Named for their v-shaped cross section, v-belts are perhaps the most commonly used type of driver belt in industrial machines. To get the most out of each belt and ensure that machines run as reliably as possible, keep the following items in mind.

Shelf Life

V-belts have a shelf life of approximately six years if stored correctly. Improper storage could diminish their shelf life, causing them to be inadequate for the intense conditions present in most industrial environments.

Environment

It’s best to store v-belts in a cool, dry environment. Humidity should not exceed 70% if maximum shelf life is desired. Keep them away from moisture.

When it comes to MRO storage, a good rule of thumb is if you're uncomfortable, then your parts are uncomfortable. If you feel like it’s too hot, cold, humid, etc., then you likely need to make some adjustments to maximize the shelf life of your belts.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for v-belt storage shouldn’t exceed 30°C (about 86°F). Exceeding the temperature by 20°C could halve its shelf life.

Light

Direct sunlight can reduce the life of v-belts, so it’s best to keep them away from windows. Interior lighting is typically fine as long as they’re not stored too close to lamps.

Ozone

Ozone can reduce the life of v-belts. Common sources of ozone in industrial environments are electric motors, refrigeration systems, and transformers, so it’s best to keep them well away from these devices.

Chemicals

Airborne chemicals shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near your v-belts because they could impact their structural integrity and diminish their shelf life.

Shelving

V-belts—and particularly variable speed belts that are less resistant to distortion—are best stored flat on shelves without any crimping. In addition, they should be kept off the floor away from foot traffic unless you’re using a suitable container to protect them.

Typically, avoid hanging belts on pegs since doing so will cause them to distort over time. However, if they must be hung, v-belts can be kept on a saddle at least as wide as the minimum diameter sheave recommended for the belt.

How to Read the Date Codes on Belts

Belts come with various markings, including a date code. Often, this code is four numbers. The first two are the week in which it was manufactured, and the last two are the year. For instance:

Example: 0415

A v-belt marked with 0415 was manufactured in the fourth week of 2015.

Example: 2518

A belt marked with the digits 2518 was manufactured in the 25th week of 2018.

Example: 4512

A serpentine belt marked with 4512 was made in the 45th week (towards the end) of 2012. It’s probably on its way out.

Keep in mind that different original equipment manufacturers may use different marking systems, and it’s especially important to make sure you don’t confuse the date code with the measurement code on the belt. The measurement code will usually have letters mixed in.

Signs Your Belts Are Deteriorating

If a belt has been on your shelf for an extended period of time, it may show some signs of cracking. However, you usually won’t see wear until it has been in use for a while. Signs of belt deterioration include:

  • Cracking in the rubber
  • Delamination (the exterior rubber starts peeling off)
  • Unraveling of internal fibers
  • Twisting
  • Missing cogs or teeth
  • Missed timings and slippage in the machine
  • Buildup of black residue on sheaves and pulleys from belt wear

One of the best ways to keep track of the age of your belts is to keep careful records through your CMMS. With MRO order and inventory tracking, you can more easily determine whether a belt on your shelf is too old to be put into use.

The Dangers of Forced Deterioration of Belts

Belt deterioration due to poor storage or mishandling—also called forced deterioration—can be problematic in many ways. Some of the dangers of forced belt deterioration include the following.

  • Lost production time
  • Inefficient operation of assets as more power goes into running the machine
  • Failure on startup
  • Drive cog slippage and missed timings

It’s rare for belts to completely break while on a machine. Typically, you’ll have wear and tear that decreases the efficiency of the system, driving up the cost of both operations and maintenance. That said, there’s always a safety risk when it comes to working on equipment. If a belt wears out too quickly, it creates more opportunities for injury to those who have to shut down the equipment and replace worn components.

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