There is a wide variety of industrial vibrators that include electric, hydraulic and pneumatic models, and it requires an experienced approach to provide a solution to material flow problems.
As an example, in underground mining aluminium is prohibited, so the industrial vibrator’s construction must be considered. In the event there is no electric power supply, suitable pneumatic or hydraulic units must be specified.
Taking into consideration all the parameters, a well thought out solution will provide an answer, but a hasty decision could lead to a load of trouble down the track.
Vibrators for concrete solutions
Concrete batching plants are just one area that benefits from the use of industrial vibrators, as do the trucks used to carry the concrete to its next location.
{{image2-a:r-w:300}}In a batching plant there are holding bins, silos and open bins in which bulk material is stored, eg fly ash, sand, gravel or aggregates.
Environmental protection agencies have guidelines for dust control that often state materials need to be maintained in a condition that prevents excessive dust being generated during loading and unloading. Often this means keeping it moist.
This, combined with adverse weather conditions, can cause the holding bin or silo to sweat, drawing moisture into the holding material and making it “sticky” and difficult to move.
Additionally, through natural compaction, the material’s flow characteristics lead to material being trapped within a bin or silo. The problem for a plant operator is how to make that material flow in a simple, safe and speedy manner. Industrial vibrators can do the job while meeting EPA guidelines for both dust and noise pollution.
Electric or pneumatic vibrators are widely accepted as providing ease of installation, cost and effectiveness, while turbine vibrators offer another valuable option, as they operate at higher frequencies and require almost no maintenance.
Turbine vibrator
Enmin Vibratory Equipment was asked to provide a solution for a concrete batching plant that was using a steel holding silo.
In this case, Enmin specified a turbine model to be attached to the silo. Operating at just 10,000 vibrations per minute, it transferred high frequency, low amplitude forces into the material to break the particle bonding and promote flow of material.
The positioning of the turbine vibrator was critical to the success of the installation, since an incorrectly located vibrator can further compact the material.
Selecting the turbine vibrator offered the user less maintenance, since these models do not require lubrication. After seeing how well the turbine vibrator operated, the customer installed a further seven throughout its plants.
Tipping troubles eliminated
That’s not the end of the issue, though, for concrete batching plants or other quarry, mining or bulk material transport operations.
In bulk materials transport the materials are often difficult to unload, as compaction occurs, especially when long distances are involved. Even short distances with frequent braking can make the load move forward and compact.
{{image3-a:r-w:300}}So once the load arrives, the bulk of it may discharge easily, but a significant amount is left clinging to the trailer body. Often truck operators are forced to raise the body very high and then rock the truck to try to dislodge the materials.
This is not only a safety issue, but it also increases wear and tear on the truck and trailer, especially on its brakes, clutch, hydraulics and the tailgate.
Worse still is the possibility of damaging the trailer’s hydraulic lifting system, and if the tray body is forced into extreme angles it becomes vulnerable to tipping the truck and trailer sideways. Another hasty solution is using a backhoe to remove the remaining material, which leads to damage to the floor and sides of the trailer.
A truck vibrator, provides a simple and cost-effective solution for new or existing tipping trucks of any type, including side tippers, dumpers, spreaders and bottom dump trailers.
The type of vibrator used depends on the circumstances, with pneumatic, hydraulic and electric truck vibrators available. Again, a “one size fits all” approach is to be avoided and discussing the solution with an industrial vibrator specialist is recommended.
One of the most common solutions for trucks is a 12-volt or 24-volt DC vibrator, which is mounted to the underside of the truck body. A few seconds of power from the in-board battery enables even stubborn, compacted materials to be vibrated loose without any damage to the truck or trailer.
The operator remains in the cabin during discharge and, since the vibrator is so effective, the trailer does not need to be elevated excessively and turnaround times are reduced substantially – with safety increased.
Enmin truck vibrators are easily and inexpensively installed to vehicles and come with complete installation kits. Each vibrator is shielded and has oversized, permanently lubricated ball bearings for exceptional service life. Housings are sealed against dirt, dust and water for longevity, even under extreme conditions.
Source: Enmin Vibratory Equipment