VIBCO Vibrator Installation Guide
VIBCO Vibrator Installation Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HOW IT WORKS
VIBCO turbine air vibrators are designed to keep noise pollution at a minimum. Compressed air
turns a specially designed turbine wheel that channels the air through the unit at frequencies well
above the human hearing range, making it virtually silent. Turbine vibrators average a whisper
quiet 72 dB. The BBS, BVS, MLT and MLTSS models should use a muffler to remove exhaust
air hiss. The VS model has a built-in muffler.
General Features
VIBCO turbine air vibrators operate in any position and are not adversely affected by dust, dirt
or wetness. Speed can be adjusted by varying the air supply pressure. The only moving part is
pre-lubricated for life and never needs oil, even for continuous duty.
NOTE:
On BVS, BBS,
MLT & MHI
models, the smaller
INNER port is the air
inlet and the larger
INNER port is the
exhaust.
• Metric Threads
• Special Coatings:
• High gloss dairy white industrial enamel
• Anodized or unpainted aluminum
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
If you have any questions consult the Mounting Instruction section of this manual or call
VIBCO’s Technical Support at (800) 633-0032.
Mounting Plate
For force up to 100 lbs. use a 1/4 in. thick plate, 100 to 500 lbs. use a 3/8 in. to 1/2 in. thick plate and over
500 lbs. use a 1/2 in. thick plate.(See Table). CORRECT MOUNTING PLATES
LBS. OF FORCE PLATE THICKNESS
up to 100 lbs. 1/4" plate
100 to 500 lbs. 3/8" to 1/2" plate
Mounting Channel over 500 lbs. 1/2" plate
Never place the vibrator directly onto the skin of the bin. It should be mounted to either a plate or a piece
of channel iron that has been welded to the bin. The proper mounting method is to use either 3 in. or 4
in. channel iron. This will help to stiffen the structure to be vibrated as well as spread the vibration over a
larger surface, increasing the overall efficiency and diminishing the possibilities of fatigue cracks in the bin
material.
The length of the channel iron is determined by the thickness of the bin plate. For vibrators with a force up
to 500 lbs. and a bin plate under 3/16” the 4 in. channel iron should extend 18 to 36 inches on both sides
of the vibrator. For smaller vibrators with a force of up to 100 lbs. and a bin thickness of 3/16 in. to 1/4 in.
the length of the 3 in. channel iron should extend 3 to 4 inches on both sides of the vibrator. For vibrators
with a force between 100 and 500 lbs. and a bin thickness of 3/8 in. to 1/2 in. the length of the 3 in. or 4
in.channel iron should extend 6 to 8 inches on both sides of the vibrator. (See Table).
1 2 3a 3b 4 5
NOTE: for a list of alternate and special application brackets, see pg. 35 of the VIBCO General Catalog.
Placement
For coarse materials the vibrator should be mounted approximately 1/3 of the distance from
the discharge opening to the top of the sloped portion of the bin. For fine grain materials place
the vibrator approximately 1/4 of the same distance (see different mounting suggestions on the
following pages).
L L
1/3
1/2
L
One Vibrator For A Double Bin
1/3 L
Screw Conveyors
Feeds from back. Vibrator should be placed
1/3 from the back. If 2 vibrators are used,
place 2nd one directly opposite 1/3 from the
front. Do not operate front vibrator until bin
is empty in back and the back vibrator has
turned off. For more details consult Vibco.
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Heat Mounts for Insulated Bins Containing High Temperature Materials
When materials in the bin have a temperature over 150oF, it is advisable to use a “heat” mount to prevent excessive
heat from reaching the vibrator causing overload or bearing failure. Also ask for “high” temperature grease in
vibrator bearing. Consult VIBCO for vibrator size.
Mount steel plate on inside of bin so that the Use steel plate on inside and bolt to outside
vibrator sits 1/3 up bin side. Isolate the plate from
the concrete by using vibration shock absorbers.
mounting channel.
Consult VIBCO for detailed drawings.
In order to successfully move material in a chute, the “angle of repose” of the material has to be
known. It can be found in most handbooks or can easily be measured by pouring a cup of the
material on a table. The angle between the table and the cone the material makes is the “angle
of repose”. To move the material in the chute, it should be inclined no less than 1/2 of the “angle
of repose” If this cannot be obtained, a feeder is necessary to move the material. (A) Chutes
up to 6 ft. are generally handled by one vibrator mounted approximately 1/3 from the discharge.
(B) On chutes over 6 ft. long, two vibrators are needed, one should be placed 18/-24” from the
discharge. The other approximately in the middle. Since chutes are very sensitive to vibration,
provision should be made to move the lower vibrator 6 inches in either direction. This could
mean the difference between moving the material or not moving it. (C) The direction of rotation
of the vibrator shaft should be in the direction of material flow. (D) Force (impact) needed on
vibrator is equal to weight of chute + vibrator + max material in chute. Chutes must have an
inclination of at least 10o for vibrators to be able to move the material. If inclination is less the
chute has to be made into a feeder. Contact VIBCO for selecting the proper size vibrator or ask
for the bulletin covering chutes.
Damage to the bin and the vibrator can occur if not mounted securely.
FIGURE 1
Remember:
Check those
bolts!
BOLT TORQUE
SIZE ft-lbs
1/4" 13
5/16" 25
3/8" 48
1/2" 115
5/8" 145
FIGURE 2 3/4" 260
To Gate
To Control
Switch
Timer DO NOT LUBRICATE!
Air Filter
It is recommended that you use an air filter in the line. Clean air will prolong the life of any
pneumatic vibrator. Dirty or moist air will harm the unit and impair it from operating at maximum
efficiency and lowest air consumption.
The operating pressure of the vibrator should not exceed 80 psi and should be no lower than
60 psi unless specially contructed by VIBCO. Max air pressure for BVS-60, VS, BBS and FBS-
100 should be 60 psi (Figure 3).
Maximum Temperature
The operating temperature of the vibrator should not exceed 200oF (93oC). High temperature
units are available (Figure 4).
200o 93o
Safe Operation
Not Recommended
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4
It is not necessary to operate the vibrator at its maximum capacity to obtain maximum performance.
Air regulators, timers, etc. should be used to tune the vibrator for optimum performance and
ensure longer life.
For bulk material bin applications, the vibrator should be used to reduce the material friction and
increase flow, not as a feeder. Once the friction of the particles is reduced, gravity flow takes
over and the vibrator should then be turned off for several reasons:
Economy. Most vibrators are run 60% to 80% longer than they should. Short bursts of vibration
are usually more effective than operating continuously. Experience has shown that for most
applications, short bursts of 10 to 30 seconds for every 1 to 5 minutes of discharge are more
effective and efficient.
Life of the Unit. The life of the vibrator will be determined by the length of operation and the
cleanliness of the air supply.
Guaranteed Success of the Application. The vibrator can only furnish material to the
discharge area. If more is furnished than conveyed, the remaining material will pack inside the
bin. We suggest the vibrators only run when the bin gates or doors are open, or when material
flow is needed.
Maintenance
VIBCO turbine vibrators function without maintenance. They require no lubrication in the air line.
It is advisable to put an air-cleaner in the line to prevent dust and dirt from going through the unit
and clogging the muffler. All models are easily repairable. Remove both nuts, press the shaft
out of the bearings and turbine. Use Andok C or Unirex N2 (by Exxon) or equal type of grease.
When reassembling be sure the turbine wheel is put back so that the incoming air will hit the
pocket of the tooth, not the back of the tooth.
If required, all models are easily repairable. The ball bearings can easily be changed by any maintenance mechanic
by removing the two end covers and pressing out the damaged bearings from the turbine wheel. Remove both nuts,
press the shaft out of the bearings and turbine. Note: Use Andok C or Unirex N2 (by Exxon) or equal type of grease.
When reassembling be sure the turbine wheel is put back so that the incoming air will hit the pocket of the tooth, not
the back of the tooth.
When new, the turbine vibrator might be slow in starting due to:
A. The bearings being packed with grease. Excess grease will be thrown out of the bearing after a short
operating time.
B. Temperature might be low causing the grease to be stiff. After a short operating time the grease will warm
and begin to loosen.
C. Bearing seals are stiff when new or cold. A brief run time will wear them in.
The improper welding of bin stiffeners, to which the vibrator is attached, often results in fatigue cracks in the bin.
This can be preventd by properly welding stiffeners to the bin side. A stiffener should be stitch welded to the bin leav-
ing 3 to 4 inches between welds. STOP WELDS 1 IN. FROM THE ENDS OF THE STIFFENER. This will prevent
fatigue cracks that occur due to crystalization of the material. This crystalization is caused by the heat concentration
that develops when the ends of the channel iron are welded. To stop the cracks, drill a hole at the end of each crack
and weld on a piece of angle iron as shown above. When welding on the angle iron STOP WELDS 1 IN. FROM
THE ENDS.
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BBS and FBS Technical Data
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A C** L W H D E F G I* J*
Model Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inch mm Inlet Outlet
MLTSS/MHISS-130 2 3/4 70 1/4 6 3 1/2 89 1 7/8 48 2 3/8 64 1 25 1/2 13 1 3/16 29 1 7/16 37 1/8-NPT 1/4-NPT
MLTSS/MHISS-190 3 1/2 89 3/8 10 4 1/2 114 3 3/8 86 3 1/2 81 1 13/16 46 5/8 16 1 3/4 38 1 15/16 49 1/4-NPT 3/8-NPT
MLTSS/MHISS-320 5 127 1/2 13 6 152 4 102 4 1/4 108 2 51 13/16 21 2 1/8 52 2 13/16 71 3/8-NPT 1/2-NPT
* NPT Pipe Tap Size * *Bolt Size
BVS
VS
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MLTSS, MLT & MHI, MHISS
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MLT/ MHI
PART NO
ITEM QTY DESCRIPTION
MLT-130 MLT-190 MLT-250 MLT-320
1 1 5/16-18LN-SS 3/8-16LN-SS 7/16-14LN-SS 7/16-14LN-SS LOCK NUT STAINLESS STEEL
2 1 130BBS04-1 190MLT04 250MLT04 320MLT04 MILLENIUM TURBINE REAMED COVER
3 2 WASH-02 WASH-05 WASH-05 WASH-06 WASHER KIT
4 2 608LLB-C3 6201LLB-C3 6201LLB-C3 6302LLB-C3 BEARING
5 1 130BBS03-1 190BVS17 250BVS22 320BVS16 GEAR
6 1 160BBS12-2 190BVS16-1 250BVS21-1 320BVS15-1 SHAFT MLT STAINLESS STEEL
7 1 130BVS02 190MLT03 250MLT03 320MLT02 HOUSING
8 1 130BBS04-2 190MLT05 250MLT05 320MLT05 MILLENIUM TURBINE COVER
9 1 5/16-18LN-SS 3/8-16LN-SS 7/16-14LN-SS 1/2-13LN-SS LOCK NUT, STAINLESS STEEL
MLTSS / MHISS
PART NO
ITEM QTY DESCRIPTION
MLTSS-130 MLTSS-190 MLTSS-320
1 1 5/16-18LN-SS 3/8-16LN-SS 7/16-14LN-SS LOCK NUT STAINLESS STEEL
2 1 130SS04 190SS04 302SS04 COVER STAINLESS STEEL
3 2 WASH-02 WASH-05 WASH-06 WASHER KIT
4 2 608LLB-C3 6201LLB-C3 6302LLB-C3 BEARING
5 1 130BBS03-1 190BVS17 320BVS16 GEAR
6 1 160BBS12-2SS 190BVS16-1 320BVS15-1 SHAFT MLT STAINLESS STEEL
7 1 130SS03 190SS03 320SS03 HOUSING STAINLESS STEEL
8 1 130SS05 190SS05 320SS05 COVER TAPPED STAINLESS STEEL
9 1 5/16-18LN-SS 3/8-16LN-SS 1/2-13LN-SS LOCK NUT, STAINLESS STEEL
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Warranty and General Information
Warranty
All warranty claims must be submitted to VIBCO for approval prior to any repairs being done.
Failure to do so will void any and all warranty coverage.
Returning Parts
Parts should not be returned to VIBCO without prior autorization. Call VIBCO cutomer service
department at 1-800-633-0032 (1-800-465-9709 in Canada) for a Return Goods Autorization
(RGA) number. A return autorization will be faxed to you. Return shipping must be prepaid.
prepaid
Material returned may be subject to a 10% rehandling charge. All returned shipments should
clearly display your name and address. In order to assure proper credit our invoice number,
against which parts were returned, must be supplied.
Orders for equipment built to specifications which vary from VIBCO’s standard units are not
subject to cancellation.
Responsibility
VIBCO cannot be responsible for delays due to strikes, accidents, negligence of carriers or other
causes beyond our control.
Freight Claims
Should you receive a shipment from VIBCO which was damaged in transit, your claim is to be
filed immediately with the carrier. All parts sold by VIBCO are on the basis of F.O.B. Wyoming,
Rhode Island.
Product Changes
The right is reserved by VIBCO to make changes in pattern, design or materials when deemed
necessary without prior notice or obligation to make corresponding changes in previous
models.
Price Changes
Prices are subject to change without notice.