Belt pulley systems are beautifully simple in how they work. That is, they're simple if you keep them in good condition. If they deteriorate, the pulleys can end up a mess. Environmental factors — the weather and storage conditions — have a huge effect on how well those pulleys work and how long the belt pulley system lasts. While the materials used in a belt pulley system are tough, they do have their weak points that can be aggravated by the wrong environmental conditions. You must control the environment in which the systems work lest you want to replace parts frequently.
Excessive Heat and Dry, Cracked Belts
If the environment is too hot, even indoors, the belts in the pulleys can dry out and crack, stopping the belt pulley system entirely. The heat causes the moisture in the belt to evaporate; while the belt isn't wet, like most materials, it has some measure of moisture as a component. When the moisture is gone, the belt material can crack and break. The pulleys are useless once that happens. You've got to keep the temperature at a reasonable setting.
Dusty Environments Can Cause the Belt Pulley to Slow or Jam
Stagnant air means little ventilation or breezes to keep dust moving away. Instead, any dust just tends to gather, and it can gather on the pulleys and belts. That extra bulk, if the dust is allowed to build up, can cause the pulley system to jam. Good ventilation is essential if the system is indoors, and a good cleaning schedule is essential if the system is outdoors.
Wet Environments Can Make Materials Swell and Jam
Forget about rain; humidity is the real villain for machinery because you can have excessively high humidity indoors on a sunny day, making you think all is well but still affecting the belt and pulley. Too much moisture in the air can make the belt material swell, which can cause a jam; the moisture can also cause the metal in the pulley to start to rust if the pulley is in less-than-stellar condition. There should be a dehumidification system (such as one that's part of the HVAC system) indoors; outdoors, you might not be able to do much except inspect the system more often.
If you're replacing a belt pulley system, re-evaluate the environmental conditions in which it's used. Ensure the area has moderate temperatures and moderate humidity, along with good ventilation. That will help the pulley system last longer.
For more information on belt pulleys, contact a professional near you.
