Red Seal Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Practice Exam

How do you calculate belt tension?

1. By measuring the belt's weight and checking the tension gauge

2. By measuring the belt's deflection under a specified force and using the formula Tension = Force / Deflection

3. By evaluating the sound frequency produced by the belt during operation

4. By the amount of power transmitted to the connected machinery

The correct answer is: By measuring the belt's deflection under a specified force and using the formula Tension = Force / Deflection

Calculating belt tension is crucial for ensuring the efficient operation of conveyor systems and other machinery that rely on belts. The correct method involves measuring the belt's deflection under a specified force. This approach allows for the accurate assessment of how much force is applied to the belt compared to how much it deflects, which is essential for determining the proper tension. By using the formula Tension = Force / Deflection, you can derive the appropriate tension needed for optimal performance. This method accounts for the physical properties of the belt and the dynamics of the system it operates within, ensuring that the belt has enough tension to transmit power effectively without slipping or causing premature wear. Measuring a belt's weight and checking a tension gauge provides some information about tension but may not be as reliable or precise as the deflection method. Evaluating sound frequency produced by the belt can give indirect clues about performance but is not a direct or accurate method for calculating tension. The power transmitted to machinery, while related to belt performance, does not directly take into account the necessary components for determining tension accurately.