Martin Engineering, Neponset, IL, recently launched a portable vibrator that activates the free flow of bulk materials from closed-top hopper railcars.  With one of the highest force to weight ratios available in the marketplace, the IMP3 delivers the power required to evacuate compacted bulk materials such as fertilisers, bentonite clay, Portland cement, grain and other agri-bulks. “When a railcar is being emptied, the process needs to be fast, efficient and thorough, because extra time spent unloading, manually cleaning or sending cars back with material in them can translate into lost profits or increased costs,” explained Marty Yepsen, business development manager for railcar products at Martin Engineering.  “The higher the force to weight ratio, the more force is delivered to the material, increasing the efficiency of the vibrator.”

 

The IMP3, which requires a supply of compressed air, produces 3000 vibrations per minute and 1540kg of force, which has been compared to a sledgehammer blow 50 times per second.  The rapid impacts generate a vibratory wave through the metal hopper of the railcar, loosening adhered material to promote flow. The unit replaces a traditional cast iron housing with an aluminum body coupled with a wedge bracket. Competitively priced to replace heavier and less reliable competing designs that can be difficult to handle, the IMP3 is said to have already proved popular with its users. Martin Engineering has offices or representatives in many European countries www.martin-eng.com 

 

 

The IMP3 produces 3000 vibrations per minute, loosening material which has adhered inside the metal hopper of the railcar; it is easy to handle thanks to an aluminium body which replaces the traditional cast iron housing