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DIRT WHACKER - Definition
THE DIRT WHACKER® IS A SCRAPER WITH THE FOLLOWING FEATURES:
- independent multi-blade modules
- independent one from another
- pneumatic suspension and adjustment facilities
- carbide scraper blades
- the use of "sandwich"-constructed tungsten
DESCRIPTION :
Each of the modules that make up the scraper is based on a 4-greased-joint parallelogram.
- A rubber tube is threaded through the parallelograms to form a bladder in which air pressure can be both applied and adjusted using a foot pump.
- The parallelogram bottom part is welded to a fixed base.
- The side opposite, on which the blade is bolted, is mobile and is able to move tangentially to the belt (as a pantograph would) as a function of the air pressure in the rubber bladder and thus the wear of the blade.
- Each blade operates independently of the other blades as a function of what it receives; the angle of attack remains constant at 90° whatever its position.
- The scraper element is made up of a non-bevelled straight section tungsten carbide blade within a mild steel protection sandwich: the total thickness is between 6 mm and 8 mm.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE:
Inflating the rubber sleeve by between 0.3 kg and 0.6 kg will push the tungsten blades perpendicularly against the belt with a force of 8 to 12 kg/cm². This will create a squeegee effect on the belt thus making for a super-effective scrape.
ADVANTAGES:
Using this configuration means that blade WEAR is negligable since the film of material and abrasive particles is broken, shutting down immediately any source of wear.
The MAINTENANCE and supervision of DIRT WHACKER® becomes practically of secondary or even no importance, the operator having to check only the pressure gauge and use the foot pump as needed to correct for any blade wear.
COMPENSATION BALLOON (9 litres):
The balloon is delivered as an option and can extend the times between servicing stops by automatically compensating for the reduction in pressure due to blade wear. This supplementary reservoir is useful in cases where scrapers are working far from any service centres (subterranean mines for example) or where access is difficult or dangerous.
REVERSIBLE BELTS:
Placed in parallel or in opposition near (+/- 200 mm) the driving drums, DIRT WHACKER® scrapers are well suited to this difficult application without the need for long and complicated disassembly procedures. In fact when the belt direction is reversed the blades pivot automatically to the new direction. They follow a trajectory that passes through a high point that is absorbed by the elasticity of the belt. It is thus necessary never to place scrapers to the right of the drive drums where the belts are reversible, but at least 200 mm away to allow for this greater flexibility.
STAPLED BELTS:
The DIRT WHACKER® can also be used on stapled belts thanks to the following:
- the flexibility of its pneumatic suspension.
- the protection "sandwich" for the non-bevelled carbide blade.
- the non-aggressive attack angle for the blade in relation to the belt.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
See our "Instructions for assembly" document
DIRT WHACKER® IS THE BEST IN SCRAPERS
The scrape angle remains constant.
No mechanical adjustment is needed following initial assembly.
A simple foot pump is all that is needed to adjust blade pressure.
The system is totally compatible with reversible and stapled belts.
No servicing is needed during the time of its operational use.
The belt and its joins take minimum wear because the pressure can be precisely adjusted.
Only blades that are completely worn out should be replaced.
The system is compatible with existing structures.
Blade life is extended since particles and material films do not get trapped under the belt.