Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 16

20 NFCH Resonance conveyor MIGUEL ANGEL GORDALIZA CEO and Founder Vibrotech Engineering ARTICLE TAKEAWAYS: • Energy saving with higher flow rates • Managing different shapes and longer distances Flexibility Provided with Resonance Conveyors C asting process has evolved towards semi or fully automatic installations that minimizes human-machine interaction. Conveying casts, sands or core lumps throughout the different machines that conform a molding line requires specific systems and technologies depending on the layout of the plant, travelling lengths, product characteristics, weigh, capacity, temperature, etc. One of the most extended technologies in terms of materials handling that can be found in automatic molding lines are the resonance conveyors that are used in foundry and other industries. Unlike conventional vibrating systems, powered by unbalanced motors, resonance conveyors, (also known as natural frequency conveyors), are powered by a 3-phase standard electrical motor and an eccentric shaft shaft. A V-belt transmission will considerably reduce the rotation speed and excite the trough at low frequency close to the natural frequency of the system. RESONANCE CONVEYOR ADVANTAGES The nature of the materials to be conveyed: temperature of castings and sands together with their abrasive properties immediately show the wear differences between the installation of a rubber belt conveyor versus a resonance conveyor. Furthermore, a resonance conveyor will also easily allow for different shapes and lengths matching different layouts. Long distances (60-70 m) can be achieved with one or two power systems for cast cooling, sorting or sand transportation. Curved conveyors (90 or 180 º) (see below picture) mounted on reactor springs or slats will enable castings to follow curved