Technical Manual for Ribbed Belt Drives

Design HintsProblems - Causes - RemediesProblemsCausesRemediesRibbed Belt breaking after ashort period of runningForcing ribbed belt over pulley whenfitting, damaging tension cordIngress of foreign body during runningOverloaded drive, check number of ribsDrive stalledReduce drive centre distance to fit ribbedbeltFit an effective guardCheck drive details and fit correct numberof ribsAscertain cause and put rightCuts and splits in the ribsOutside idler pulley in use whose positionand size is not as recommendedPulley diameter too smallAmbient temperature too highAmbient temperature too lowAbnormal belt slipContamination by chemicalFollow Optibelt recommendations e.g.increase pulley size; replace with insideidler pulley on the slack side of the driveRedesign using recommended minimumpulley diametersEnsure good ventilation and protect thebelt from direct heat.Warm area around belt before start upCheck drive design to ensure correctnumber of ribs, redesign if necessary.Check drive tensionProtect drive from contaminationSevere belt vibrationOverloaded driveDrive centre distance significantlylonger than recommendedHigh shock loadingBelt tension too lowUnbalanced pulleysCheck drive design and modify if necessaryShorten centres. Use an inside idler in thedrive slack side.Use an inside idler on the slack sideCorrectBalance pulleys48