Company: Martin Vibration Systems & Solutions

Website: www.shake-it.com

Equipment Snapshot: Martin Engineering has introduced a series of food-grade pneumatic vibrators that enhance movement of moist, powdered, granular or pelleted material through small hoppers, bins, and tubes. The Bantam Series by Martin Vibration Systems & Solutions (MVSS) offers powerful vibration and versatility in a small package. The low-noise, linear units are washdown-safe and are purpose built for sanitary applications. They are engineered to endure continuous use, even at high and low ambient temperatures (32°-140°F). Operating lubrication free with a low air consumption results in consistent bulk material flow with less downtime, at a lower cost of operation.

“Processing and packaging operations in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical or plastics industries can have narrow choke points, leading to reduced throughput and production stoppages,” said Michael Holland, product group leader at MVS. “The Bantam Series designs are small and durable, packing a surprising amount of power that helps move material efficiently without damaging the vessel.”

With three options in the series—the NTS 80, the NTP 18 and the NTK 8AL HA—the new models serve a wide range of applications. Sealed in a sturdy PTFE clad aluminum alloy housing, the units attach to the facility’s existing compressed air network using an 1/8 NPT nickel-plated adapter fitting. The frequency can be adjusted by varying the pressure of the air supply and the amplitude by throttling the exhaust (NTK 8AL HA).

Approximately 5/8” in diameter and 2” tall, the NTS 80 non-impacting linear vibrator was designed for applications with delicate construction and space constraints. Suitable for overcoming static friction and removing dry material build-ups, these vibrators are particularly effective on vessels with narrow discharge apertures and small volumetric capacity. With a compressed air input of 30 PSI (2 BAR), the unit puts out a centrifugal force of 3.3 lbs, with a nominal frequency of 6,360 VPM, while consuming only 0.7 ft³/min (20 l/min ).

The NTP 18 is roughly the size of a pill bottle, but is engineered to produce enough power to eliminate ratholes and bridges. With an input of 30 PSI (2 BAR), the design puts out 33.1 lbs of centrifugal force, with a nominal frequency of 6600 VPM, using just 0.4 ft³/min (12 l/min).

Like the other two Bantam series models, the NTK 8AL HA features the instant on/instant off design, providing the exact vibration required while keeping energy use and noise to a minimum. The long rod-shaped NTK 8AL HA is 7/8″ in diameter and 6″ tall. At an input of 30 PSI (2 BAR), the centrifugal force created is 3.5 lbs, with a nominal frequency of 1,858 VPM, while consuming 0.2 ft³/min (6 l/min).

“In the past, many manufacturers have experienced issues with mounting small vibrators on tube or cone-shaped devices that are not designed for vibration attachments,” Holland explained. “In these cases, operators have had to fabricate and weld mounting assemblies. The result of a fabricated solution is increased noise and inefficient performance, often with welding that could eventually weaken vessel walls and possibly cause wear on the entire apparatus.”

To mount the Bantam Series easily, MVSS offers the Martin Stick & Shake Adhesive Mounting System, a revolutionary solution for small bins, hoppers, tubes and chutes. Comprised of two components, the adhesive can be affixed to a wide range of metal or plastic materials. With a stainless-steel mounting plate placed on top of the contoured adhesive, the vibrator can be mounted quickly and easily with no welding. For systems that require the transfer of the vibrator from vessel to vessel, some operators may choose a Vacuum Mount. To operate it, a worker merely connects the compressor line to the vibrator, places it on the surface, turns on the suction valve and activates the unit using the sliding knob.

Working best under 45 PSI (3.1 BAR), the Bantam Series designs are ideal for use with a timer, programmable logic control (PLC) or other automation.  Noise levels of all three vibration units are compliant with indoor industrial workplace standards and are delivered with an attachable muffler to further reduce noise emissions.

“Customers using small vibrators for industrial applications voiced concerns about low output, high energy consumption, insufficient equipment life and poor mounting of other units on the market,” Holland concluded. “With the Bantam Series and the Stick and Shake system, we feel we’ve addressed their concerns and provided a great replacement to the low efficiency and quality issues of older designs and models.”