Correct installation procedures must be observed to assure that the quality built into the belt by Audubon will result in low maintenance and long belt life.
A metal mesh belt may be pulled into the conveyor by means of rope which has been previously threaded though the conveyor. This rope should not be attached directly ot the belt, but rather should be connected to a pull bar which is in turn wired or brazed to the conveyor belt. If the pulling rope is connected directly to the belt, it is suggested that the last two feet of fabric be discarded to prevent any distorted spirals into the conveyor belt. The new belt may be pulled into the conveyor by attaching it to the old belt. Where both belts are of the same mesh, they may be connected by means of a straight rod.
Where meshes are different, they should be wired together across their full width. Installing a conveyor belt into an oven or furnace when it is at operating temperature should be avoided when possible, time and care should be taken to assure that all spirals lie flat in the plane of the belt. Any spirals which are not lying flat will generally show up as 'bumps.' These spirals must be turned to lie flat. If tension has been applied before the turned spirals have been discovered, the spirals must be removed to assure proper tracking of the belt.
After making the belt endless, the joint should be finished by welding. Care must be taken during welding, as excessive heat will burn the wire. An acetylene tourch with a tip size ranging from 000 to 0 should be used, depending upon the size of the wire. In general, it is suggested that the finest posible tip be used with a reduced flame.
After the belt is installed, it should be run without load and under the lightest possible counter-tension required to drive it. This will not only seat the spirals on the crimp rods, but also will serve as a second check to make certain that all spirals lie flat in the plaine of the belt. After several complete revolutions at that tension level, the counter-tension may be increased to the full operating value in a series of steps. Close attention must be paid to the belt during this period, as frequent tracking adjustments may be necessary.
Where the belt is to operate at elevated temperatures, it should be tracking satisfactorily before the temperature is applied. In order to properly break in the new belt, the temperature must be applied gradually. One rule of thumb is "that the temperature should be increased at the rate of approximately 100 degrees per hour." During this period, the belt must be watched as continuous tracking adjustments may be required. |