POBCO SnapIdle® Chain Tensioner
Safety, Installation and Maintenance
Safety Standards
Safety Standards: All power transmission drive systems should be adequately guarded under ANSI/ASME B15.1-1984 standards and OSHA, subchapter O standards (Federal; vol. 39; no.125; June 27, 1974; pgs. 23079-23733) or the applicable state or country (outside the U.S.A.) safety standards. The following rules apply to the drive systems, "Where breakage of a machine component can result in injury, provision shall be made for appropriate containment of such component. When power transmission apparatus' are stopped for servicing purposes, the power device shall be locked out, in accordance with a generalized procedure, to protect persons exposed to the apparatus from an unexpected start. When component breakage may result in fragments being propelled, the apparatus should be guarded and should be solid, not mesh."
Installation
Installation: The drive system power should be disconnected or an interlock activated to avoid accidental startup. Never install, adjust or maintain a POBCO Snapidle when the drive is in operation, or personal injury may occur. Apply the bottom block and the top block of the POBCO Snapidle to the upper and lower chain strands. Tension the chain by means of the side straps. Do not over tension the POBCO Snapidle, this will result in increased wear rate. Enough tension need only be applied to take out the slack of the chain. When the drive is in operation the POBCO Snapidle will move back and forth on the chain periodically. If the proper tension is applied the POBCO Snapidle should tension the chain for the life of the chain or the POBCO Snapidle. Set the strap length with the drive side chain tight and all the chain slack on the slack side. Please refer to the first Selection Criteria drawing for correct installation.
Maintenance
Maintenance: The POBCO Snapidle should be inspected visually under normal drive maintenance procedures in order to verify wear. The POBCO Snapidle should be replaced before the chain wears through the plastic carriers. The POBCO Snapidle may be re-tensioned by adjusting the side straps. Do not attempt this with a moving drive, personal injury may occur.
Replacement
Replacement: POBCO suggests the replacement of the entire Snapidle unit, including the side straps. The straps will have been subjected to drive stresses and may cause unit failure when replacement is necessary.