Which Sprockets Have Flanges?

If you've read the blog post on flanged sprockets then you're aware that not all sprockets have flanges. Most applications only need flanges on one sprocket. For this reason larger sprockets don't have flanges. The table below shows the number of grooves in the largest standard sprocket with flanges. Any standard sprocket with more teeth will not have flanges.

Sprocket details may change without notification.

Easy Fixes For Obtaining Readings From Gates 508C Sonic Tension Meter

The new Gates 508C Sonic Tension Meter is an excellent tool, and is very easy to use.  Occasional user difficulties often result from some common issues.  Solutions to a couple of common issues follow.

If readings can’t be obtained, first check to see that the meter is set in the standard frequency mode.  Look for an “S” in the upper left hand corner of the screen.  If an "H" is displayed instead, the meter is set in the high frequency mode (500 hz to 5000 hz) and normal belt span frequencies cannot be detected.  

Change the frequency mode by holding the “Range” key down (zero button) until the screen changes. Then toggle to select the “Standard” range with the “up” (8 button) and “down” (2 button) keys.  Press “Measure” afterward to return to the main screen and look for the “S” in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

When using the meter to measure belt tension in terms of lb., kg. or N, “Mass”, “Width” and “Span” constants need to be entered.  These constants are available in the tensioning section of drive design reports from our Design Flexibility software.  Correct constants are necessary to obtain correct belt tension readings.

Many users prefer the simplicity of span frequency, but don’t know whether the “Mass”, “Width” and “Span” constants need to be entered.  The constants do not effect belt span frequency measurements, but incorrect constants can result in a meter display overflow, or “Error Re-Measure” message. 

If the meter is to be used to measure belt span frequencies only, here’s a really handy trick.  Enter values of 1.0 for all three constants.  Now the meter will display zero tension, but press the “Hz” button for the frequency display mode.  Now the meter will display accurate belt span frequency values, not display belt tension, and not display an error message from incorrect constants.

Contact Product Application Engineering at 303-744-5800 or at ptpasupport@gates.com for further assistance with Gates Sonic Tension Meters. 

Selecting Batteries for the Sonic Tension Meter 508C

For optimum meter performance, use two disposable AAA alkaline batteries.

Gates’ 508C Sonic Tension Meter is designed to use two AAA alkaline batteries, rated for 1.5 volts each (3.0 volts combined).  When used with new alkaline batteries, the estimated continuous use time is 10 hours.  Using other battery types, such as lithium ion (Li-Ion) or nickel cadmium (NiCd), may reduce the meter run time. 

Rechargeable batteries are not recommended, as they reduce the run time in several ways.  They are generally rated for 1.2 volts, so they appear partially discharged to the meter even when fully charged. Also, the voltage will fall below the minimum requirements for the 508C before the batteries are fully discharged. In addition to the lower voltage rating, continuous charge and re-charge cycles can decrease the run time further.

Note:  The information in this blog post also applies to the older 507C model.

Sprocket and Sheave Balancing

Stock sprockets and sheaves are statically balanced per MPTA ( Mechanical Power Transmission Association) Standard Practice for Pulley Balancing SPB-86 using the weight based on the following two criteria:

1.  Balance limit (ounces) = Sprocket Weight (lb) x 0.016; or
2.  0.176 ounce (5 grams), whichever is greater

It is important to note that stock sprockets and sheaves should not be used on drives where the rim surface speeds exceed 6500 fpm.  Sprocket and sheave construction and materials will determine the dynamic balancing requirements of the sprocket(s) or sheave(s) where rim surface speeds exceed 6500 fpm.  

If rim speed exceeds 6500 fpm, then the sprocket(s) or sheave(s) will need to be quoted through our Made-to-Order Metals group. They can be contacted directly at makemymetal@gates.com or 800-709-6001 however any quotes will need to be made through your local Gates industrial belt distributor.  

For any additional questions feel free to look through our other blog topics or contact us at ptpasupport@gates.com or 303-744-5800.

Drive Conversion Worksheet

Are your drives dragging you down?

Use the Gates Drive Conversion Worksheet. Let us Engineers do the work for you.
If out-of-date drive systems are dragging you down, consider converting to a belt drive system that maximizes your application and output.

Complete our Drive Conversion Worksheet and a Gates product Engineer will provide you with a custom belt drive system recommendation. It’s a no-brainer for saving money, reducing downtime, and improving efficiency.  

LAUNCH THE WORKSHEET

Hydraulic Fluid Properties

Lubricity – the fluid must keep friction low and maintain an adequate film between moving parts to prevent wear of pumps, bearings, vanes, gears, pistons and rods. Increasing pressures and, consequently, closer tolerances, make lubricity even more important.

Viscosity – fluid “thickness” or resistance to flow. Pump manufacturers specify this according to clearances, speeds, temperatures and suction characteristics. The fluid must be thin enough to flow freely, yet heavy enough to prevent wear and leakage. Viscosity might not be so critical in selecting a hydraulic fluid except that it varies with temperature. Fluid thickens when it cools, thins as it heats up. Because some hydraulic systems must work under wide temperature extremes, viscosity range is important.

Viscosity Index – This measures the rate of viscosity change with temperature: the higher the index, the more stable the viscosity as temperature varies.

Hose Tube Failure