Vibrators

Standard pneumatic or electric vibrators are still the easiest option to help material flow from bins. They are easily fitted, needing only a channel or plate welded to the outside of the bin, with no cutting of the bin wall or requirement for any work in a confined space. In many cases this can be done with product in the bin, so that production is not interrupted. Regular-shaped circular or square hoppers usually only need one unit, giving savings in installation costs and in the cost of air, in the case of pneumatic models.

Since all the parts are outside the bin, nothing is added to the product as is the case with devices which use air inside the bin as a flow aid. This is especially important when dealing with food or hygroscopic materials.

The old-style pneumatic ball and roller models are still available but turbine units are quieter and more air efficient. These air-driven turbines are drilled and weighted so that they are inherently out of balance. This turbine is held in bearings, one at each end of the shaft for better stability, which eliminates the metal-to-metal noise of the ball or roller running round the inside of a race. They can generate higher frequency and more force for a given footprint. They also operate without the need for lubricated air, although a filter is still advisable, and a pressure control will allow the frequency and force to be adjusted.