Common Types of Pneumatic Vibrators
Processing, packaging and supplying grains or flour requires the right equipment, the most important of which is a silo. The structures allow large-scale producers and depots to process grains and flour faster since movement into packages or trucks relies on gravitational force. However, movement can stop along a silo due to caking or clumping. When it happens, a silo or the material under storage must be agitated to allow smooth flow. Notably, pneumatic vibrators are excellent at breaking cakes and clumps in silos. That said, pneumatic vibrators come in different models, and understanding the types helps farmers and depots buy the right equipment for silos.
Pneumatic Roller Vibrator — It is a box-like device with an enclosed roller on the inside. When activated, the roller performs an epicyclic movement to produce vibrations. One advantage a pneumatic roller vibrator has over other models is its multidirectional vibrations. It means that the vibrating roller can agitate clumps or cakes in different directions around the same location. Since pneumatic vibrators rely on compressed air to generate vibrations, you need an adequate air supply from a powerful compressor. However, roller vibrators can produce high-frequency vibrations with minimal compressed air. Therefore, you do not have to worry about investing in a big compressor to agitate particulate material.
Pneumatic Piston Vibrator — The efficient yet simple pneumatic vibrator model has a tube-like design and features a knocker (usually a ball bearing) in durable housing. Unlike roller vibrators, piston vibrators send linear vibrations towards the wall of a silo or a hopper. The shock wave generated by a piston vibrator pushes the material off the surface of a silo, breaking bridges and rats. Notably, you can buy pneumatic piston vibrators in three unique operations; impacting, air-cushioned and time impact. Most industrial plants prefer air-cushioned operation because it is the most silent of the three. On the other hand, impacting units deliver high-energy force, making them the most effective of all piston vibrators. Similarly, piston vibrators are suited for materials that do not respond well to roller vibrators.
Pneumatic Turbine Vibrators — For indoor silos and hoppers, your go-to vibrator should produce as little noise as possible. Pneumatic turbine vibrators are arguably the quietest in the market. It can be attributed to the model's design, which features an unbalanced turbine wheel rotating inside the housing. As the turbine spins, it applies centrifugal force to the casing, resulting in vibrations. Just like roller vibrators, turbine vibrators use minimal compressed air, ensuring that long-term cost stays low. Most importantly, turbine vibrators are equipped with an optional speed muffler, allowing operators to adjust vibrations' amplitude and frequency.
