Engineering solutions provider BMG’s portfolio of Fenner power transmission components includes a range of high-strength friction transmission belts that offer dependable performance in demanding heating, cooling and ventilation applications in the mining sector.

These transmission belts ensure longer service life, higher drive efficiency and reduced downtime, compared with conventional V-belts. Fenner PowerTwist Drive V-belts, which are manufactured from a high-strength polyurethane elastomer, reinforced with multiple plies of polyester fabric, offer “excellent resistance” to abrasion, oils and greases, water and steam, as well as industrial solvents and chemicals.

“These flexible PowerTwist Drive V-belts are the ideal solution for permanent replacement and fitment into inaccessible locations. These friction transmission belts can be custom-sized for each sheave groove, reducing wear and providing a perfect matched set of belts when mounted on a drive,” says BMG Power Transmission division operations manager Leon Alberts.

In a recent project, the BMG team assisted a mine, where conventional V-belts on fans and blowers had failed within a short period, causing costly machine downtime, as a result of heavy shock loads and high heat. Belt installation previously required many workers and it took hours to weld and dismantle drive components. In addition, bearings had to be changed at least once a month, owing to failure from drive vibration.

“After installation of BMG’s PowerTwist Plus belts on the same drive, belt life was significantly extended to over 12 months, with a major reduction in downtime. PowerTwist Plus belts are designed for decreased drive vibration, resulting in increased bearing life. These belts do not stretch and do not require re-tensioning after the initial run in.

“Fenner PowerTwist Plus belts are easily made up to the required length in seconds and there is no longer the need to move or dismantle any drive component. It is also easy for mines to hold the correct inventory at all times.”

PowerTwist Drive belts “combine extremely high strength with low stretch” and have the same power ratings as conventional V-belts. The elasticity of woven polyurethane fabric enables these belts to be stretched over a pulley drive without any damage.

Once the required length of belt is determined, the V-belt is simply twisted and the end links are interlocked by hand, without the need for tools.

An important advantage is that the belts operate efficiently at elevated temperatures (up to 110 ºC in harsh environments), for up to 15 times longer than standard rubber and other link V-belts. These flexible belts are also designed for easy installation as a permanent replacement, with minimal downtime. No dismantling of equipment is necessary.

For user convenience and inventory reduction, the PowerTwist Drive range is available from BMG in different speciality profiles and constructions for efficient power transmission and materials handling applications.

Moreover, in Fenner’s range of transmission belts are Fenner Power Plus heavy-duty drive belts, which meet stringent international quality specifications, as well as the highest standards for static conductivity (ISO 1813 standards).

These belts, with an asymmetric weave double jacket for increased durability in harsh conditions, are heat and oil resistant. Their high length stability ensures minimal stretch and elongation.

Important features of these robust belts include high performance, maximum drive efficiency and extended service life. They also offer up to 96% energy efficiency at optimum performance.

Other Fenner products available from BMG include synchronous transmission belts, pulleys and accessories, as well as shaft fixings, chain drives and couplings. BMG also supplies Fenner shaft-mounted speed reducers.

This robust and flexible range, which is easy to install and maintain, is available nationally from BMG’s extensive branch network. The company offers a technical advisory and 24-hour support service throughout Africa.