Amcot ST Series - Mechanical Systems; V-Belt Reducers

AMCOT ST SERIES FIBERGLASS COOLING TOWER
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Mechanical Systems
V-Belt Reducers
On Amcot ST Series Model towers ST-225 to ST-1500, your mechanical assembly incorporates a housed
V-Belt reducer which is designed to provide a speed reduction between the output shaft of your motor
and the fan shaft (output shaft of the reducer). This assembly is designed to ensure that the tower’s fan
speed is regulated so that proper air flow is maintained through the unit.
The drive assembly consists of several components. A diagram and list of those components can be
located on Page 39.
The belts utilized in the reducer assembly are polyurethane with reinforcing polyester tension cords
embedded in the belt. The belts are designed to operate for up to 10,000 hours. However, as these
belts wear, they will stretch. It is important that proper tension is maintained, otherwise this could
result in slippage, shortened life of the belts, or loss in power efficiency being transmitted to the fan and
impact tower capacity.
Belt are sold as matched sets. If you need to replace a belt, it is ALWAYS recommended to replace all
belts at the same time, otherwise you will not be able to achieve proper tension and belts will wear
unevenly.
Prior to shipping the reducer with your unit at our facility, Amcot will inspect these components and in
many cases we will attach the motor and reducer prior to shipping. When this occurs, Amcot will set the
belt tension initially. HOWEVER, it is important to note that belt tension should always be verified at
startup and within the first 48 hours of operation. Belts will begin to stretch immediately upon being
placed into service. After this, it is recommended that you check belt tension at three (3) intervals of
100 operating ours and then monthly afterwards.
V-BELTS SHOULD BE CHECKED FOR PROPER TENSION:
- AT STARTUP
- AFTER 48 HOURS OF OPERATION
- 3 TIMES, 100 HOURS OF OPERATION INTERVALS
- MONTHLY
If you shut down your tower for longer periods (seasonal), it is recommended that you slacken the
tension slightly on the belts to prevent additional stretching from occurring during non-operational
periods.
The following pages provide adjustment guidelines for your belt reducer along with a diagram showing
the various parts and components along with additional information about your reducer assembly.