How to Get Best Performance from Pneumatic Vibrators
TIP #1: Mount Your Vibrators Correctly
Sounds simple, right? You’d be surprised at how many times we come across vibrators that are improperly installed. Make sure that you get it right the first time so that you can get the best performance and longest life out of your Uflow Pneumatic Vibrators. We include easy-to-follow, detailed instructions with every vibrator. But if you need more help or you just want to be sure, just send us a photo! We’ll be happy to mark up your photo so you can see exactly how your Uflow Vibrator should be installed on your equipment.
One of the ways you can ensure a good mount is to select the correct mounting plate and channel for your bin. Here is a useful section from our Turbine Vibrators installation guide See All Uflow Installation and Service Manuals
TIP #2: Make Sure That Your Air Line is in Good Shape and the Right Size
Kinks, holes and leaks in your air line can easily degrade the performance of your pneumatic vibration equipment, causing it to run and then stop unexpectedly. Vibrator performance can be degraded if your air line is split between units (“T” junction) or used to run multiple vibrators. Best practice is to run separate, correctly-sized lines for each unit in operation and to perform periodic checks for kinks, leaks and holes.
TIP #3: Use Correct Air Pressure (PSI) and Air Flow (CFM)
Insufficient or too high air pressure flow can cause unit failures. So if you’re serious about getting great vibrator performance, then an air pressure gauge is your best friend. Uflow Pneumatic Vibrators typically run on 60-80 PSI… so make sure that’s what you are giving them! Some of our vibrators can run on as low as 40 PSI or as much as 120 PSI, if those are your requirements. Just ask a Uflow tech for help recommending the right vibrator.
Vibrator CFM requirements vary by vibrator model and size, but are clearly marked on the vibrator housing or on the shipping box. If you have any questions, just call us. We have the information readily available to share with you.
TIP #4: Check Your Vibrator Mounting Fixtures Periodically
Most Uflow Pneumatic Vibrators are virtually maintenance-free, but as with any mechanical equipment, you should periodically check to make sure all’s well. Mounting bolts, welds, plumbing connections and other hardware can fatigue over time, so you want to discover the issue BEFORE you have a problem. And ALWAYS make sure to check that your safety cable is securely fastened to the bin, hopper or other structure.
TIP #5: Make Sure That Your Ball, Roller or Piston Vibrators are Properly Lubricated
Unless you’re using a Uflow Silent Turbine Vibrator, then chances are you may need to lubricate your vibrator. Ball vibrators, piston vibrators, roller vibrators and high-frequency vibrators all require lubricated air. Too much distance between the lubricator and vibration equipment can cause too little or no lubrication to reach the unit – your lubricator should be no more than 5 feet away from the unit. For best results, Uflow recommends using air tool oil. You may also use SAE 10 or lighter machine tool oil, Marvel Mystery oil, or automatic transmission oil