Keystone Manufacturing, Inc. | Technical Information: Belt Drive Tension

Belt Drive Tension Calculator for Straight Running Belts Only.
These calculations CANNOT be used for key-Turn Belts.

Drive tension is used to determine the maximum load a belt can handle without premature fatigue or failure. The following equation can be used for rough calculations. Please consult Keystone for application assistance when approaching the maximum tension for complex systems.

1. Determine the drive tension (Td) as shown below.

Td = (F x B x L)(2Wb + Wl)

Where:

Td = Drive Tension F = Friction Factor (see table below)

Wb = Weight of Belt (lbs per sq. ft.) B = Belt Width (ft)

Wl = Weight of Load on Belt (lbs per sq. ft.) L = Conveyor Length (ft.) (1/2 the belt length)

2. Calculate the drive tension per width of belt by taking the Td figure found in step 1 and dividing by the belt width.

3. If using a belt at an elevated temperature, multiply the maximum allowable tension per foot of width (given in the conveyor specification tables) by a factor from the table below to get the working tension at an elevated temperature.

4. Compare this with the maximum allowable tension per width of each belt designation. Refer to the specification tables in the Conveyor Belt section.

Note: The figures for the maximum allowable tension are given for drum driven applications. In order for the belt to withstand these tensions with a sprocket driven system, it is necessary to place a sprocket in every drive opening. Consult Keystone for the maximum number of sprockets that can be used for a given belt width.

ELEVATED TEMPERATURE (F) vs. STRENGTH FACTORS

500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200

Galvanized Low Carbon 1.0 n/a

C-1045 High Carbon 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.6 0.3 n/a

T-304 Stainless Steel 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 n/a

T-316L Stainless Steel 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.95 0.85 0.8 0.7 0.6

FRICTION FACTORS BETWEEN
BELT AND BELT SUPPORT SYSTEMS

BELT SUPPORT FRICTION FACTOR

Ball Bearing Rollers .10

Sleeve Bearings Rollers .15

Plastic Faced Slider Bed .20

Steel Slider Bed (Lubricated) .30

Steel Slider Bed (Unlubricated) .35

P.O. Box 270 - 668 Cleveland Street - Rochester, Pennsylvania 15074-0270
800-446-7205 - (724) 775-2227 - Fax: (724) 775-2739 - sales@keystonemfg.com

Click here to find a Manufacturer Representative in your region!