NAVCO

BIN HOPPER (BH) SERIES

VIBRATOR

National Air Vibrator Company

11929 Brittmoore Park Drive
Houston, TX 77041

Telephone: (800) 231 - 0164

Fax: (832) 467 - 3800
www.navco.us
 Table of Contents

Company Overview

Safety Section 1

Technical Data Section 2

Installation Section 3

Operation & Maintenance Section 4

Lubrication Section 5

Handling Section 6

Troubleshooting Section 7

Storage Section 8

Limited Warranty Section 9

 Company Overview

The National Air Vibrator Company, NAVCO, was founded in 1955 as a

manufacturer of pneumatic piston vibrators used to facilitate flow of bulk
materials out of hoppers, bins, bunkers, and bulk material processing vessels.
Since that time, NAVCO has become a leading expert in material flow solutions.
Our high quality, industrial grade, pneumatic piston vibrator line still remains at
the core of our business today.

At NAVCO, we strive to add value to our customers’ processes using our

thorough knowledge of bulk material characteristics and the application of
vibration technology. Through our network of specialized representatives and
distributors, we are able to maintain close relationships with our customers and
provide customized vibration systems and vibratory equipment solutions.

From our facility in Houston, Texas, we provide engineering, testing,

manufacturing, sales and service capabilities to customers around the globe.
 Safety Section 1

NAVCO Bin Hopper (BH) series vibrators are intended to promote flow of dry
bulk solid materials. BH vibrator models are available in silent (SG0), repetitive
impacting (IG0) and single timed impact (IGT).
TIVE MODE
SG0: vibrator operates by alternately directing air pressure from one end of the
housing to the other through a ported piston. An air cushion is trapped at each
end of the piston stroke, preventing the piston from impacting the housing. The
repetitive linear motion of the piston creates vibration energy. Variable frequency
and amplitude is obtained by regulating the air pressure from 20 to 60 PSI.

IGO: vibrator operates by alternately directing air pressure from one end of the
housing to the other through a ported piston. An air cushion is formed in the top
of the housing but not at the bottom of the housing. This allows the piston to
impact the housing base. Variable frequency and amplitude is obtained by
regulating the air pressure from 20 to 60 PSI.

IGT: vibrator operates by using air pressure to create a single impact of the
piston into the housing base.

Operating BH vibrators at air pressures over 60 PSI can result in

ATTENTION
damage to the vibrator and/or substrate. BH vibrators must have
adequate lubrication at all times. See Section 5 for lubrication
recommendations.
 Safety Section 1

1. Work Safety

The symbol to the left signifies safety instructions which deal with danger
to the health and life of a person.

These instructions must be strictly observed. The guidelines within this document
must be understood prior to operation of the equipment.

General local safety and accident prevention regulations must be observed in

addition to the work safety instructions in this operating manual.

2. Attention

The symbol to the left signifies notes, regulations and guidelines which
ATTENTION
deal with damage to or destruction of the equipment as a result of
improper operation.

3. General Work Safety and Attention Instructions

It must be ensured that every person charged with the installation, operation and
maintenance of the equipment has read and understood this operating manual
prior to commencing work.

If equipment is improperly operated by untrained persons, it may cause grave

injury and damage.

3.1 The BH vibrator is intended exclusively for the application agreed ATTENTION
with the manufacturer.

3.2 The BH vibrator must only be operated in its original condition. ATTENTION

3.3 All maintenance work on the BH vibrator must only be carried out
while the equipment is off. Before starting work, ensure that the
equipment cannot be switched on accidentally or by unauthorized
persons.

3.7 A safety cable or chain must always secure the vibrator to a

supporting structure to prevent injury in case of mounting failure.
 Technical Data Section 2

Dimensions

Model A1 B C D E F G2 H J K3 Wt.
(in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (in.) (lbs)

BH 1.00 1/2 1/2 3-3/4 1-3/4 3-1/2 4-1/2 * 2 1/4 1/4 3

BH 1.25 1/2 3/4 5-5/8 3 4-1/2 6 * 2-1/2 1/4 1/4 8

BH 1.62 5/8 1 7-1/4 3-3/4 7-1/2 9 * 3-1/4 1/4 1/4 18

BH 2.00 5/8 1 7-1/4 3-3/4 7-1/2 9 * 3-1/4 1/4 1/4 20
BH 3.00 7/8 1-1/8 9-1/2 5 7-3/4 10-1/2 3-1/4 5 3/8 3/8 50
BH 3.L0 7/8 1-1/2 12 6-1/4 7-3/4 10-1/2 3-1/4 5 3/8 3/8 64

BH 4.00 1 1-1/4 11-3/4 5-7/8 12 14-1/2 4 6-1/2 1/2 1/2 105

BH 5.00 1 2 16-1/2 8-1/2 12 14-1/2 4 7-1/4 1/2 1/2 180

BH 6.00 1-1/2 2 19-1/2 9-7/8 11 14-1/2 7 10-1/8 1/2 1/2 350

BH 8.00 2 2-1/2 22-1/2 11-1/2 13 16-1/2 8-1/2 12-1/4 3/4 3/4 650
1. A = mounting bolt diameter
2. Asterisk indicates two bolt mount
3. Air inlet connection (NPT)
 Technical Data Section 2

Performance
Frequency
Air Consumption
Cycles/Minute @
SCFM @ 50 PSI
Model 50 PSI
Impacting Silent Impacting Silent
BH 1.00 7250 3600 3.3 3
BH 1.25 5250 3150 4.2 4
BH 1.62 5100 2200 7.5 7.2
BH 2.00 4750 2100 8.3 8
BH 3.00 3400 1800 11.6 11.6
BH 3.L0 3000 1450 14 14
BH 4.00 2750 1400 18.2 18.2
BH 5.00 1750 1175 28 28
BH 6.00 1250 900 35 35
BH 8.00 875 850 41 39

Sound Pressure Levels*

PSI 10 20 30 40 50 60
Model
Silent
BH 1.00 58 64 71 72 73 75
BH 1.25 57 61 63 66 67 71
BH 1.62 60 65 68 73 74 76
BH 2.00 60 63 68 71 73 74
BH 3.00 60 67 72 74 76 77
BH 3.L0 69 74 78 79 82 83
BH 4.00 - 73 76 82 83 84
BH 5.00 - 72 76 81 83 85
BH 6.00 - - 70 75 78 79
BH 8.00 - - - - 79 82
Impacting
BH 1.00 60 66 73 84 86 87
BH 1.25 59 64 79 86 87 91
BH 1.62 94 95 97 99 102 102
BH 2.00 87 97 102 104 106 107
BH 3.00 69 77 86 92 96 98
BH 3.L0 70 73 78 91 94 96
BH 4.00 73 80 105 106 110 111
BH 5.00 - 93 97 103 105 106
BH 6.00 81 86 88 94 95 97
* Readings are dBA (slow response). All measurements are 10’ –12’ from vibrator, inside concrete tile
building.
 Installation Section 3

Bolt Torque Specification

Size Torque*
(in.) (lbs-ft)
1/4 8
5/16 18
3/8 30
1/2 75
5/8 150
3/4 260
7/8 430
1 640
1-1/8 790
1-1/4 1120
*Valid for grade 5 coarse thread only

Mounting Considerations

• Channel mounting plates are used for curved and flat bin surfaces
(see mounting instructions). T-slotted mounting plate may be used for
flat bin surfaces (see mounting instructions).

• Reinforcement plates are always recommended. The reinforcement

plate should match bin wall thickness up to 1/2". A reinforcement plate
of 1/2" thickness should be used on bin walls exceeding 1/2"
thickness. Refer to NAVCO instillation drawings for reinforcement
plate dimensions.

• If the hopper slope angle is greater than 700 from the horizontal, a
piston return spring is recommended to ensure positive starting action
(BH 6.00 and smaller only).

• Vibrator(s) should be located according to NAVCO bin map or installation

drawing.
 Installation Section 3

Mounting Instructions:

T-Slot:

1. Determine proper mounting location. Assure a mounting angle greater

than 20 degrees, unless ‘SP’ type.

2. Skip weld reinforcing plate to hopper. Do not weld corners. NAVCO

can recommend weld specifications if required.

3. Skip weld t-slot to reinforcing plate. Do not weld corners. NAVCO can
recommend weld specifications if required.

4. Insert bolts in slots and position vibrator onto t-slot.

5. Install lock washer (if included) and nut. Torque mounting hardware to
recommended specification (see torque table at beginning of Section
3).

6. Re-torque mounting hardware after 24 hours of equipment operation.

 Installation Section 3

Channel Mount:

1. Determine proper mounting location. Assure a mounting angle greater

than 20 degrees, unless ‘SP’ type.

2. Skip weld reinforcing bars to hopper. Do not weld corners. NAVCO

can recommend weld specifications if required.

3. Skip weld both channel legs to reinforcing bars. Do not weld corners.
NAVCO can recommend weld specifications if required.

4. Install vibrator and mounting bolts.

5. Install lock washer (if included) and nut. Torque mounting hardware to
recommended specification (see torque table at beginning of Section
3).

6. Re-torque mounting hardware after 24 hours of equipment operation.

 Installation Section 3

Typical Air Control Package Arrangement

Air control accessories available through NAVCO. Call (800) 231-0164 for more
information.
 Operation & Maintenance Section 4

Operation Instructions:

1. Install air control package (see Section 3).

2. Fill the lubricator with recommended lubricant (see Section 5).

3. Set the pressure regulator to 50 PSI.

4. Open valve.

5. Adjust the lubricator to approximately 10 drops of oil per minute (see

Section 5).

6. Allow vibrator to operate for five minutes.

7. Inspect and re-torque ALL mounting fasteners and air line connections.

8. Adjust air regulator for the lowest pressure that will give the desired
material flow performance, NOT to exceed 60 PSI.

Maintenance instructions:

1. Check automatic lubricator and fill with recommended oil type if level is
low (Section 3).

2. Check to see that air pressure is correctly set for most efficient operation.
If filter is installed in system, drain to remove contaminants (water, scale,
etc.)

3. Check all air connections and tighten if necessary.

4. Torque any bolts that may have been loosened over a period of time
(maintenance/plant-shutdown).

5. Be certain that vibrator is well lubricated at all times. One way to check
this is to place hand over exhaust while running. A thin film of oil on the
palm of the hand will confirm that the vibrator is being lubricated properly
 Lubrication Section 5

NAVCO recommends the use of an oil mist type lubricator with NAVCO Pneumatic
Piston Vibrators. It is important that the lubricator be properly selected for the operating
conditions of the vibrator. Contact your NAVCO sales representative for help with
selecting the proper lubricator.

The oil mist lubricator, when used with the vibrator, should be installed using an air hose
of approximately 5 ½ feet connected directly to the vibrator. The hose connection
prevents excessive vibration from being transmitted to the lubricator.

NOTE: The lubricator should not be mounted on the structure or device to which the
vibrator is mounted. The lubricator should be installed at the same height as the vibrator
or higher to ensure that the oil remains atomized in the air stream and is delivered
completely to the vibrator.

Before initial start-up of the vibrator, it is recommended to disconnect the hose from the
lubricator and directly insert lubrication fluid into the hose. This will ‘prime’ the vibrator
with oil at start-up.

The oil mist lubricator should be set to 5 drops of lube per minute for every 8 SCFM (with
a minimum of 5 drips per minute). After the vibrator has run for roughly five minutes, a
simple check will help determine if the level of lubrication is sufficient. Place your hand
about 1 inch from any exhaust port on the vibrator for 8 to 10 seconds. A fine film of oil
should be deposited on your hand. If not, increase the ‘drops per minute’ on the
lubricator until this condition occurs.

A sight glass is normally provided on the lubricator to indicate the level of lubrication fluid
in the lubricator reservoir. This sight glass should be checked periodically and refilled as
required.

*THE VIBRATOR SHOULD NEVER OPERATE WITHOUT LUBRICATION*

A high-duty, low viscosity, low sludge residue, air percussion tool ISO 32 lubricant or 5 to
10W oil is the preferred lubrication for NAVCO Pneumatic Vibrators.

We highly recommend Royal Purple Synfilm 32 or equivalent 10W oil.

All NAVCO vibrators are pre-lubed using Royal Purple Synfilm 32 during factory testing.
Royal Purple Synfilm 32 lubricant is suitable for operating temperatures from -75 to
500*F.
 Handling Section 6

1. To avoid danger to persons and damage of the vibrator, the vibrator must
be handled with proper care. Apart from the instructions below, as well as
local safety and accident prevention regulations must be observed.

2. If the unit is packaged, the handling gear must only be attached at the
points marked.

3. The unit itself must only be lifted by the lifting eye or handle. ATTENTION

4. No additional pickup points should be attached to the vibrator by ATTENTION

welding, flame cutting or drilling.

5. Transit damage must always be reported immediately to the ATTENTION

manufacturer.

6. BH models ranging from 1” to 2” diameter may be lifted by hand ATTENTION

by using appropriate lifting methods.

7. BH models ranging from 3” or higher must be lifted using ATTENTION

appropriate lifting equipment such as hoists or cranes.
 Troubleshooting Section 7

PROBLEMS CAUSES/SOLUTIONS
1. Vibrator will not start. - Vibrator should be within 10-12 feet
of operating valve.
- Be sure vibrator has adequate air
pressure and volume available.
- Check to see that quick opening
operating valve is properly installed.
2. Vibrator is sluggish and slow to - Check for adequate lubrication.
start. - Check for leaking airline or defective
operating valve.
- Check air supply for pressure and
volume.
- Scale or other contaminants may
need to be removed from interior.
3. Large erratic vibrations observed. - Faulty mounting
- Check all bolt connections for proper
torque. Tighten as necessary.
 Storage Section 8

1. Until its final installation, the vibrator should be stored in closed, dry
rooms.

2. In the case of seaworthy packing of the vibrator, this packing must not be
damaged or opened during transit and storage.

3. The vibrator must be left in the state it was supplied during ATTENTION
storage. The manufacturer does not accept liability for damage
resulting from improper storage of the vibrator.
 Limited Warranty Section 9

Seller warrants that the equipment delivered by it will be of the kind and
quality described in the order or contract and will be free of defects in
workmanship or material. Should any failure to conform to this warranty appear
within one year seller shall, upon notification from buyer, correct such non-
conformity, including non-conformance with the specifications, at its option, either
by repairing any defective part or parts, or by making available f.o.b. the seller’s
plant, a repaired or replacement part.

This warranty is in lieu of all warranties of merchantability, fitness for

purpose or other warranties, express or implied, except of title and against patent
infringement. Correction of non-conformities, in the manner and for the period of
time provided above, shall constitute fulfillment of all liabilities of seller to buyer,
whether based on contact, negligence or otherwise with respect to, or arising out
of such equipment.

Neither party shall be liable for special, indirect or consequential damages.

The remedies set forth herein are exclusive, and the liability of seller with respect
to any contract or sale, or anything done in connection therewith, whether in
contract, in tort, under any warranty, or otherwise, shall not, except as expressly
provided herein, exceed the price of the equipment or part on which such liability
is based.

The following conditions will determine warranty credit:

1. All vibrators must be installed with an inline lubricator.

2. All vibrators must be used with an inline filter and regulator.

3. All vibrators must be properly installed according to instructions, which

could differ from those found in this manual.

4. All vibrators must be free of signs of abuse, misuse, or contamination of

chamber by foreign material.

5. Vibrators must NOT be disassembled by customer.

6. To obtain credit, vibrators must be returned to NAVCO freight “prepaid.”

NAVCO will prepay return freight on warranty vibrators. Non-warranted
repairs will be returned “collect.” NAVCO will provide a list of repairs and
an estimate of repair cost. Repairs are made on acceptance of this cost.