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Conveyor Belt Tension Calculation: T1, T2 & Take-Up Design

In any friction-driven conveyor system, the most fundamental concept is the relationship between the Tight Side Tension (T 1 ) and the Slack Side Tension (T 2 ) . If you get this ratio wrong, your drive pulley will slip, your belt will wear out prematurely, or your take-up counterweight will be too light to maintain traction. In this guide, we will use CEMA standard calculations to determine the correct tensions and take-up weight. Table of Contents 1. The Basics: T1 vs T2 2. Euler’s Equation (The Grip Formula) 3. Worked Example: Calculating Tensions 4. Take-Up Units: Gravity vs Screw 5. Common Failure Modes Advertisement 1. The Basics: T1 vs T2 Imagine a conveyor belt running over a drive pulley. The motor pulls the belt, creating a tension differential: T 1 (Tight Side): The tension pulling the loaded belt toward the drive pulley. This is the highest tension point in the system. ...
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Renold Roll-Ring: The Self-Adjusting Chain Tensioner Guide

Traditional chain tensioning often involves complex mechanical assemblies, regular manual adjustments, and significant downtime. The Roll-Ring® by Renold solves these problems with a simple, elegant design: a free-standing, specially formulated polymer ring.

Unlike conventional tensioners that require bolting, drilling, or sprockets, the Roll-Ring® is installed in seconds simply by placing it between the two strands of the chain.

Renold Roll-Ring Chain Tensioner Product Shot
Figure 1: The Roll-Ring® relies on the elastic deformation of its polymer body to apply constant tension.
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How It Works: Tensioning and Damping

When the drive is in operation, the Roll-Ring® is compressed between the chain strands, deforming into an elliptical shape. This elastic deformation creates a constant outward force that absorbs slack in the system.

Crucially, it acts as both a tensioner and a damper. By absorbing shock loads and vibrations, it significantly reduces noise and extends the life of the chain and sprockets.

Graph showing vibrations in an untensioned chain drive
Figure 2: Oscilloscope reading of vibrations in a standard, untensioned chain drive.
Graph showing dampened vibrations with Roll-Ring installed
Figure 3: The same drive with a Roll-Ring® installed, showing flattened vibration amplitude.
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Key Advantages

The Roll-Ring® offers a "fit and forget" solution for maintenance teams. Its primary advantages over conventional tensioners include:

  • Zero Installation Costs: Free-standing design means no sprockets, bolts, plates, or drilling are required.
  • Versatile Fit: Easily installed in space-restricted areas where fixed tensioners cannot fit.
  • Rapid Deployment: Can be fitted by hand in seconds without tools or alignment equipment.
  • Multi-Directional: Effective in vertical, horizontal, and diagonal drives.
  • Reversible: Works fully in reversing drive applications.
  • Maintenance Free: Self-lubricating polymer resists dust and dirt, requiring no manual adjustment after installation.

Summary

The Roll-Ring® chain tensioner is an elementary mechanism based on advanced material science. By utilizing the hollow space of the chain drive, it gives greater flexibility to designers and specifiers while automatically positioning itself to extend the life of your equipment.

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