ethyline Glycol- Specific Gravity 1.12, Viscosity 19.5

Check Your Drive Before You Wreck Your Drive

When a drive experiences problems it's easy to assume the belt is defective, or that the standard belt construction is underrated for the application. Before blaming the belt or requesting a made-to-order belt construction, please consider the pie chart below (click to enlarge). There are many factors that can lead to premature belt failure. This chart illustrates the most common sources of drive problems. Download the Belt Drive Preventive Maintenance and Safety Manual for more information. Also, check out our failure analysis blogs for V-belt and synchronous drives to troubleshoot drive problems.

Crimper Preventive Maintenance

As with other types of equipment, it is very important to properly maintain crimpers. A typical crimper is a hydraulic ram that uses fluid under pressure to extend the ram and crimp the fittings. Fluid flows from the pumps to the cylinder under pressure. This extends the piston, rod and pusher down on the die cone. The die cone is sloped to receive tapered die fingers. As the die cone is pushed by the hydraulic ram, the die fingers are forced (perpendicular) inward. The set of die fingers completely surrounds the ferrule to provide an even crimp. Though there are many types and configurations of crimpers, i.e., vertical (bottom or top loading), horizontal or angled, the basic principle of operation is the same. Pumps do not have to be electronically driven. They can be manual or air driven. Care should be taken to properly set up and maintain these crimpers. Lubrication Lubricants should be reapplied to metal-to-metal sliding surfaces whenever the surface becomes shiny. Use only a very thin coat of Molycote lube. Failure to do so reduces the life of the dies and cone. Excessive wear on these components produces poorly performing hose assemblies that could blow apart and result in injury. Calibration Check the crimper’s calibration at least monthly or whenever you notice a change in crimp diameter. This is critical for repeatedly producing accurate hose assemblies. Be aware that some machines calibrate automatically. Fluid Level Proper fluid level in the reservoir (tank) is important for maximum crimp stroke as well as keeping air from getting into the system. Make sure the fluid is within 1/2” from the top of the tank opening. Die Wear and Storage Check the dies’ sliding and crimping surfaces for wear or damage during use. Look for nicks, chips, racks, gouges and/or other signs of wear. Replace die if any of these exist. Proper storage and lube will extend their service. Store in stable racks or in original Cleaning Hydraulic fluid and lubricants can pickup dirt and debris. Clean off any buildup using a clean shop rag. Buildup can damage crimper components and produce inaccurate crimped assemblies.

Precision Length Matching For Industrial V-Belts

Gates manufactures all industrial V-belts within industry standard belt length and belt matching tolerances.  All industrial V-belts included in the V80 no-match system are marked with a distinctive "V80" symbol.

The manufactured lengths of industrial V-belts with a V80 marking are within industry matching tolerances with all Gates belts in the same size.  This eliminates the need for special belt matching practices for multiple belts used in sets.

Small belt tension variations visible in new belt sets is normal.  Tensioning new belts to recommended levels and running them in for 24 to 48 hours generally equalizes all belt lengths and belt tension levels.  After the initial run-in period they should be re-tensioned to the level recommended for "used" belts.

Occasionally there are special applications with unusually sensitive performance requirements, or users may be unusually sensitive to belt tension variations in new belt sets.  In these cases, “precision matched” belt sets may be requested.  Precision matched belt sets require hand measuring, sorting and handling to identify belt lengths within 0.15”, so are priced at a premium level and may require some lead time. 

Precision matched belt sets require a run-in period of 24 to 48 hours and re-tensioning, just like conventional V80 matched belt sets.  Other than some potential reduction in belt vibration during the short run-in period, precision matched belt sets are expected to perform nearly identically to conventional V80 matched belt sets.

For additional information about any of this, feel free to contact Product Application Engineering at ptpasupport@gates.com or at 303-744-5800.