Plant Services - March 2008 - (Page 40)

Power transmission Reliability the name of safety, ascertain the laser class these systems use. The best units feature a Class II laser, which requires no special precautions beyond not staring into the beam. Photons, not string Apply the tools Always correct vertical (or twist) angle first by shimming the driver. Then, correct horizontal angularity by moving the driver using lateral jackscrews. Finally, correct offset by moving the driver with axial jackscrews, or by repositioning one of the pulleys on its shaft, being careful not to cock the pulley in so doing. Because performing one alignment correction almost invariably affects the other alignment conditions, the process might have to be repeated several times. This is where the fan-line laser really pays off, because it allows you to monitor all three alignment conditions simultaneously as you work. This makes the job far easier and faster, and it increases alignment accuracy. With the sheaves aligned properly, the last step is proper belt tensioning. Incorrect tension (as well as misalignment) adversely affect belt life and drive system efficiency. Use a spring scale to press down on the belt in the approximate center of its span (on the tight side). Note the force required Figure 6. A laser beam replaces the taut string and simplifies the alignment process. EmErgEncy OVERHEAD PROTECTION FROM ROOF • PIPE • MACHINERY LEAKS Eliminate Down Time! Protect Machinery and Stock! Perfect for offices, shops & warehouses 101 USES! Diverts water to window, drain or sink Price subject to change without notice to deflect the belt 1/6 4 inch per inch of span length. If you’re not sure of the belt span length, use the center-to-center distance between pulleys. You’ll be pretty close. Tension the belt(s) until the deflection force equals the belt manufacturer’s maximum recommended values for the specific belts you’re using. Also, make certain this force doesn’t exceed the machinery’s design loads. The individual force values for multiple belt applications should fall within 10% of each other. A matched set of belts and a precision alignment are essential to achieving this goal. It’s tricky moving the driver to slacken or tighten the belts without changing the alignment. Here again, a fan laser pulley alignment tool is invaluable, because you can monitor the three alignment variables for the sheave set while you adjust the tension. Rubber hits the road The final step is running the machine for about two hours to allow the belts to stretch and seat themselves properly in the grooves. Then, retension the belts to the recommended values for new belts. Now, run the machines at least 72 hours, but not more than 10 days, and retension again, this time to the manufacturer’s recommended force values for used belts. Alan Luedeking is manager of technical support at Ludeca, Inc., in Doral, Fla. Contact him at alan@ludeca.com and (305) 591-8935. Diverters • Your Choice INDIVIDuALLY PACKAgED 3’ x 6’ – $65.40 3’ x 8’ – $68.16 3’ x 10’ – $70.20 6’ x 6’ – $76.44 6’ x 8’ – $82.86 6’ x 10’ – $89.22 Industrial vinyl reinforced with polyester Heavy-duty garden hose attachment Solid brass grommets Suspension and hose not included. Other sizes available upon request. Water — so essential to life, yet it can be your worst enemy when you least expect it. At last a product has been developed to make those untimely leaks a little less frustrating. Our Water Diverter protects valuable areas and equipment from roof leaks until a permanent solution can be accomplished. It is our opinion that every building that has a fire extinguisher in case of a fire or a first aid kit in case of an injury, should have a least one Water Diverter in case of a disastrous roof leak. It is better to have one and not need it then to need it and not have it. Water pails in the middle of the floor are not considered Fire Protection. Keep the buckets out of sight — liability claims are there already. More resources at www.PlantServices.com Synchronous belts – “Synchronous belts versus V-belts” Belts and pulleys – “Power to the pulleys!” Basics – “Chain drive 101” Metal belts – “Metal belts provide a competitive edge” Design limits – “Destined to fail” For more, search www.PlantServices.com using the keywords alignment, laser and V-belt. 1115 Main St., Holyoke, Mass. 01040 (413) 533-5347 Fax: (413) 536-4797 WWW.sumlac-DEWay.com 40 www.PLANTSERVICES.com March 2008 http://www.PlantServices.com http://www.sulmac-deway.com/ http://www.PlantServices.com http://www.sulmac-deway.com/ http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Plant Services - March 2008

Plant Services - March 2008 Contents From The Editor Letters The PS Files Up and Running Crisis Corner What Works Asset Manager: Enterprise Thinking Technology Toolbox: Hydrogen In Action Cover Story: Get Real Electrical: Reliable Distribution Power Transmission: When the Belt Breaks Web Hunter: Tooting Horns In the Trenches Product Picks Classifieds Fast Facts Energy Expert: Energy versus Sustainability

Plant Services - March 2008

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