Metalfab Bin Activator User Manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

METALFAB BIN ACTIVATORS

Description

1. Upper hanger (suspension arm) brackets are pre-assembled, at the factory,
to a flanged cylindrical section. It insures proper alignment of the suspension
arms and sleeve clamping surfaces.

2. Flanged mounting ring may be provided with bolt holes for bolting to a
mating flange on the bin.

Note: Nuts, bolts and gasketing for the mating flanges are not

supplied by Metalfab. Use high strength, grade 5 bolts
and locknuts.

3. When being installed on a conical section of a bin, it can also be welded
directly to the bin cone. The cone may be butted against the horizontal or
inside diameter of the flange and seal welded.

4. Before doing any welding, remove the vibrator from the Bin Activator.

5. In all cases, regardless of installation procedures, the mounting flange must
not be distorted or bent during installation.

6. Even though the locating of suspension brackets is done with special
equipment, it is recommended that mating parts be maintained, i.e., do not
interchange mounting flanges from one serial numbered unit with another
serial numbered unit.

7. To insure proper fit and alignment, plan view orientation of the hopper
mounting flange with relation to the Bin Activator must not be changed.

8. In most cases, generally 3 foot through 8 foot diameter units, the mounting
flange is shipped pre-assembled to the Bin Activator. For 10 foot diameter
and larger, the mounting flange is split in half and shipped on the same skid
as the Bin Activator or separately. A metal brace may be welded to each half
section to prevent distortion during shipment. If so, remove after installation.

Installation _ Assembly

1. Specific sequence of installing a Metalfab Bin Activator can be changed to
suit individual requirements. Most important is the end result, i.e., proper
alignment and tightness of nuts, bolts and sleeve clamps.

2. Plan view orientation of the vibrator location with respect to the storage bin is
not critical. It can be located to suit.

3. For units provided with bolt holes, the bolt holes can be pre-drilled in the
mating bin flange. Care must be taken to make certain that the flange is not
warped or not distorted. If the bin flange is warped, distorted or not level,
transfer bolt holes from the mounting flange at the time of installation. Shim,
with metal, as required before bolting mating flanges.

4. The mating flanges can also be welded, continuous internal and intermittent
or continuous external.

5. When bolting the mating flange, it is good practice t use a sealant such as
Permatex, Silastic or similar material between the flanges to prevent leakage
of fine particle size products. A thin, approximately 1/8Åh gasket of resilient
material may be used in place of a sealant. Sealant by others.

6. After installing the completely assembled Bin Activator and tightening all
bolts, run the unit empty for approximately ten minutes. Then recheck the
suspension arm bolts, vibrating mounting bolts and sleeve clamps for
tightness. Suspension arm bolts are Grade 5 and must be torqued to 466
foot pounds; vibrator mounting bolts as follows:

3 / 8Åh BOLT.....GRADE 5 ........................35 FOOT POUNDS

1 / 2Åh BOLT.....GRADE 5 ......................125 FOOT POUNDS

5 / 8Åh BOLT.....GRADE 5 ......................160 FOOT POUNDS

3 / 4Åh BOLT.....GRADE 8 ......................310 FOOT POUNDS

7 / 8Åh BOLT.....GRADE 8 ......................473 FOOT POUNDS

1Åh BOLT...........GRADE 8 ......................540 FOOT POUNDS

7. Metalfab 10 foot and 12 foot diameter Bin Activators and special units are
shipped unassembled, in some cases the mounting flange is split in half for
shipping purposes.

8. When installing units not completely assembled, the correct procedure is to
completely assemble the unit at grade with the following procedure:

A. Stand or support the Bin Activator in a level position (discharge outlet

facing down).

B. If applicable, join the two (2) halves of the upper mounting flange and

tighten securely or weld.

C. If not already in position, place the flexible sleeve and two (2) complete

sleeve clamps on the Bin Activator******leave clamps loose.

D. Position the assembled mounting flange on the Bin Activator.

E. Install all suspension arms, insert high strength bolts in upper and lower

holes and snug up each elastic stop nut and bolt. After all nut bolts are
installed snug, tighten to the correct torque specifications.

F. Check placement of the flexible sleeve to mounting flange and Bin

Activator. A sealant material such as Silastic or Permatex may be used
between the sleeve and metal surfaces.

G. Position the upper and lower sleeve clamps close to the beaded edge of

the flexible sleeve. After seating and adjusting clamps, tighten both
securely.

Note: When tightening the clamps, be sure to support the

far side tube with vise grip pliers when turning nut.
Failure to do so, may cause a twisting action on
strapping which may lead to damage of clamp.

9. Run the unit as noted previously and tighten bolts as required, including
sleeve clamps.

Vibrator Installation

1. This unit imparts vibration to the Bin Activator. It must be securely bolted to
the unit (torque mounting bolts according to previous instructions), and all
bolts must be retightened after the first ten minutes of operation and again
during the second day of operation. All nuts and bolts, especially vibrator
mounting bolts, should be retightened every three (3) months or more
frequently depending on the amount of usage.

2. Because the Bin Activator and the motor vibrate, the electrical connections
must be made with flexible lead. Braided neoprene covered cable is
recommended.

3. Refer to wiring diagram in motor conduit box for wiring instructions.

Vibrator Force Adjustment

Warning: Vibrator must be electrically locked-out before any
adjustment or maintenance can be performed.

1. The centrifugal force setting of the vibrator is set at the factory for the
minimum force level that will produce flow of product. If flow is not
instantaneous or continuous, it may be necessary to increase the centrifugal
force. To do so, the following procedure should be followed:

1) Remove the bolts of both the upper and lower end covers.

2) Remove end covers exposing the four (4) eccentric weights.

Note: The (2) OUTER weights on the

INVICTA

Explosion Proof

and the

METALFAB

TENV Vibrators are the weights to be

adjusted. The (2) INNER weights on the

INVICTA

TENV

Vibrators are the weights to be adjusted.

2. To increase the force setting, loosen the clamping bolt on the two (2) weights
that will be adjusted. (See note above).

3. Refer to the applicable vibrator operation and maintenance instructions for
force settings and technical information.

4. As the centerline of the adjusted weights approach the centerline of the fixed
weights, the centrifugal force is increased. When the weights centerline is
opposed, the centrifugal force decreases. If the centerlines of all four (4)
weights are completely aligned, you will develop the maximum force available
for that size vibrator.

5. Regardless of which vibrator you have, when you have completed your force
adjustment, the OUTER weights should be in line with each other and the
INNER weights should be in line with each other. ANY OTHER
ARRANGEMENT WILL RESULT IN A MOTION THAT CAN DAMAGE THE
VIBRATOR AND BE VERY DETRIMENTAL TO THE APPLICATION, WELDS OF
THE BIN ACTIVATOR AND SUPPORT STRUCTURES.

6. Assemble the unit by reversing the procedure outline as above.

Note: Bin Activator vibrator should be electrically interlocked

with down stream feed devices, i.e., when screw, belt,
rotary, etc. feeder stops _ vibrator should also stop.

Full Load and Starting Current

See Vibrator Instruction Manual and Motor Nameplate Data.

Secondary Baffle

1. The secondary baffle has been positioned by Metalfab engineering for your
application requirements. ItÅfs position will allow for the proper flow of
product through the Bin Activator outlet.

2. The position of the secondary baffle is maintained by an Esna type lock nut.
The secondary baffle can be repositioned vertically by using a deep socket
type wrench to loosen the lock nut, thereby, allowing the secondary baffle to
be turned, possibly by hand, on the threaded section of the extended rod, to
a higher or lower position. Since the secondary baffle is located near the
outlet, it is easily accessible from the outlet.

3. If flow problems occur, the secondary baffle could be repositioned to help
eliminate the problem. Before making any adjustments, it is advisable to
check with Metalfab engineering for advise as to what new position might
be helpful.

Maintenance Instructions

1. Vibrator Lubrication

The vibrators are lubricated as supplied. The lubrication is good for 2,000 to
5,000 hours. See vibrator instructions.

2. Flexible Sleeve

Aside from checking the clamp tightness, there is no maintenance required on
the sleeve. Periodic visual checks should be made to see if there is damage
caused by chemical attach or mechanical damage to the elastomer.

Note: Standard sleeve is Neoprene with a maximum
temperature rating of 210ÅãF. Optional sleeves are NORDEL with a
maximum temperature rating of 325ÅãF and VITON with a
maximum temperature rating of 400ÅãF.

WARNING: Because of the elastomeric seals required on vibrated
equipment, the Bin Activator WILL NOT CONTAIN A FIRE OR
EXPLOSION. If a fire is in the Bin, THE AREA SHOULD BE
EVACUATED AND AVOIDED!

3. Isolators

The isolators should give years of use baring chemical attack or severe
overloading.

WHEN INQUIRING ABOUT ANY BIN ACTIVATOR, ALWAYS REFER TO
THE SERIAL NUMBER STAMPED ON THE METALFAB NAMEPLATE.

Metalfab Service

Metalfab, Inc.

Prices Switch Road

P.O. Box 9

Vernon, NJ 07462

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

Email: [e-mail]