A comprehensive range of electric and pneumatic internal and external vibrators suitable for ore screening and processing applications is now available in South Africa from industrial equipment supplier Bearings International (BI).

BI has been a supplier of vibrator motors since 2012 and is offering a

range, manufactured by an Italian vibrating equipment manufacturer, which is designed for all vibrating grizzly, screen and feeder applications, in the processing of ore and aggregate, says BI product manager Lewis Hiepner.

The vibrator motors are manufactured by the world’s top-selling manufacturer of electric and pneumatic vibrators, he comments, noting that “originally specialising in immersion vibrators for concrete consolidation, the supplier is now the global leader in vibration technology”.

BI product and engineering head Ross Trevelyan points out that the development is in line with the company’s strategy to be a total solutions partner for its customers through stocking some of the best global products and brands, and emphasises that “[the Italian range] definitely falls into this category”.

BI explains that the vibration phenomena can be created using electric motors equipped with eccentric rotating masses, or through the release of pressure waves from pneumatic hammers.

The pneumatic vibrator range includes rotary and linear vibrators with an internal, ball, roller or piston. “All product types were designed and developed for specific applications,” Hiepner states.

The pneumatic or electric vibrator range is suited to various applications – from food and beverage to mining, foundries and recycling.

“The installation of pneumatic vibrators on vibrating equipment, such as screens, generally takes about two to three hours, depending on the fitter’s capabilities,” Hiepner notes.

The electric and pneumatic range includes several certifications for use in hazardous environments, thereby matching the most demanding specifications worldwide, says BI, highlighting that the vacuum-impregnated windings and Class “F” insulation material used on its vibrators, which withstands internal temperatures up to 140 °C, enhance reliability and durability.

“The [electric] vibrator’s motor bodies, bearing flanges and shafts are designed using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, a step-by-step approach to identify all possible failures in the design, manufacturing or assembly process,” says Hiepner.

Further, the vibrator motors are IP66-rated – this ingress protection rating allows for protection against high-pressure water spray, for example, pressure washers. The motors are competitively priced, compared with those specified by other vibrator suppliers, says BI, and come with a two-year guarantee.

Hiepner notes that the smaller range of motors used in the vibrators are maintenance-free and greased for life, while the larger motors in the range need lubrication as per the maintenance schedule included in their manuals. All motors equipped with roller bearings have lubrication schedules.

The use of premium-grade aluminium alloy, cast iron and steel alloy makes this range of internal and external vibrators ideal for heavy-duty applications, with safe operation guaranteed in any condition.

“The motors’ high-quality bearings and an efficient grease- retaining system ensure long-lasting performance and a low noise level during operation. “Easy fine-tuning of the maximum centrifugal force provided by the motor is made possible by adjustable eccentric masses,” he comments.

BI is a member of the South African industrial conglomerate Hudaco Group and consolidated its position as a distributor of bearings and power transmission products in Southern Africa by launching a new brand identity at the end of last year. “Our aim is to become a proactive company providing excellent service to our customers to ensure we are the preferred supplier,” BI CEO Burtie Roberts emphasises.

With its customer-focused approach, BI is committed to delivering value to all stakeholders, offering high-quality solutions that make a real difference to improving plant availability and turnaround time.

With over 58 years’ experience in the bearings industry, BI emphasises that this expertise is put to good use, with the company going to great lengths to ensure that its product range and service meet the changing needs of its clients, industry and business.