Bin activators are essential components in the smooth discharge of dry bulk materials, and the integration of OLI vibrators is a key element in enhancing the performance of these systems.
Discharging powdery material can be a pain, especially if they’re hygroscopic or pack under its own weight.
While some flow aids can get material moving again, it might not have immediate results, or it could create bridging and ratholing.
Mark Thompson, general manager of OLI Australia, said the solution is a bin activator.
“They are extensively used in the food industry,” he told ABHR. “They can help keep flour, sugar and other fine or granular products moving.”
A bin activator equipped with an OLI vibrator functions by transmitting mild, synchronised vibrations to the bulk material stored within the silo. This vibration loosens the material, reducing compaction and ensuring a smooth flow through the outlet.
The OLI vibrator’s adjustable settings allow for precise control of vibration levels, ensuring that the material flow is optimised for a variety of bulk materials, from fine powders to more abrasive solids.
One of the primary advantages of OLI vibrators is their durability and simplicity. Unlike traditional systems that rely on belts, which can slip or break, OLI vibrators are housed in a single-seal enclosure. The design eliminates the risk of oil leakage, which is crucial in industries where material contamination is a concern, such as food processing. It ensures that there is no compromise in material quality during discharge.
Preventing common flow issues
By integrating OLI vibrators with bin activators, facilities can effectively mitigate several common bulk material flow issues:
Ratholing and bridging: These occur when material forms a stable arch or tunnel inside the silo, preventing flow. The consistent vibration from OLI vibrators prevents the formation of these obstructions, promoting a continuous material discharge.
Material segregation: In materials where particle size or density varies, segregation can lead to uneven flow. The vibrators maintain a uniform material flow, minimising segregation.
Incomplete emptying: Even with complex bulk materials, OLI-equipped bin activators ensure that silos are fully emptied, avoiding waste and operational inefficiencies.
Thompson said the company’s technical expertise drew original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to OLI’s range of products.
“We deal with the OEMs that build the bin activators, like WAM, and provide them with a line of supply,” he said.
“OLI Vibrators has developed quality products for decades, and it’s a name that people trust – so much that it’s become synonymous with bin activators in the marketplace.
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“We’re also available for them when they want to experiment and develop new products. Different products respond differently to different types of vibration – some things are sticky and hang up, while others tend to build up over time. We have experience working with all kinds of material and can share this expertise.”
Material-specific considerations
OLI vibrators are adaptable across various industries, offering solutions tailored to the specific properties of different materials:
Food industry: Sensitive materials like baby food products or high-fat milk powders require gentle handling. OLI vibrators are available in food-grade versions, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards while providing efficient discharge for materials such as cornstarch or protein powders.
Plastics industry: Fine plastic powders like PVC or polyethylene can be difficult to handle. OLI vibrators prevent clogging and ensure that these powders flow consistently through the bin activator.
Mining and aggregates: For abrasive materials such as iron ore, copper, or limestone, OLI vibrators are constructed from wear-resistant materials, ensuring longevity and performance in harsh conditions.
Energy efficiency and maintenance
Another significant benefit of OLI Vibrators is their energy efficiency. They offer high operating efficiency with low energy consumption, making them cost-effective for long-term operations. The housed motor, sealed against the elements, requires minimal maintenance and ensures a long lifespan. Additionally, their design facilitates easy installation and integration into existing systems.
OLI vibrators play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of bin activators, ensuring that bulk material flow remains smooth and uninterrupted across industries. Their durability, adjustability, and ability to prevent common flow issues make them an invaluable component in any silo or hopper system. By ensuring consistent performance and minimal maintenance, OLI vibrators contribute to the overall efficiency and productivity of material handling operations.
The equipment is built to last. The company’s mission statement is ‘when you need it, where you need it’, so it keeps a large stock of spares on hand. Each product also comes with a two-year warranty, which includes full replacement or repair of the product.
It can also assist with retrofits, providing the specifications of its vibrators for the customer’s engineers to use in any modification work.
The company focuses on more than just food. One of its biggest markets is the cement industry.
“We were heavily involved with several major infrastructure projects across Australia, but as they have begun to wrap up, we are exploring other markets,” he said.
“We’ve grown incredibly over the past year. From our perspective, the Australian market is embracing our innovations, and our research and development is paying off.
“The food industry was something we had been part of, but as we get more involved we have found more wins.”