Episode 41: Precision Pulley & Idler (PPI) talks wing pulley basics

On this episode of “Drilling Deeper,” PPI’s Allen Mathes joins P&Q managing editor Jack Kopanski to provide insights into the latest developments in the pulley market, the basics of wing pulley use and the history of PPI’s pulley designs.

 Mathes, a sales manager at PPI, kicks off the conversation by diving into the “when” and “why” of wing pulley use. He explains the benefits wing pulleys provide, specifically outlining the way wing pulleys prevent damage to the tail side of belts.

He goes on to explain what has made angled wings so popular of late. Some of the most desirable traits angled wings offer, as Mathes says, are their ability to self-clean as they spin, better tracking as they treat a belt more like a drum pulley, less noise and vibration, and less obstruction.

Later in the interview, Mathes shares how the modern-day PPI herringbone wing (HBW) pulley came to be. The initial design of the HBW came in an effort to tackle the aforementioned issues. PPI offers a broad range of HBW pulleys, with its traditional offering featuring a drum pulley base, and another version that has a round contact bar welded to the top of it. From there, customers sought out smaller versions of the company’s pulleys and PPI responded with another version – the plate herringbone wing – that also features a contact bar welded to the wing. Larger versions are also available.

Mathes then compares the traditional HBW pulley and the plate wing pulley and outlines when an operator might be better served by one than the other. One deciding factor is the diameter differences between HBW and plate wing pulleys and the resulting wear rates.

As successful as PPI has been with its pulleys to this point, the company is always looking to improve. Mathes says PPI is continually working to identify different problems and how it can solve them. He also shares the range of products PPI offers to serve numerous purposes. As he puts it, “anything that the best touches on a belt conveyor, that’s what we do.”

There is plenty of valuable information in this episode. You won’t want to miss it!

For 108 years, Pit & Quarry magazine has been the premier monthly aggregate processing information source. Through multiple platforms, we deliver the very latest in equipment and technology news and information that is critical for safely achieving the highest level of efficiency and profitability. Editors Kevin Yanik and Jack Kopanski cover the market in print, online and through e-newsletters. As respected industry insiders, they moderate the annual Pit & Quarry Roundtable & Conference and speak at industry conferences and meetings.

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