Technical data with steelcord reinforcement (European versions). 29
Technical data with aramide reinforcement (European versions). 30
Lifting power - load path diagram ... 31
EC Declaration of Conformity in the
intendment of EC Machine Directive
89/392/EEC ................................. 32
Technical data with steelcord re-
inforcement (US versions) ........... 33
Technical data with aramide re-
inforcement (US versions) ........... 34
Introduction
Lifting bags may only be
operated with compressedair - or with water in exceptional cases -(accessories
on request), though never
with flammable or aggressive gases. The lifting bags
may only be operated using
original Vetter fittings.
Mini-Lifting Bags (steel or
Aramide) of types V24 V31 - V40 - V54 - V68
(VS26 - VS34 - VS43 VS59 - VS74) fall under the
Pressure Vessel Legislation
from July 1st, 1980, in
Germany (DruckbehV).
These lifting bags may only
be put into operation after
submission of the manufacturer’s certificate of official
acceptance. This test
certificate should be kept in
a safe place and presented
to the test expert at the
repeat test.
Pay attention to DIN 7716 if
stored for longer periods of
time. We will be happy to
supply an excerpt from this
standard.
Safety instructions
•Use only Vetter original
fittings. Only these have
been tested in the
works in accordance
with the Pressure
Vessel Legislation.
•Please check the
perfect and correct
condition of the lifting
bags and accessories
before and after every
use.
•Insert bags at suitable
points so that at least
75% of the bag’s
surface is beneath the
load.
•Avoid angles larger than
30 degrees (relationship
between base and load
to be lifted). The bag
could be catapulted out
of the gap. Create a
parallel base to the load
to be lifted whenever
possible using a sturdy
substructure.
•Never place more than
two bags on top of one
another.
18
Page 2
•Secure load against
slipping. Keep inserting
props the higher the
lifting height.
•If a substructure is used
always ensure that this
is stable and firm. The
substructure must
support at least the
complete area of the
bag and should be
wider and longer than it
is high.
Risk of slipping
Never place metal
on metal when
propping up
loads!
•Place stones, branches
or similar materials
under the bag to
improve adherence if
used on slippery
surfaces (ice, snow,
mud, etc.).
•Avoid spot loads, e.g.
building cramps, bolts.
•Never use bags on
sharp edges or on very
hot days. Use suitable
liners and cover the
complete surface of the
bag.
•Lifting bags can be
used without problems
at temperatures of
- 20°C (- 4°F)
(max. - 40°C (- 40°F))
and temporarily up to
+ 115°C (+ 239°F).
•Protect bags against
flying sparks during
welding and cutting
work.
•Do not place extra loads
on bags, e.g. hydraulic
props, winches, falling
loads.
Warning
Never work under
suspended loads,
never reach under
load. Keep your
distance.
•Avoid shearing stresses
by squeezing the bag
when the load is
lowered.
Warning
Never stand in
front of the bag,
always to one side
when in use since
it can be catapulted out from under
the load.
Behaviour of the
lifting power
The Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags
8 bar (116 psi) operate
according to the physical
principle of pressure x area
= power
Since the effective contact
area is reduced with an
increasing lift due to the
surface curvature, the lifting
power also decreases with
a higher lifting height.
If only an air pressure of
below 8 bar (116 psi) is
available, the lifting power
can be roughly calculated
as follows:
Lifting power from load path
diagram1 divided by 8 (bar),
multiplied by air pressure
(bar) available.
Lifting power divided by
8 bar x (y) bar.
Wherever possible you
should determine the
weight of the load and how
far the load has to be
moved (lifting height) before
starting work.
1
compare page 31
19
Page 3
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Vetter Super Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
The lifting power - load path
diagram (cf. P. 31) facilitates
the choice of the suitable
bag size.
The curves shown refer to
the complete lifting of the
overall load at 8 bar (116
psi). If the weight is unknown or the bag is used in
an emergency which calls
for quick action the largest
possible Mini-Lifting Bag
which fits under the load
should be used.
Levering requires
less force than
lifting!
In a number of cases the
load can still be levered
even though the lifting
power of the lifting bag is
not enough to lift the load.
Increasing the lifting
power and lifting
height
A maximum of two bags
can be placed on top of
one another in order to
increase the lifting height.
The lifting power of the
smaller bag on top is
hereby decisive for the
overall lifting power. The
lifting heights are added
together correspondingly.
In order to increase the
lifting power the bags have
to placed along-side one
another under the load.
If two or more bags are
placed alongside one
another the lifting powers
are added together. The
lifting height which can be
achieved depends on the
smallest bag used.
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bag
8 bar (116 psi) - Vetter
System
With the Vetter system the
arrangement of controller,
inflation hose and bag is
retained consistently
throughout the whole range
of Vetter products so that
bags cannot be inflated
with an excess operating
pressure by bypassing the
controller or even by
directly connecting the
pressure reducer to the
bag. The controllers have
safety valves and manometers matched to the
respective pressure range
which prevent overinflation
of the bags.
There is a corresponding
controller with matching
coupling system for every
pressure range in the Vetter
system.
The green air supply hoses
between the controller and
air source have been
standardised for all pressure ranges.
The inflation hoses in the 8
bar (116 psi) system are
available in the colours
yellow or red. The different
colours avoid confusion
when controlling the
individual bags.
Yellow or red = inflation
hose 8 bar (116 psi) from
controller to Mini-Lifting
Bag. (Different colours
make for easier recognition
when two bags are used).
20
Page 4
The inflation hoses in the 8
bar (116 psi) system have
twin-lock safety couplings.
To connect the hoses, push
the hose stem (9) in until
you hear and see it catch in
place.
9
To release the hoses, push
the hose stem into the
coupling against the spring
pressure. The connection is
released by simultaneously
pulling back the coupling
ring. This system prevents
accidental disconnection.
Air supply
Any air supply up to a max.
of 10 bar (146 psi) can be
used to operate the MiniLifting Bags.
If the compressed-air
contains oil an soil separator should be used.
Operating with com-
pressed-air cylinders
200 or 300 bar
Connect pressure reducer
with T-screw to compressed-air cylinder.
5
1
2
3
4
Close the handwheel (3) on
the pressure reducer.
Open the cylinder valve (5):
the manometer (1) shows
the pressure in the cylinder.
Connect pressure reducer’s air hose to the controller’s inlet coupling by
pushing in the hose stem.
Turn the coupling sleeve
(double safety lock).
To release the connection,
align the notch in the
coupling sleeve with the
locking screw. Pull back
sleeve - the connection is
released.
See also operating
with other air
supplies.
Connect inflation hoses
(red or yellow) to the bags
being used. Connect
inflation hoses to the outlet
coupling of the respective
controllers.
If the pressure is greater
than 10 bar (146 psi) the
Vetter pressure reducer
(Art.-No. 160 21 000) has
to be used.
Air reserve (l) = pressure
(bar) x cylinder volume (l)
Set the back pressure to
approx. 10 bar (146 psi)
with the adjusting screw (4)
(display on manometer (2)).
21
Page 5
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Vetter Super Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Operating with the
dual controller and
deadman control
8
3
10
The positioned Mini-Lifting
Bags can be inflated after
opening the handwheel on
the pressure reducer (3).
Pull back the lever (10) on
the controller to inflate the
Mini-Lifting Bag.
Keep an eye on the manometer (8) and the load.
Once the desired lifting
height or maximum
working pressure of 8 bar
(116 psi) is reached stop
inflation by releasing the
lever.
The lever automatically
returns to the middle
position = deadman
position.
If the working pressure
22
exceeds 8 bar (116 psi) the
safety valve opens.
Push the lever forwards to
lower the load or completely deflate the MiniLifting Bags.
Disconnect the completely
deflated bags and inflation
hoses at the end of the
lifting procedure.
Close the air supply. Pull
back the lever to depressurise the air hose of the
pressure reducer or the air
supply hose from the
external air supply. Then
push the lever forwards
briefly so that the integrated
return valve is
depressurised.
Operating Mini-Lifting
Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
with controller,
fitting construction
Connect bags and inflation
hoses as described above.
Open the compressed-air
supply.
Open the ball valve (6) to
inflate the Mini Lifting Bag.
Keep an eye on the
manometer and load.
Once the desired lifting
height or maximum
working pressure of 8 bar
(116 psi) is reached stop
inflation by closing the ball
valve.
If the working pressure
exceeds 8 bar (116 psi) the
safety valve opens.
To lower the load or
completely deflate the MiniLifting Bags, open the
discharge device on the
head of the safety valve by
turning anti-clockwise.
On completion of the lifting
procedure, disconnect the
completely deflated lifting
bags and inflation hoses.
Page 6
Close the air supply. Open
the ball valve briefly to
depressurise the pressure
reducer’s air hose or air
supply hose from the
external air supply.
Safety against
exceeding the
maximum working
pressure of
8 bar (116 psi)
The maximum working
pressure could be exceeded y an excessively
high inlet pressure or an
increase in the load, e.g.
through a slippage of the
load.
However, to prevent the
maximum working pressure of 8 bar (116 psi)
being exceeded, the
homologated proportional
safety valves blow off in a
differential range of ± 10%.
Operating
Super Mini-Lifting
Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Version with
compressed-air cylinder
1l / 200 bar
Connect pressure reducer
with T-screw to compressed-air cylinder.
The pressure reducer is
pre-set to 10 bar (146 psi).
Close the discharge device
on the head of the safety
valve by turning clockwise.
Connect inflation fittings to
the Super Mini-Lifting Bag
with the 5 m, yellow inflation
hose.
To inflate the Super MiniLifting Bag, slowly open the
valve on the compressedair cylinder by turning anticlockwise.
Keep an eye on the manometer and load at all times.
Once the desired lifting
height or maximum
working pressure of 8 bar
(116 psi) is reached, close
the cylinder valve by turning
clockwise.
To deflate the Super MiniLifting Bags and/or lower
the load, open the discharge device on the head
of the safety valve by
turning anti-clockwise.
Warning
If two Super Mini –
Lifting Bags have
to be inflated
simultaneously via
the inflation
distributor in an
emergency, make
sure that both
bags behave as
one during lifting,
lowering or
deflation of the
bags.
23
Page 7
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Vetter Super Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Version with foot pump
The foot pump included
with the bags is fitted with a
safety valve and manometer as well as a 2 m
(6.6 ft) inflation hose with
Vetter safety couplings in
the works.
The foot pump can be used
either directly or with the
5 m (16.4 ft), yellow inflation
hose.
In higher pressure ranges
the actuating force at the
foot pump can be reduced
by opening the vent screw
on the second cylinder. This
halves the force needed,
though it also halves the
delivery of the pump.
Operation with other
compressed-air
sources
Vetter adaptor sets are
available for other compressed-air sources.
•Compressed-air mains
(15)
•Truck tyre inflator (16)
Warning
Tyre inflation
connector must be
protected by a
safety valve.
•Truck air brake systems
(17)
Warning
Seal off control
line with the
dummy coupling
(18). Secure truck
with wheel blocks.
1718
19
15
16
2021
22
23
•Truck tyre valve (19).
For inflation with a
normal hand or foot
pump
•Truck tyre valve connector (20). To take air
from the spare tyre.
•Building site compressor (21)
•Hand (22) or foot (23)
pump with manometer
2 m air supply hose for
direct connection to the
controller.
24
Page 8
Reducing adaptors and air
pumps are available from
manufacturers.
If the maximum pressure
from the compressed-air
supply exceeds 10 bar
(146 psi) a pressure
reducer must be used and
the pressure reduced to 10
bar (146 psi).
Practical tips
Examples of safe and
efficient uses of the
Vetter Mini Lifting Bag 8
bar (116 psi) and Super
Mini-Lifting Bag 8 bar
(116 psi).
•The space between the
bag and the load to be
lifted should be reduced
wherever possible with
a suitable substructure
so that no lifting power
and lifting height is lost.
A substructure can, for
example, be made
using beams, though
the surface should be at
least as large as the
bag.
•Mini-Lifting Bags should
be positioned completely or at least with
75% of their surface are
beneath the load to be
lifted to ensure maximum possible contact
between the bag and
load and to prevent the
bag from slipping.
•First inflate the lower
bag as a foundation,
then carefully inflate the
upper bag. Never start
inflating the upper
bag before the lower
bag is fully inflated.
Lower in reverse order:
first deflate the upper
bag then the lower bag.
Never deflate the
lower bag first or at
the same time as the
upper bag.
•Try to avoid using the
Mini-Lifting Bags on
thin, unreinforced metal
surfaces. These could
buckle during inflation of
the bag since 8 bar
(116 psi) working
pressure corresponds
to a pressure of 8 kg
per cm2 (17.6 lbs per
sq.ft) on the base and
the load.
Lifting circular loads:
•Position two bags,
preferably of the same
size, on the sides of the
load and slowly inflate.
Warning
The bags may slip
out from beneath
the load if this has
a small diameter
and thus a steep
angle of incidence.
Changing wheels:
•Place bag in front of the
flat tyre, drive wheel
onto the centre of the
bag. Secure vehicle
against rolling away.
Insert prop under axle
after raising, though
never work under a
raised load, use rods if
necessary.
Lifting rail vehicles:
•Insert bag below load,
enlarge contact area if
necessary (e.g. on the
axles). Secure load
against slipping . Slowly
inflate bag.
Forcing window bars
apart:
•To rescue trapped
persons or to help the
fire brigade gain
entrance to fight fires.
Insert bags between
bars or between the
bars and the wall and
slowly inflate.
25
Page 9
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Vetter Super Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Warning
Risk of injuries
from broken metal
parts and stones.
The force of the
bags may break
the rods or tear the
rod anchors out of
the wall.
Opening jammed lift
doors:
•Push the doors apart by
approx. 3 cm (1.18 in.)
using a crowbar and
insert the bag in the
gap, then inflate slowly.
Warning
The doors may
spring open
suddenly.
Maintenance and
servicing
Check that the Mini-Lifting
Bags and accessories are
complete and in correct
working order after every
use or longer periods of
storage. Carry out visual
and functional inspections.
A detailed checklist for
visual and functional
checks is available from
Manfred Vetter GmbH &
Comp. on request.
Mini-Lifting Bags can be
cleaned with soap and
warm water. The lifting bags
should then be dried at
room temperature.
Hydrocarbons may not be
used for cleaning.
Carefully inflate Mini-Lifting
Bags after use or after
longer periods of storage
starting with 0.5 bar (7.25
psi) and check for damages. If no damages are
found, e.g. punctures or
cracks, increase the
pressure to a maximum of
4 bar (58.39 psi).
If punctures or cracks
appear which expose the
steelcord or kevlar the bags
are no longer suitable for
use. They cannot be
repaired for safety reasons.
Damages to the bag’s
nipple
If the nipple is damaged it
can be replaced.
Heat the area around the
nipple with a hair dryer to
loosen the adhesive.
Unscrew the nipple by
applying a slight pressure
whilst holding the thread
tight in suitable spanners.
Life span
Mini-Lifting Bags are rubber
products and are thus
subject to natural aging
processes. Even if the bags
show no visible signs of
wear or damage they
should be replaced after 10
years since invisible ageing
processes may have taken
place in the composite
material.
If bags which are older than
10 years old are nevertheless used, the tester
decides on whether shorter
maintenance intervals are
necessary. A pressure test
every 2 years is
recommended.
26
Page 10
Troubleshooting
Recurrent tests
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags
have no moving parts
which can wear or have to
be serviced.
Despite the greatest of care
and quality control measures faults can occur during
deflation of the bags.
Bag nipple iced over
Ice may form in the bag’s
nipple at temperatures
below zero or in cold, moist
air.
If this occurs use normal
antifreeze spray or warm
the nipple in your hands.
Foreign bodies in bag
nipple
Use a blunt wire to clean
the nipple.
Hoses and controllers
should only be serviced by
authorised dealers or the
manufacturer whenever
necessary.
See following pages for
tables.
The operator is responsible
for the correct performance
of the recurrent tests in
accordance with the
Pressure Vessel Legislation. The TÜV authorities
(TÜV Rheinland) are
familiar with the special test
requirements since they
frequently carry out these
tests. The statutory tests by
TÜV safety experts are
performed a number of
times during the year on
the premises of Manfred
Vetter GmbH.
The Mini-Lifting Bags can
be economically tested in
collective tests.
The test pressure for
recurrent pressure tests
using water is 1.3 times the
permissible working
pressure.
27
Page 11
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Vetter Super Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Table of recurrent tests
TimeType of test
Interval
Before initialAcceptance inspectionSafety expert oryesDruckbehV § 9,5
commissioning Within the scope ofworkstester
type certification
After every use Visual and functionalQualified testernot necessaryManufacturer’s
though at least inspectionrecommendation
once a year
Every 2 yearsVisual and functionalQualified testeryesDruckbehV § 10
inspection
Every 5 yearsinternal test of types:Safety expertyesDruckbehV § 10
V24, V31, V40, V54, V68
internal test of types:Qualified testeryesDruckbehV § 10
V1, V3, V6, V10, V12,
V18, V24L
Every 10 years Pressure test of types:Safety expertyesDruckbehV § 10
V24, V31, V40, V54, V68
1
TesterDocumentationBasis
Pressure test of types:Qualified testeryesDruckbehV § 10
V1, V3, V6, V10, V12,
V18, V24L
After majorTest on specialSafety expert oryesDruckbehV § 11
repairs or ifoccasionsqualified tester
safety in doubt
1
Proof of testing according to VBG8
28
Page 12
Technical data with steelcord reinforcement (European versions)
kg9,60012,00017,70024,00024,000
Lifting height, max.cm 20.320.027.030.620.1
Sizecm 37 x 3732 x 5247 x 5252 x 6231 x 102
Insertion heightcm 2.52.52.52.52.5
Nominal contentlitre 9.210.721.732.923.5
Air requirement at 8 bar litre 82.896.3195.3296.1211.5
Working pressure max. bar 88888
Test pressurebar 1616161616
Bursting pressurebar 48.371.354.76574.3
Inflation timesec. 3.84.89.013.89.9
Weightkg5.06.08.512.011.5
kg31,40039,60054,40067,700
Lifting height, max.cm 37.040.247.852.0
Sizecm 65 x 6978 x 6986 x 8695 x 95
Insertion heightcm 2.52.52.52.5
Nominal contentlitre 57.575.0124.2161.9
Air requirement at 8 bar litre 517.5675.01,117.81,457.1
Working pressure max. bar 8888
Test pressurebar 16161616
Bursting pressurebar 44.035.035.534.7
Inflation timesec. 23.731.151.966.3
Weightkg17.020.025.538.5
29
Page 13
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Vetter Super Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Technical data with aramide reinforcement (European versions)
kg1.0003,2906,3609,60012,000
Lifting height, max.cm 7.512.016.520.320.0
Sizecm 14 x 1325.5 x 2030.5 x 30.537 x 3732 x 52
Insertion heightcm 2.52.52.52.52.5
Nominal contentlitre 0.31.754.49.210.7
Air requirement at 8 bar litre 2.715.839.682.996.3
Working pressure max. bar 88888
Test pressurebar 1212121212
Bursting pressurebar 56.349.938.773.073.0
Inflation timesec. 0.51.01.43.84.8
Weightkg0.441.11.953.254.0
kg39,60054,40067,700
Lifting height, max.cm 40.247.852.0
Sizecm 78 x 6986 x 8695 x 95
Insertion heightcm 2.52.52.5
Nominal contentlitre 75.0124.2161.9
Air requirement at 8 bar litre 675.01,117.81,457.1
Working pressure max. bar 888
Test pressurebar 121212
Bursting pressurebar 38.036.032.5
Inflation timesec. 31.151.966.3
Weightkg11.217.021.9
kg17,70024,00024,00031,400
Lifting height, max.cm 27.030.620.137.0
Sizecm 47 x 5252 x 6231 x 10265 x 69
Insertion heightcm 2.52.52.52.5
Nominal contentlitre 21.732.923.557.5
Air requirement at 8 bar litre 195.3296.1211.5517.5
Working pressure max. bar 8888
Test pressurebar 12121212
Bursting pressurebar 62.555.573.038.0
Inflation timesec. 9.013.89.923.7
Weightkg5.87.37.89.1
Lifting power - load path diagram
Lifting power - load path diagram 10kN = 1t
Insertion height
31
Page 15
Vetter Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
Vetter Super Mini-Lifting Bags 8 bar (116 psi)
EC Declaration of Conformity in the intendment of
EC Machine Directive 89/392/EEC
We,
Manfred Vetter GmbH & Comp.
Blatzheimer Straße 10-12
D-53909 Zülpich
tons 10.5813.219.5126.4626.46
Lifting height, max.in.87.910.6127.9
Sizein.15 x 1515 x 2019 x 2020 x 2412 x 40
Insertion heightin.1.01.01.01.01.0
Nominal contentcu.ft. 0.30.40.71.20.8
Air requirement at 8 bar cu.ft. 2.93.46.910.47.5
Working pressure max. psi116116116116116
Test pressure
tons 34.6143.6559.9774.69
Lifting height, max.in.14.615.818.820.5
Sizein.25 x 2731 x 2734 x 3437 x 37
Insertion heightin.1.01.01.01.0
Nominal contentcu.ft. 2.02.64.35.7
Air requirement at 8 bar cu.ft. 1823.639.551.4
Working pressure max. psi116116116116
Test pressure
Bursting pressure
Lifting height, max.in.3.04.76.587.9
Sizecm14 x 1325.5 x 2030.5 x 30,537 x 3732 x 52
Insertion heightin.1.01.01.01.01.0
Nominal contentcu.ft. 0.010.060.160.30.4
Air requirement at 8 bar cu.ft. 0.10.561.42.93.4
Working pressure max. psi116116116116116
Test pressure
Bursting pressure
Inflation timesec. 0.51.01.43.84.8
Weightlbs12.44.37.09
TypeVSK43VSK59VSK74
Art.-No.131 47 000131 48 000131 49 000
Lifting capacity max.US
Lifting height, max.in.15.818.820.5
Sizecm78 x 6986 x 8695 x 95
Insertion heightin.1.01.01.0
Nominal contentcu.ft. 2.64.35.7
Air requirement at 8 bar cu.ft 23.639.551.4
Working pressure max. psi116116116
Test pressure
Bursting pressure
Inflation timesec. 31.151.966.3
Weightlbs253848
1
Assessed in free, unrestrained
34
1
1
tons 1.13.637.0110.5813.2
psi174174174174174
1
psi8167245601,0581,058
tons 43.6559.9774.63
psi174174174
1
psi551552471
Page 18
TypeVSK19VSK26VSK26LVSK34
Art.-No.131 43 000131 44 000131 45 000131 46 000
Lifting height, max.US
tons 19.5126.4626.4634.61
Lifting height, max.in.10.61211.914.6
Sizecm47 x 5252 x 6231 x 10265 x 69
Insertion heightin.1.01.01.01.0
Nominal contentcu.ft. 0.71.20.82.0
Air requirement at 8 bar cu.ft 6.910.47.518
Working pressure max. psi116116116116
Test pressure
Bursting pressure