Proper Belt Drive Maintenance

Second of Three Parts

Belt drives are a cost-effective, reliable means of transmitting power between shafts. That is why they are found all over the oil patch—mud pump drives, shale shaker screens, pump jacks, compressors, injection pumps, accumulator units.

Just because V-belt or synchronous belt drives are prevalent does not mean everyone knows how to care for them. The “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality often prevails, which can be costly. A misaligned or improperly tensioned drive invites downtime.

Begin thinking PM—preventive maintenance. The benefits will be:

• Longer service life
• Trouble-free operation
• Improved uptime and productivity
• Energy conservation
• More efficient power transmission
• Longer component life

Basic PM programs include:

• A safe working environment
• Regular drive inspections
• Proper drive installation
• Proper belt storage and handling

Safety First

When working around and with belts and drives, begin with a safe working environment. Wear proper clothing (not too bulky or loose-fitting), eye and hearing protection, safety shoes and gloves. Keep the area clean and uncluttered for easy access. Be careful to keep hands and fingers out of pinch points as the belt enters the sheave, and keep drives properly guarded from weather, debris and damage. Follow these guidelines:

• Use OSHA approved guards
• Keep the drive completely enclosed
• Use accessible inspection doors or panels
• Maintain good ventilation
• Allow for easy removal and replacement

Regular Inspections

As part of the normal routine, look, listen, feel and smell. Look for a loose, damaged or dirty guard. Listen for unusual noise and use your nose to detect any unusual smells, like burned rubber. Feel the drive to make sure the motor and drive mountings are tight.

Occasionally (every three to six months) schedule a complete shutdown and thorough inspection. The frequency depends on several factors:

• Critical nature of the equipment
• Drive operating cycle
• Accessibility of the equipment
• Drive operating speeds
• Environmental factors
• Temperature extremes
• Drive history

Here is a checklist for conducting a thorough PM inspection: