CEMA Bucket Elevator Book
Chapter X
Belt Splices and Splicing
Chapter Lead: Kris Gililland / Chris Tarver
Contacts and References
Name
Chris Tarver
Company
Maxi-Lift, Inc.
DRAFT HISTORY
Draft Number
1
Date
2/14/13
E-Mail
chris@maxilift.com
Draft Chapter X – Title
First Draft
Month, Day, Date
Chapter X – Belt Splices and Splicing
Belt splices are used to connect two ends of belt and therefore allow the belt to make a continuous loop
around the head and tail pulleys. Following are various types of belt splices:
1.
Mechanical Belt Splice
The mechanical belt splice (ie Maxi-Splice) is a mechanical clamping device with a simple three-piece
construction. Two are identical outside plates, and the third is a center plate with an elongated center
hole. The outside plates and the center plate are “mating” parts with peaks and valleys opposite of each
other for firm gripping. The splice functions by using the tension supplied by the belting. This tension
on the belt ends pulls the outer plates apart and forces gripping pressure towards the teeth on the
splice unit. The greater the belt tension, the more pressure is exerted on the gripping teeth at the
forward end of the splice. The splice is held together by a ½” diameter, grade 5 bolt. The length of the
bolt varies depending on belt thickness. Use 4” long bolts for belts up to ¼” thick. Use 4-1/2” long bolts
for belts between ¼” and ½” thick, and use 5” long bolts for belts between ½” and ¾” thick.
Mechanical belt splices are manufactured out of two different materials, a bronze alloy (AB) and hotdipped galvanized cast iron (CI). AB splices are typically used in agricultural and heavy duty industrial
applications as they are non-sparking, non-corroding, and non-rusting and are usable on belts of up to
800 PIW tensile. CI splices are typically used in industrial applications as they can spark and can corrode
and are usable on belts of up to 600 PIW tensile. Each splice is good for 2” of belt width (Ex: A 10” or 11”
wide belt would use 5 splices.). Template tape that will peel and stick directly onto the belting is
typically provided and shows the location of all the holes and splices to simplify installation.
For belt heavier than 800 PIW sometimes encountered at river and export facilities and 24 hour
processing plants, even more substantial mechanical belt splices are utilized (ie Titan Splice). This three
piece splice is constructed out of aluminum and is non-sparking / corrosion resistant. It is constructed of
a central aluminum vice-grip section which is bracketed by two exterior solid aluminum clamps. Utilizing
clamping force and friction to secure its load, the belt ends are bent through a 75 mm radius to a 90
degree angle. The central wedge is equipped with a rubber backing on the pulley side to prevent belt
wear due to pressure and friction generated in operation. This type of splice is currently being used on
1400 PIW belting.
Excel Spreadsheets
Pictures
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Maxi-Splice AB (Bronze Alloy)
Maxi-Splice CI (Zinc-Plated Cast Iron)
Titan Splice (Aluminum)