Re: Hot Vulcanising Joints
Automation: When the splice is stretched open the burden will obscure the void in the top cover and make instrument calibration complicated. Along the T2 strand the gap will be smaller but can be scrutinised from both sides. The parameter to measure would be crack length and this suggests an ultrasound scan system.
Manual: Measuring the crack length will need the crack to be stretched open a bit; probably over a drum & not so easy to acheive.
Analysis: But once you've got the crack length you can use a program like Fracture Graphic (SRT(Structural Reliability Technology)) which itself refers to British Standard PD6493:1991 Levels 2 & 3, to perform a ductile tearing analysis at Level 3. Such programs are used to assess the remaining life of cracked structues by predicting crack growth. Then you can judge if it can be left alone until the next scheduled shut down. It should work with reinforced rubber if the properties are correctly input. My version dates from 2002 so maybe they have a polymer database by now. ■
Hot vulcanising joints
Dear all,
In wire ropes we are checking the number of damaged wires.
If it is more than 10% of number of wires in a pitch length, we change the ropes. ( For critical applications 5%).
Similarly, is there any formula or relation to judge if a hot joint of fabric belt is opening / damaged, by comparing the ratio of opened / damaged area and the whole joint ?
Some times I find that the above judgement purely based on individuals experience, hence it differs.
Is there any scientifical approach? ■