1. Operational Status Observation Method
During equipment operation, excessive tension can lead to the following phenomena:
Rapid Bearing Temperature Rise: After 10 minutes of operation, touch the drive roller bearing housing by hand or use an infrared thermometer. If the temperature exceeds 40°C above the ambient temperature, it indicates excessive tension, leading to increased frictional heat.
Belt Edge Tension Deformation: Obvious wrinkles, cracks, or stretching marks appear on both sides of the conveyor belt, especially at the joints.
Abnormal Noise and Vibration: A "humming" resonance sound or periodic shaking during operation may be caused by excessive tension leading to mechanical resonance or shaft deformation.
High Motor Load Current: If the motor current exceeds 5%~10% of the rated value during no-load operation, it indicates increased operating resistance, which is likely caused by excessive tension.
2. Physical Measurement Verification Method: After shutdown, the tension can be determined manually through the following tests:
Pressure Deflection Test: Apply a vertical force of 50-100N (approximately the moderate force of an adult male) to the midpoint of the belt between the two rollers and measure the sag.
If there is almost no deflection and pressing is difficult, the tension is too high.
Reference Standard: For short-distance conveyors (center distance ≤ 3m), the sag should be 10-15mm; for medium to long distances, it should be 15-20mm.
Deflection Percentage Method: The reasonable deflection should be 1%-2% of the center distance between the two rollers. For example, if the center distance is 2000mm, the deflection should be between 20-40mm; anything below this range is considered too tight.
3. Professional Tools for Judgment
Use a tension meter: Directly read the value using a pointer-type or frequency-type tension meter. If the measured value exceeds the manufacturer's recommended range (e.g., 8~15 N/mm for wide rubber belts), it is considered too tight.
Compare with technical parameters: Consult the equipment manual or belt specifications to check if the current tension exceeds the design limit.
⚠️ Special Reminder: Excessive tension will significantly shorten the life of the belt and bearings, increase energy consumption, and may even cause shaft bending or motor overload. Adjustments should be made promptly upon discovery.
