A flange slewing bearing has mounting holes directly drilled into the face of either the inner or outer ring (or both). This flange allows for direct bolting to the supporting structure without needing separate clamping rings, often simplifying the mounting arrangement.

Flange slewing bearing installation

flange slewing bearing

Safety First!

PPE: Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (safety glasses, gloves, steel-toed boots).

Lifting: Slewing bearings can be heavy. Use appropriate lifting equipment (cranes, hoists, slings) and techniques. Never lift by the seals or gear teeth if applicable.

Use designated lifting points if provided.

Lockout/Tagout: Ensure the machinery the bearing is being installed on is properly de-energized and locked out/tagged out before starting work.

Clear Area: Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions.

Tools and Materials Needed:

The new flange slewing bearing

Manufacturer’s installation manual

Appropriate lifting gear

Correct grade, size, and length fasteners (bolts, potentially nuts and washers) – Crucially important! Use new fasteners of the grade specified by the bearing or equipment manufacturer (often Grade 10.9 or 12.9).

Calibrated torque wrench(es) covering the required torque range

Feeler gauges

Cleaning supplies (lint-free cloths, appropriate solvent)

Lubricant for bolt threads (if specified by manufacturer, e.g., molybdenum disulfide paste)

Grease gun and the correct type/grade of grease (as specified by the manufacturer)

Measuring tools (tape measure, calipers)

Soft mallet (optional, for minor adjustments)

Pry bars (use with extreme caution and protection to avoid damage)

Installation Steps:

flange slewing bearing

Phase 1: Preparation

Read the Manual: Thoroughly read and understand the specific installation manual provided by the bearing manufacturer. Pay close attention to torque values, bolt grades, tightening sequences, and lubrication requirements.

Inspect the Bearing:

Carefully unpack the bearing. Check for any shipping damage.

Verify the part number matches your requirements.

Check the manufacturing date (grease has a shelf life).

For more detailed information about flange slewing bearing installation, please click here: https://www.mcslewingbearings.com/a/news/flange-slewing-bearing-installation.html

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of installing a glass tempering furnace. This is a complex piece of machinery, so a professional approach with meticulous attention to detail is crucial for safety and optimal performance.

Glass Tempering Furnace Installation

glass tempering furnace

Phase 1: Pre-Installation and Site Preparation

Detailed Site Assessment:

A thorough inspection of the intended installation area is the first step. This involves verifying floor load capacity to support the furnace’s weight (which can be substantial).

Measurements of the space are taken to ensure adequate clearance around the furnace for operation, maintenance, and potential future removal or servicing.

Access routes for bringing in the large furnace components are carefully evaluated. This might involve planning for temporary removal of doors or even wall sections.

Utility Infrastructure Check and Preparation:

Electrical Power: The furnace’s power requirements (voltage, phase, current) are strictly adhered to. Dedicated electrical lines with appropriate circuit breakers and safety disconnects are installed by qualified electricians.

Gas Supply (if applicable): If the furnace uses gas for heating, the gas line capacity, pressure requirements, and safety shut-off valves are meticulously checked and installed according to local codes.

Compressed Air: Many tempering furnaces rely on compressed air for various functions, such as cooling and operating pneumatic cylinders. The existing compressed air system’s capacity and pressure are verified, or a dedicated compressor with appropriate piping is installed.

Water Supply (if applicable): Some advanced cooling systems might require a water supply. The water pressure, flow rate, and drainage system are assessed and prepared.

Ventilation System: Proper ventilation is critical to remove heat and any potential byproducts. The design and installation of the ventilation system must comply with environmental regulations and safety standards.

Foundation Preparation:

Depending on the furnace’s size and weight, a reinforced concrete foundation might be necessary to ensure stability and prevent settling. The foundation must be perfectly level.

Anchor bolts or embedded plates for securing the furnace frame are precisely positioned during the foundation pouring process.

Safety Perimeter and Access Control:

Before the furnace arrives, the installation area is clearly marked with safety barriers.

Access to the site is restricted to authorized personnel only.

glass tempering furnace

Phase 2: Furnace Delivery and Positioning

Careful Unloading and Handling:

Specialized lifting equipment (cranes, forklifts with sufficient capacity) is used to unload the furnace components from the transport vehicles.

Rigging and lifting procedures are meticulously planned and executed by experienced personnel to prevent damage to the equipment and ensure the safety of the workers.

For more detailed information about glass tempering furnace installation, please click here: https://www.shencglass.com/en/a/news/glass-tempering-furnace-installation.html

Tempering furnaces for the architectural glass industry are designed to meet strict performance, safety, and quality standards. And the key properties of tempering furnaces specifically designed for the architectural glass industry. These furnaces are distinct due to the scale, quality requirements, and types of glass used in buildings.

Performance of tempering furnaces for the architectural glass industry

Tempering furnaces

Large Size Capacity:

Architectural glass often comes in large sheets (standard float sizes, jumbo sizes). Furnaces must accommodate dimensions frequently reaching 3.3 meters wide and 6, 7, or even 12+ meters long.

The transport system (rollers) must be robust enough to handle the weight and dimensions of these large lites without causing damage or excessive deflection.

Advanced Convection Heating:

Crucial for Coated Glass (Low-E): Modern architectural glass heavily utilizes Low-E (low-emissivity) coatings for energy efficiency. These coatings reflect infrared heat. Pure radiation heating struggles to heat coated glass evenly and efficiently without overheating the coating.

Forced Convection: These furnaces employ powerful forced convection systems (using heated air) alongside radiation. This allows for:

Faster heating cycles.

More uniform temperature distribution across the glass surface and through its thickness, regardless of coatings.

Reduced risk of overheating and damaging sensitive soft coatings.

Better processing of thicker glass.

Types of Convection: Can be top convection only, or more commonly, top and bottom convection for maximum efficiency and uniformity. Some use compressed air-assisted convection for even higher heat transfer rates.

Precise Temperature Control and Uniformity:

Achieving a consistent temperature (around 620-650°C / 1150-1200°F) across the entire large sheet is critical for avoiding optical distortion and ensuring proper tempering.

Sophisticated control systems use numerous thermocouples and/or pyrometers to monitor glass temperature in multiple zones within the furnace.

Advanced algorithms adjust heating elements (and convection flow) dynamically to ensure uniformity, compensating for edge effects or variations in glass loading.

Tempering furnaces

High-Performance Quenching System:

The quenching (rapid cooling) section uses high-pressure air blown through precisely positioned nozzles (top and bottom).

Must deliver powerful, uniform, and controllable airflow across the entire glass surface to create the necessary surface compression for strength and safety fragmentation.

Control over air pressure, nozzle distance, and potentially oscillating patterns is needed to optimize quenching for different glass thicknesses and types, minimizing distortion.

For more detailed information on the properties of tempering furnaces in the architectural glass industry, please click here: https://www.shencglass.com/en/a/news/performance-of-tempering-furnaces-for-the-architectural-glass-industry.html

The goal of tempering is to heat glass uniformly to near its softening point (around 620°C) and then rapidly cool (quench) it with air jets. This creates compressive stress on the surface and tensile stress in the core, resulting in stronger, safer glass. However, achieving consistent quality (flatness, low distortion, uniform stress, no breakage) across different glass types (clear, coated, Low-E, patterned), thicknesses, and sizes is challenging. Intelligent control systems aim to address these challenges.

Glass Tempering Furnace Intelligent Control

glass tempering furnaces

Here are key aspects and techniques used in intelligent control systems for glass tempering furnaces:

Advanced Sensing and Monitoring:

Thermal Scanners/Cameras: Provide detailed real-time temperature maps of the glass surface as it exits the furnace, crucial for identifying non-uniform heating.

Pyrometers: Multiple non-contact temperature sensors strategically placed within the furnace and quench.

Stress Measurement Systems: Online or offline systems (e.g., using photoelasticity) to measure residual stress patterns

Dimensional/Flatness Sensors: Laser or optical systems to measure glass flatness and warp.

Energy Consumption Monitoring: Tracking power usage of heaters and blowers.

Data Acquisition and Processing:

High-speed collection and storage of data from all sensors, furnace settings (heater power, convection levels, quench pressure, conveyor speed), and glass properties (type, thickness, dimensions).

Data cleaning, filtering, and feature extraction to prepare data for analysis and modeling.

Sophisticated Modeling:

For more detailed information about the intelligent control system of glass tempering furnace, please click here: https://www.shencglass.com/en/a/news/intelligent-control-system-for-glass-tempering-furnace.html

Maintaining a glass tempering furnace is crucial for ensuring consistent product quality, maximizing uptime, minimizing energy consumption, and guaranteeing operator safety. It requires a systematic approach involving regular inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and calibration.

Glass Tempering Furnace Maintenance Guide

glass tempering furnace

Key Principles:

Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures before any maintenance. Be aware of extreme heat, high voltage, and moving parts.

Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Follow Manufacturer’s Recommendations: The furnace manufacturer’s manual is the primary resource. Maintenance schedules and procedures may vary significantly between different makes and models.

Keep Detailed Records: Log all maintenance activities, inspections, repairs, and part replacements. This helps track trends, predict potential issues, and manage spare parts inventory.

Cleanliness is Key: Dust and debris can interfere with sensors, block airflow, damage components, and create fire hazards.

Maintenance Schedule Breakdown (Example – Adjust based on Manufacturer & Usage):

glass tempering furnace

Daily / Per Shift:

Visual Inspection:

Check the overall condition of the furnace exterior and surrounding area.

Look for any unusual noises, vibrations, or smells during operation.

Check control panel indicators, alarms, and temperature readings for normalcy.

Inspect loading and unloading areas for debris or obstructions.

Check quench section airflow (listen for consistency, check pressure gauges if available).

Visually inspect rollers (loading, heating, quenching, unloading) for obvious damage or debris.

For more detailed information on glass tempering furnace maintenance, please click here: https://www.shencglass.com/en/a/news/glass-tempering-furnace-maintenance-guide.html

To extend the service life of your vibrating screen and ensure efficient operation, a consistent and thorough maintenance program is essential.

How to extend the service life of vibrating screen

vibrating screen

1. Regular Inspection

Frequency: Daily, weekly, and monthly inspections are crucial.

What to check:

Screen Media: Look for tears, holes, wear, proper tension, and cleanliness. Ensure it’s correctly installed and that gaskets (if required) are in place.

Structural Components: Examine the frame, supports, and cross beams for cracks, fatigue, or damage.

Fasteners: Regularly check and tighten all bolts, nuts, and other fasteners, especially on screen panels, clamping systems, and motor mounts. Re-tighten bolts after the initial 7 hours of work.

Springs: Inspect for wear, damage, and proper compression. Measure springs against OEM tolerances and replace as a complete set if out of tolerance.

Crown Bars: Ensure proper and continuous crown on all decks. Repair or replace according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Drive System: Inspect V-belts for wear, damage, and proper tension. Check for leaks in the drive system.

Mounting System: Ensure the machine is securely mounted and free from damage.

Safety Guards: Confirm they are firmly in place and not compromised.

Why: Early detection of issues prevents more significant damage and downtime.

vibrating screen

2. Proper Lubrication

Frequency: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication intervals. Daily lubrication of drive bearings and ensuring grease lines are intact is often necessary.

What to do:

Lubricate bearings, drive mechanisms, and other moving parts with the recommended lubricant and quantities.

Inspect grease lines for leaks or blockages.

For central lubrication systems, perform thorough inspections weekly.

Monitor bearing temperature; overheating can indicate lubrication issues.

Why: Reduces friction and wear, preventing premature failure of moving parts.

3. Screen Cleaning

Frequency: Clean the screen surface regularly, the frequency depends on the material being screened. Daily cleaning is often necessary.

How to do it: Use a brush, air blower, or water spray (depending on the material and screen media) to remove buildup of material, debris, or blockages.

Why: Maintains efficient screening performance and prevents excess weight and strain on the screen.

For more detailed information on how to extend the service life of the vibrating screen, please click here: https://www.zexciter.com/en/a/news/extend-the-service-life-of-vibrating-screen.html

The vibrating screen exciter is a critical component responsible for generating the vibration necessary for material screening. However, during prolonged or heavy-duty operation, the exciter may experience overheating—a common yet serious issue that can affect equipment performance, reduce operational lifespan, and lead to unexpected downtime.

Exciter overheating typically results from factors such as insufficient lubrication, excessive load, bearing failure, or poor maintenance practices. Identifying the root causes and implementing preventive measures are essential to ensure the stable and efficient functioning of vibrating screens in industrial settings. An overheated vibrating screen exciter (also called a vibrator motor or shaker mechanism) is a serious issue that needs immediate attention to prevent catastrophic failure and costly repairs.

Vibrating screen exciter overheating

vibrating screen exciter

1. IMMEDIATE ACTION: Safety First!

STOP THE SCREEN IMMEDIATELY: Do not continue running the screen. Continued operation will likely cause severe damage to bearings, seals, and potentially the entire exciter unit or screen structure.

FOLLOW LOCKOUT/TAGOUT (LOTO) PROCEDURES: Before attempting any inspection or maintenance, ensure the machine is completely de-energized and cannot be accidentally restarted. This is critical for your safety.

ALLOW IT TO COOL DOWN: Let the exciter cool down naturally. Do not try to force cool it with water or compressed air, as this can cause thermal shock and crack components.

2. TROUBLESHOOTING (Once Cool & Safe):

Once the unit has cooled down and LOTO procedures are in place, investigate the potential causes:

Check Lubrication (Most Common Cause):

Level: Is the oil level correct (check sight glass or dipstick)? Is the grease level correct (if grease lubricated)? Both too low (starvation) and too high (churning) can cause overheating.

Type: Are you using the correct type and viscosity of oil or grease specified by the screen and/or exciter manufacturer? Using the wrong lubricant is a major cause of overheating and failure.

Condition: Check the lubricant’s condition. Is it dark, sludgy, milky (water contamination), or does it smell burnt? This indicates degradation or contamination. Consider taking an oil sample for analysis if possible.

Frequency: When was it last lubricated? Was it according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule?

Inspect Bearings:

Overheating is often a primary symptom of failing bearings. Listen for unusual noises (grinding, rumbling) when the machine was running (if you noticed any) or try carefully rotating the shaft by hand (if possible and safe) to feel for roughness or binding.

Check the bearing housing temperature regularly (using an infrared thermometer) during normal operation as part of preventative maintenance. Compare readings to baseline or manufacturer specs.

Check for Obstructions & Cleanliness:

Is the exciter housing covered in dirt, dust, or built-up material? This can act as an insulator, preventing proper heat dissipation. Clean the exterior thoroughly.

Ensure ventilation openings (if any) are clear.

Check Alignment & Mounting:

Are the exciter mounting bolts tight? Loose bolts can cause misalignment and stress.

If driven by an external motor via belts or a cardan shaft, check the alignment between the motor and the exciter. Misalignment puts excessive load on bearings.

Check Drive System (if applicable):

Belts: Are the drive belts tensioned correctly? Too tight puts excessive load on bearings; too loose can cause slippage and heat. Are the belts worn or damaged?

Sheaves/Pulleys: Are the sheaves worn or damaged? Are they aligned correctly?

For more detailed information on how to deal with overheating of the vibrating screen exciter, please click here: https://www.zexciter.com/en/a/news/vibrating-screen-exciter-overheating.html

The vibrating screen exciter is a crucial component in screening equipment, responsible for generating the vibratory motion that enables material separation. Proper installation of the exciter is essential for ensuring the optimal performance, longevity, and safety of vibrating screens.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for the correct installation of various types of screen exciters, covering preparation, alignment, fastening, lubrication, and initial testing. Whether for new equipment setup or replacement of existing exciters, following these guidelines will help reduce downtime and prevent premature wear or mechanical failure.

Vibrating Screen Exciter Installation Guide

vibrating screen exciter

Pre-Installation Preparation

Verify Parts:

Confirm you have the correct exciter model and configuration (rotation, mounting type) for the specific screen and position.】

Inspect the exciter for any shipping damage. Report any damage immediately.

Ensure you have the correct quantity, size, grade (typically Grade 8 or Metric 10.9), and length of new mounting bolts, hardened washers, and nuts (if applicable). Never reuse old mounting bolts.

Check if seals, O-rings, or gaskets are required and supplied.

Gather Tools & Equipment:

Calibrated Torque Wrench (appropriately sized for required torque values)

Socket Set and Wrenches (correct sizes for mounting bolts)

Lifting Equipment (crane, hoist, slings, shackles)

Alignment Tools (straight edge, dial indicators, laser alignment tool if connecting drive shafts)

Cleaning Supplies (wire brushes, scrapers, rags, solvent)

Pry Bars (use cautiously)

Anti-Seize Compound (check manufacturer recommendation)

Thread Locking Compound (check manufacturer recommendation, e.g., Loctite)

Lubricant (correct type and grade of oil or grease as specified by the manufacturer)

Measuring Tools (tape measure, feeler gauges)

Manufacturer’s Installation Manual and Screen Drawings

Prepare the Screen:

Thoroughly clean the exciter mounting surface(s) on the screen side box or exciter support beam. Remove all old gasket material, sealant, rust, dirt, grease, and paint. The surface must be clean, dry, and flat.

Inspect the mounting surface for flatness, cracks, or damage. Repair as necessary according to manufacturer specifications.

Clean out the bolt holes. Ensure threads (if tapped) are clean and undamaged. Chase threads with a tap if necessary, but do not remove significant material.

Prepare the Exciter:

Clean the mounting flange(s) of the new exciter.

Verify the correct orientation for installation (e.g., oil level plugs, breathers, rotation direction).

More detailed information about the installation guide of the vibrating screen exciter can be found at: https://www.zexciter.com/en/a/news/vibrating-screen-exciter-installation-guide.html

Vibrating screens play a vital role in many industries, including mining, construction, metallurgy, and recycling. These machines ensure efficient material separation and improve productivity. However, like any heavy-duty equipment, vibrating screens require regular maintenance to operate at peak performance and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Proper maintenance not only extends the machine’s lifespan but also ensures safety and minimizes downtime. In this guide, we’ll share practical vibrating screen maintenance tips to help you keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently.Maintaining vibrating screens effectively is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, maximizing lifespan, and preventing costly downtime.

Vibrating Screen Maintenance Tips

Vibrating screens

I. Daily / Per Shift Checks (Visual & Auditory):

Listen for Abnormal Noises: Pay attention to any unusual grinding, knocking, rattling, or high-pitched sounds coming from the bearings, motor, or structure.

Observe Vibration: Check for smooth, consistent vibration across the entire screen deck. Look for erratic movement, shaking, or excessive bouncing, which could indicate imbalance, broken springs, or structural issues.

Check Material Flow: Ensure material is feeding evenly onto the screen and discharging properly. Look for build-up on side plates, feed boxes, or discharge lips.

Check for blinding (screen openings clogged) or pegging (near-size particles stuck).

Visual Scan for Obvious Damage: Quickly look for loose bolts, cracked welds (especially near high-stress areas), obvious holes or tears in the screen media, and damaged spray nozzles (if applicable).

Check Surrounding Area: Look for excessive spillage or dust, which might indicate worn seals or enclosure issues. Ensure walkways and access points are clear.

II. Weekly / Regular Inspections (More Detailed):

Screen Media Inspection (Crucial!):

Tension: Ensure screen panels (especially wire mesh) are properly tensioned. Loose screens wear out quickly, perform poorly, and can damage the screen box.

Check tensioning bolts/clamps.

Wear & Damage: Inspect for broken wires, tears, holes, excessive wear, or deformation in wire mesh, polyurethane, or rubber panels. Note wear patterns – uneven wear might indicate feed issues.

Blinding/Pegging: Check closely for clogged openings. If persistent, investigate the cause (moisture, particle shape, wrong opening size).

Clamping System: Inspect clamp bars, J-bolts, wedges, and associated hardware for wear, damage, or looseness. Ensure they are securing the media effectively.

Vibrator / Exciter Mechanism:

Bearing Temperature: Safely check bearing housing temperatures (using an IR temp gun is ideal). Compare readings over time and between bearings. A significant increase indicates potential problems.

Lubrication Levels (Oil): Check sight glasses for correct oil levels. Look for leaks around seals.

Grease Points: Check for signs of fresh grease purging (if grease lubricated) indicating proper lubrication. Clean excess old grease.

Mounting Bolts: Verify that the bolts securing the vibrator mechanism to the screen box are tight.

Drive System:

V-Belts: Check tension (not too tight, not too loose), wear (cracks, glazing), and alignment. Misaligned belts wear quickly and waste energy.

Drive Motor: Listen for bearing noise. Check mounting bolts. Ensure cooling fins are relatively clean.

Guards: Ensure all drive guards are securely in place.

Support Structure & Springs:

Springs (Coil or Rubber): Inspect for cracks, breakage, sagging, or deformation. Ensure the screen is sitting level.

Support Structure: Perform a more thorough check for cracks in welds or structural members, especially around spring mounts and support points. Check mounting bolts securing the screen to the structure.

Fasteners: Check the tightness of key bolts, particularly those holding the screen media, vibrator mechanism, side plates, and support structure connections. Use torque wrenches where specified.

III. Scheduled Preventive Maintenance (Monthly/Quarterly/Annually – Follow Manufacturer’s Recommendations):

Vibrating screens

Lubrication (Vital!):

Follow the Manual: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s specifications for lubricant type (oil or grease), quantity, and frequency.

Greasing: Use the correct grease type. Do not over-grease bearings, as this can cause overheating. Purge old grease if recommended.

Oil Changes: Change oil at recommended intervals. Check for contaminants (water, metal particles) in the old oil.

For more detailed information on vibrating screen maintenance tips, please click here: https://www.zexciter.com/en/a/news/vibrating-screen-maintenance-tips.html

The welding column and boom, also known as a welding manipulator, offers numerous advantages in industrial manufacturing, significantly enhancing efficiency, safety, and weld quality.

Welding column boom advantages for industrial manufacturing applications

welding column and boom

Improved Productivity and Efficiency:

Increased Deposition Rates: Automated or semi-automated welding processes facilitated by the column and boom allow for faster application of weld material.

Reduced Labor Costs: By automating welding tasks, the need for manual welders is reduced, leading to significant cost savings.

Faster Welding Speeds: Consistent and controlled movement of the welding head enables faster welding compared to manual methods.

Continuous Operation: These systems are designed for uninterrupted production, especially in shift-based operations.

Reduced Material Handling: For large workpieces, the manipulator can access various welding points without the need to reposition the material frequently.

Optimal Positioning: The boom and column allow for precise positioning of the welding head, ensuring the correct angle and distance for optimal weld quality and speed.

Enhanced Weld Quality:

Consistent Weld Quality: Automated movement and precise control lead to uniform and repeatable welds, minimizing defects.

Improved Accuracy: The system allows for accurate alignment of the welding torch with the weld seam, even in difficult-to-reach areas.

Ability to Perform Complex Welds: Column and boom systems can handle longitudinal, circumferential, and other complex welding tasks with greater precision than manual welding.

Increased Safety:

Reduced Welder Fatigue: Automating repetitive or physically demanding welding tasks reduces strain and fatigue on welders.

Access to Hazardous Areas: The manipulator can perform welding in areas that may be dangerous or difficult for human welders to access.

Safer Operation: Keeping welders away from the immediate welding arc and potential hazards improves overall workplace safety.

Organized Work Environment: Integrated cable channels help manage welding equipment and reduce tripping hazards.

welding column and boom

Greater Flexibility and Versatility:

Adaptability to Various Workpieces: Column and boom systems can handle a wide range of workpiece sizes, shapes, and configurations, including large, heavy, and complex parts.

Multiple Welding Processes: These systems can be integrated with various welding processes such as TIG, MIG/MAG, SAW, and plasma arc welding.

Extended Reach and Accessibility: The extendable and maneuverable boom allows access to different heights and welding positions.

For more detailed information about the advantages of welding column boom in industrial manufacturing, please click to visit: https://www.bota-weld.com/en/a/news/welding-column-boom-advantages-for-industrial-manufacturing-applications.html