Blast from the Past

This old technical note surfaced recently from a Product Application department discussion.  While dated, it does point out that a good technique for evaluating vibration is to determine if there is vibration present beyond the belt drive system.

Learn the Terminology - Fluid Power

Compressibility:  The change in volume of a unit volume of a fluid when subjected to a unit change of pressure.

Contaminant:  Any material or substance that is unwanted or adversely affects the fluid power system or components or both.

Corrosion: The chemical change in the mechanical elements caused by the interaction of fluid or contaminants or both. More specifically related to chemical changes in  metals. The products of change may be introduced into the system as generated particulate contamination.

Fluid Power: Learn the Terminology - Cavitation

Cavitation: A localized gaseous condition within a liquid stream causing the rapid implosion of a gaseous bubble.

Belt Storage Recommendations

In order to retain their serviceability and dimensions, proper storage procedures must be followed for power transmission belts.  Quite often, premature belt failures can be traced to improper belt storage procedures that damaged the belt before it was installed on the drive.  By following a few guidelines, these types of belt failures can be avoided.

Belts should be stored in a cool and dry environment with no direct sunlight.  Ideally, belts should be stored in an environment that is less than 85 degrees F and with lower than 70% relative humidity.

Do not store where the belts are exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.

Do not store near heaters, radiators, or heating devices.

Do not store near ozone generating devices such as transformers or electric motors.

Do not store belts where they can be exposed to solvents or chemicals.

Do not store in locations where the belts are exposed to traffic that may cause damage.

Do not crimp belts during handling or while being stored. 

Do not bend to diameters smaller than the minimum recommended diameter for the belt cross section.

Do not use ties or tape to pull belt spans tightly together near the end of the belt.

Do not hang on a small diameter pin or nail that suspends all of the belt weight and bends the belt to a diameter smaller than the minimum recommended diameter.

Contacting Product Application

If you have questions on any technical subject regarding industrial belts, industrial hose or hydraulic hose, Gates Product Application Engineering is available to help!

Product Application engineers can provide technical recommendations on material compatibility, connectors, drive design, troubleshooting, and belt drive analysis.

You can contact us by either phone or email:

Industrial Belts:

Phone:  303-744-5800
Email:  PTPASupport@gates.com



Industrial Hose, Hydraulic Hose:

Phone:  303-744-5070
Email:  FPPASupport@gates.com

Poly Chain in the Winner's Circle!

Gates Poly Chain belts are used to power the superchargers in the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories in the NHRA.  The blower belt is subjected to loads of over 1000 HP, and explosive and damaging torque reversals in every run.   Gates belts have been used for decades, and lead the way with new technology for the application.

Gates sponsors John Force Racing, the legendary team led by John Force.   The most recent race, the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd, MN saw strong performances by all of the team's cars, but in particular a win in the Top Fuel category by Brittany Force driving the Monster Energy Top Fuel Car.  Brittany made it through a tough field to beat 2 time Top Fuel champion Antron Brown in the final round.

The win is Brittany's third of the 2016 season, placing her 4th place for the season in points.

Gates is proud to sponsor John Force Racing in their chase for the title!

FDA Belting

Have you ever found yourself in need of a synchronous belt to be used in a area that needs a special, FDA construction?  Look not further.  Gates offers a construction option that will meet your FDA needs.  This FDA construction option is intended for use in applications where a food-grade belt construction is required.  These belts are a yellowish-tan, non-marking Duro 52 with a special non-coated jacket and are ideal for food conveyors, washdown applications and anti-bacterial conveyors. 

Please note: Gates synchronous belts have been used extensively throughout the food and beverage industry in applications where the belts do not directly contact food.

While the FDA does not either approve or disapprove of the use of belts in food-related application, they have identified certain materials or ingredients that have been approved.  Gates special yellow rubber compound specifically meets those FDA requirements regarding materials and ingredients. 

The USDA will evaluate and approve belts on an individual basis if submitted to them.  Gates has not requested any USDA approvals.  If the USDA belt approval is required, then the belt user should submit specific belt samples directly to the USDA.

For additional information on this or any other topic please contact Gates Product Application Engineering by phone at 303-744-5800 or by email at ptpasupport@gates.com.