Pneumatic Piston Industrial Vibrators and Their Benefits

Pneumatic piston industrial vibrators may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about manufacturing or construction, but they play a vital role in many industries. These powerful devices are designed to generate vibration that enable and promote bulk material flow out of storage vessels used in many different industrial applications. Wm. Neundorfer & Co. has used pneumatic industrial vibrators from our partners at NAVCO, to solve bulk material flow issues for our customers in Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Western New York since our inception in 1959. In this article, we will delve into what pneumatic industrial vibrators are, how they work, where they are used and the benefits they offer.

What is a Pneumatic Piston Industrial Vibrator?

A Pneumatic vibrator uses compressed air to generate a vibrational force and imparts that force through the storage container they are installed on and into the bulk material within. These devices are known for their reliability and durability and come in a wide range of sizes. This makes them ideal for solving material flow issues in light- duty applications in the plastics industry up to heavy-duty applications in the aggregate industry.

How do Pneumatic Piston Industrial Vibrators Work?

Pneumatic industrial vibrators work by using compressed air to move a piston back and forth within the vibrator. The stroke of the piston within the vibrator creates the vibrational force that is then passed through the vibrators housing and into the storage vessel and bulk material.

Types of Vibrators

While pneumatic piston industrial vibrators are available in a wide range of sizes, they are categorized into three different types based their operating characteristics.

Repetitive Impact Vibrators

The repetitive impact vibrators are designed to maximize material flow by utilizing a high-energy impulse. With each stroke of the vibrator the internal piston strikes the base of the unit transferring the maximum amount of linear force. Depending on the size, this impacting method is the most effective in eliminating difficult flow problems.

Single Impact Vibrators

Single impact vibrator proved a single high energy impulse triggered by a timer, button, or other controlling device. They excel at helping fine and light materials move and at addressing problem areas of a container that need just a little extra encouragement to get material flowing.

Silent Vibrators

Also known as air cushioned, quiet, or sinusoidal, the silent vibrator traps a pocket of air between the piston and base eliminating the physical impact between the two. This allows the vibrator run at a lower noise level when compared to the two other vibrator types. There is a trade off in the reduced noise level as a larger sized unit may be needed to produce the same amount of linear force.

Benefits of Industrial Vibrators

Improved Productivity

Faster Processing Times: Vibrators expedite material handling, leading to quicker production cycles.

Reduced Labor Requirements: Automated systems with vibrators can minimize the need for manual intervention.

Efficient Flow of Bulk Materials: Vibrators help ensure a consistent flow of materials in chutes, hoppers, silos and other storage vessels for downstream equipment and processes.

Prevention of Material Blockages: By keeping materials in motion, industrial vibrators prevent the formation of bridges and rat holes in storage containers.

Equipment Maintenance and Longevity

Reduced Wear and Tear: A common solution to material flow issues in vessels is to beat on them with a hammer. This can lead to deformations in the vessel which in turn leads to more material flow issues. Vibrators can reduce the wear and tear on equipment by preventing the need to hammer the storage vessels.

Lower Maintenance Costs: With smoother operations, machinery requires less frequent maintenance and repairs.

Safety and Ergonomics

Reduced Worker Strain: Vibrators handle heavy lifting and material flow, reducing the physical strain on workers. They no longer need to swing hammers to promote material flow.

Minimized Risk of Injuries: By preventing blockages and jams, vibrators help maintain a safer work environment. Workers no longer need to repetitively swing sledge hammers to maintain flow, greatly reducing the risk of potential injury.

Where are Pneumatic Piston Industrial Vibrators Used?

Industrial vibrators find applications in a wide range of industries:

• Construction Industry
• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Recycling
• Aggregate and Mining
• Food and Pharmaceutical
• Packaging and Filling

Industrial vibrators are indispensable tools across a multitude of industries. Their ability to enhance material handling, improve productivity, extend equipment life, and enhance safety makes them a valuable tool.