• AR802B Mini Infrared Thermometer offers 12:1 spot ratio and wide temperature range from -0°F ~ 662°F (-18°C ~ 350°C)

• The ToughCam IR imaging camera is compact, rugged, stores 1,000 images, records voice, offers a laser pointer, 3 auto hot spot trackers, video output and more for under $10K.

• AR824 Digital Sound Level Meter meets ANSI Type 2 and IEC 651 standards and offers A&C weighting, AC output, records Max readings for only $99.00

• Our new TC800 line of pocket laser tachometers accurately measure speed from 2.5 to 99,999 rpm starting at only $49.95!

• The TM8812 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is a low cost general purpose instrument that accurately measures wall thickness and extent of corrosion in all metals, ceramics, glass and most rigid plastics for under $500.00.

• AR823 Digital Light Meter measures up to 100,000 FC or Lux and provides back light display for easy reading in low light. 

Ask the Expert: Heat Resistance in Power Transmission Belts by Carl Woodland, Dayco Products Inc. This article is provided courtesy of PTDA

The service life of a power transmission belt is closely related to its operating temperature. Excessive heat, from any source, is the single biggest detriment to belt life. Heat is generated both internally and externally when a belt is in motion. Internal heat is generated by the constant flexing, or hystersis, of the components. External heat is created by relative slip and creep between belt and pulley.

High ambient temperatures increase both internal and external belt temperatures. A common rule-of-thumb is that for every 35°F(19°C) increase in ambient temperature above 85°F(29°C), belt life will be reduced by at least one-half. For example, a belt operating in an ambient temperature of 120°F(49°C) will run only half the life of the same belt at the same conditions of load and tension running in an ambient temperature of 85°F(29°C).

The most visible sign of temperature problems are shiny glazed belt sidewalls due to the material becoming hard and brittle. This will also lead to visible stress cracks, especially in the lower portions of the belt section. Belts which have reached this state should be replaced. If you have repeated failures of this type consider replacing the drive with a more temperature resistant design.

Most belt companies test their products and establish horsepower ratings for industrial belts at approximately 85°F(29°C) ambient temperature. Normal expected life at the rated horsepower, properly tensioned, will be approximately 25,000 hours when running in an atmosphere at 85°F(29°C). When the belt is run at the same horsepower load and tension but at higher ambient temperatures that belt life will be reduced in accordance with the general rule-of-thumb above.

There is no way to establish precise temperature ratings for a belt. Belts which run in ambient temperatures above 85°F(29°C) will experience reduced service life. When belts are subjected to ambient temperatures in excess of 160°F(71°C) the type of belt and proper maintenance are critical to achieving even minimal service life. In general, you will experience longer service life at elevated temperatures with belts that are more flexible. These belts will tend to generate less internal heat due to flexing and keep belt operating temperatures to a minimum. Examples of more flexible belts are cog v-belts, V-rib belts, and synchronous belts. Belts made of polyurethane should be avoided on high temperature drives; this material tends to soften at elevated temperatures.

Additional methods for improving service life on drives with high temperature problems include:

Use the largest possible pulleys consistent with space and rim speed limitations. This will help to reduce internal heat buildup due to flexing.

Follow proper installation and maintenance procedures. Adequate tension is critical to reducing external heat generated by slippage. Re-adjust tension periodically.

Allow for ventilation if necessary. Proper design and optimum product selections will save you hours of aggravation in the long run.

Check out Great tools for maintenance of Belts:

IR Thermometers, Belt Tension Meter, and Laser Belt Alignment tools.

What's Hot:  Our Best Selling, Seriously Cool tools!

• EC510 Waterproof ExStik pH/Conductivity Kit includes EC500 Meter, calibration standards, pH buffer pouches (1 each of 4, 7, 10pH plus rinse solution), weighted base, 3 sample cups with caps, and case — $19 Savings

• The Ex-GSM 01 non-incendive cell phone is designed to ensure safe communication in hazardous areas. The Ex-GSM 01 provides that safety for your work with its FM approval for non-incendive use in Class I, Division 2, Groups A-D.

• SKF's intrinsically safe System 24 Single Point automatic lubricators can considerably reduce the service life of the best of bearings. Units available in a wide variety of greases

• AN200 CFM/CMM Thermo-Anemometer and IR Thermometer offers a
  large display of Airflow or Air Velocity and temperature with built-in InfraRed Thermometer.

• ALL-TEST PRO™ 31 Motor, Coil and Winding Analyzer incorporates tests for faults to ground, internal faults such as turn-to-turn and coil-to-coil and phase balance. Electric interference from residual or stray currents from test-object or surrounding power sources is measured by an included EMI test.

Contest Winner:  George E. Kehler - DOW

Send your answer to dgallagher@reliabilitydirect.com: Subj: December Contest

10% OFF All On-Line Purchases in December. Log into our new superstore and use Discount Code: RDIVIP

Plant Engineering's   2006 Finalists for Product of the Year

AN200 Thermo-Anemometer & IR Thermometer

CT20
Continuity
Tester Pro

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