Guide to

External Vibration

Basic knowledge
Vibrators in Industry
Atlas Copco external vibrators have wide and varied uses in most industries from
mining to food. Vibrators solve many material handling problems and save money
for industry through increased production and decreased labor costs. This brochure
shows some of the most common applications for vibrators and suggests proper
mounting locations for best results.

Contents

Circular vibration
Linear vibration

Basic knowledge.................... 2

Screening............................. 10

According to vibrator type, vibration is

generated by:
- the rotation of an eccentric shaft (circular vibration),
- the reciprocating linear displacement of a
weight (linear vibration).
Note: the combination of two circular vibrations of same speed, intensity and opposite
direction produces a linear vibration.

Feeding................................. 12

Power sources

Dust Collectors..................... 14

There are electric and pneumatic vibrators.

Hopper discharging............... 4
Form Vibration....................... 6
Vibrating Tables...................... 8

Vibrator types
Electric vibrators: the shaft of an asynchronous motor bears eccentric weights
at each end. Electric vibrators produce
a circular vibration.
Pneumatic vibrators producing circular
vibration: compressed air flow rotates
an eccentric weight in a circular chamber. Main categories: turbo-vibrators
and ball-vibrators.

Power source selection

Changing operating data

Selection depends upon site power supply,

safety, health regulation,working conditions a.s.o.

R.p.m. and frequency of an electric vibrator are determined by the electric motor
and inlet current specifications.
Inlet current
Electric
frequency motor nr. of
(Hz)
pole pairs

Mo = Po x ro
Po = eccentric weight (kg)
ro = rotation radius = distance between
centre of gravity and rotation axis (cm)
Mo = eccentric torque (kg x cm)

Centrifugal force
Mo
100

2n
60

n = frequency (r.p.m.)
Fc = centrifugal force (N)

Working moment
Mt = 2 x Mo
Mt = working moment (kg x cm)

Vibrator amplitude
u=

Mo x 10
Q

Q = vibrating weight
vibrator weight + load weight (kg)
u = vibrator amplitude (mm)

Total vibration amplitude

s = 2 x u
s = total amplitude (mm)

Acceleration
a=

Fc
Q

a = acceleration (m/s2)

3
3

1.000
1.200

50

1.500

60

1.800

50

3.000

60

3.600

150

9.000

180

10.800

200

6.000

240

7.200

Centrifugal force can generally be

adjusted by changing the eccentric weight
settings.
Performances of pneumatic vibrators
stated on data-sheets can continuously be
changed according to air pressure and flow.

Basic calculations
The experience gives average and practical value for the acceleration to be applied
to the load and calculation formulae for
evaluation of the requested centrifugal
force for the most important applications.
The formulae hereafter mentioned lead
to a rough evaluation of the requested
vibrating equipment according to the
installation and material data.
They are valid for rigid structures only.
Total amplitude
s=

182,315 x Fc
n2Q

ro

Centrifugal force
Fc = s x 0,559 x

Q x
9,81

n
1,000

s = total amplitude (mm)

Fc = centrifugal force (N)
Q = vibrating weight (kg)
n = frequency (r. p.m.)
For the classical applications, practical
rules and calculation formulae have been
established.
They are summarized in the following
pages.

Important
The recommendations and practical
values hereafter mentioned have been
established following real applications.
All these indications lead to average
solutions suitable for most of the current
projects. They are not liable to engage
Atlas Copcos responsability.
Experience shows that a number of
building details may influence the reactions of the structure under vibrations to a
large extent. This is the reason why a thorough examination or a preliminary test of
the structure is often recommended.

S=2xu

Fc =

Speed
(r.p.m.)

50
60

Formulae for circular

vibrations eccentric torque

Guide to Vibration

Hopper discharging
In handling bulk granular materials
through hoppers ans silos the material
often jams, bridges, rat-holes or sticks
causing interruptions in proper outflow. These blockages generally cause
stoppages throughout the entire plant.
Substantial costs are incurred because
of loss of production and increased labor
required to clear the blockage. By means
of vibrators, such problems can be
solved easily and often quietly.

Recommended vibrators
Atlas Copco normal speed (3,000 r.p.m.)
electric vibrators and Atlas Copco ball or
roller pneumatic vibrators give best results.

Centrifugal force
The required centrifugal force for promoting flow in bins and hoppers usually
ranges from one twentieth to one tenth of
the weight of material in the cone section.
For example, a vibrator producing 2,500
N of centrifugal force is suitable for a
hopper cone section containing 2,500 to
5,000 kg of material.

Location
One or several vibrators are required
according to the size of the hopper. Fix
the first one to the side with the smallest angle of inclination to the horizontal
line; level: 1/3 of total height of conical
part. Fit the vibrator horizontally on a
500-1,500 mm stiffener (4 channel iron).
Clearance between the channel iron ends
and hopper edges or hopper stiffeners
must be 200 mm or more. The vibrator

must be fastened with a safety wire.

When several vibrators are fixed on the
same hopper, the minimum vertical distance between two of them is 100 mm.
On hoppers with rigid wall, the
vibrator(s) must be fitted on vibrating
surface(s), as shown on mounting sketch.

Important
Operate the vibrator only when emptying
the hopper, otherwise the material will be
packed intensively, causing considerable
problem with discharging.

Note: Air Blasters

This device is fixed to the hopper wall and
discharges high speed compressed air right
into the material, turning it into a fluid state,
and thus moving it.
The complete installation is made of
air inlet hoses, tanks which are fixed to the
outer side of the hopper wall and discharge
pipes going through the wall.
Air blasters give the same results as
vibrators.

Centrifugal force: 1/20 to 1/10 of weight of material in the cone section

of the hopper.
Recommended vibrators: normal speed (3,000 r.p.m.) electric vibrators.

Fitting a Atlas Copco pneumatic or hydraulic vibrator on a truck

improves discharging of materials (the vibrator is powered by
the pneumatic or hydraulic circuit of the truck).
4

Guide to Vibration

A Atlas Copco pneumatic vibrator improves the emptying of a

wagon.

4 channel iron U-100

Safety wire
2-5 (500-1,500 mm)
Motor vibrator

Bracket
1/3 L

4 channel iron

min
2 .2
5 (5
001/3 /3 (20
1 50
0m
L
0m
m)
m)

Min. 2/3
(200 mm)

Safety wire

L
2/3
L

Fig.1: Hopper 10-250 cu feet (0,25-7 m3). Position of the vibrator.

Fig. 2: Hopper and silo> 250 cu feet (> 7 m3). Position of the vibrators.

4 channel iron U-100

max. 6 (2,000 mm)

Bolt

. 6
max

1,5
00
mm
)

Flat springs

m)
00 m
(2,0

25
(50
0-

Safety Wire

Yoke

m)
0m
(10
. 1/3
min

4 pcs hole should

be done in the wall
for vibration transmission

Fig. 3: Hopper and silo of concrete or heavy sheet construction.

Position of the vibrating device.

Bracket

Fig. 4: Hopper of wood construction. Position of the vibrator.

Guide to Vibration

Form Vibration
Vibration is widely used in the production of precast concrete elements, in
order to obtain high strength, void free
filling and good surfaces. The form can
be placed on a vibrating source (vibrating table or trestle) or it can be equipped
with vibrators. Forms for pipes, beams,
single and double Ts, wall and floor
sections are generally equipped with
vibrators.

Recommended vibrators
For tables, trestles, beam forms and most
other horizontal type forms Atlas Copco
3,000/6,000 r.p.m. electric vibrators and
pneumatic vibrators are recommended.
On vertical forms, high frequency pneumatic or electric vibrators are more suitable. Vertical pipe forms can be equipped
with Atlas Copco 6,000 r.p.m. or high
frequency electric or pneumatic vibrators.

Centrifugal force
Rule of thumb: force requirement is one
pound of centrifugal force for each pound
of concrete (based on 3 inch slump). For
drier concrete, more force is required. The
calculation formula for a rough evaluation
of the required centrifugal force is:
Fc = K (M + 0.2 B),
Fc = centrifugal force in N,
M = form weight in kg,
B = concrete weight in kg,
K ~ = 5 for vertical forms (beams, walls)
K ~ = 5 to 10 for horizontal forms,
K ~ = 15 for vertical pipes.

Required number of vibrators

1) Permanently fixed vibrators: each
vibrating point is equipped with one vibrator.
2) Quick release type vibrators: the
number of vibrators is lower than the total
number of brackets (tunnel and long beam
forms).

3) Precast concrete factory: each form

is equipped with the required number of
brackets.
The required quantity of vibrators is:
- the number of vibrators for the largest form,
or
- the number of vibrators for one casting.

Location
Horizontal forms : fix the vibrators on the
stiffeners in a zig-zag formation.
Minimum distance between 2 vibrators:
l.5 m.
If the form has several sections, each of
them must get at least one vibrator.
If the form width is more than 2.5 m,
fix the vibrators on two rows - clearance
between row of vibrators and form edge
must be 14 of total width.
If the form width is less than 2.5 m, fix
the vibrators in the middle.
On horizontal forms , the vibrators can
be fixed on the long sides in order to facilitate mounting.
On large forms for single or double
Ts (height > 2m) fix the vibrators on two
rows:
2/3 at the low level,
1/3 at the high level.
Vertical forms: fix the vibrators on the
stiffeners in a zigzag formation.
Minimum distance between two vibrators: l.5 m.
If the form height is more than 2.5 m,
fix the vibrators on 2 rows, if it is more
than 4 m, on 3 rows ...

Centrifugal force: Fc = K (M + 0.2 B)

Vertical forms: K ~ 5
Vertical pipe forms: K ~ 15
Horizontal forms: K ~ 5 to 10.
Recommended vibrators: electric 3,000/6,000 r.p.m. for horizontal form
- electric 6,000 r.p.m. or high frequency pneumatic vibrators for vertical
forms.

Guide to Vibration

5-8 1,500-2,500 mm

5-8
3
1,000 mm 1,500-2,500 mm

5-8 1,500-2,500 mm
3 1,000 mm

0m
5-8 0-2,50
1,50

Fig. 5: Vertical form for pipes. Position of the vibrators.

Fig. 6: Vertical form: Position of the vibrators.

2-3
500 - 1,000 mm

5-8
1,500 - 2,500 mm

2-3
500 - 1,000 mm
5-8
1,500 - 2,500 mm
5-8
1,500 - 2,500 mm

Fig. 7: Horizontal form: Position of the vibrators.

Fig. 8: Form for columns and beams. Position of the vibrators.

Guide to Vibration

Vibrating Tables and Trestles for Form Vibration

Vibrating tables and trestles are widely
used in the production of precast concrete elements. The form is placed on
the vibrating table or trestle and filled
with concrete.
The vibrations compact the concrete
in a short time.

Recommended vibrators

Centrifugal force

Atlas Copco normal speed electric vibrators are most of the time used for this kind
of applications. However, Atlas Copco
high and low speed electric vibrators as
well as pneumatic vibrators are suitable.

The formula hereafter gives a rough evaluation of the required centrifugal force.
- loose form
Fc = K (Mt + 0.2 M + 0.2 B)
- fixed form
Fc = K (Mt + M + 0.2 B)

I-profile with transversal stiffenings

Rubber
support

Fc = centrifugal force in N
Mt = weight of the vibrating part of the table
or trestle (including vibrators) in kg
M = weight of form in kg
B = weight of concrete in the form in kg
K = factor depending on concrete mix and
form rigidity (average values: from 20
to 40).

Location
In the case of circular vibration, the vibrator is fixed under the table plate or the
trestle right under its centre of gravity.
For linear vibrations, 2 identical electric vibrators must be fixed parallel to the
vertical plan of symetry and at the same
distance from the centre of gravity of the
table or trestle. They must rotate towards
each other (applications: light and small
products casting).

Fig. 9: Vibrating trestle with circular vibration. Position of the vibrator.

Table sheet

Rubber support

Frame

Fig.10: Vibrating table with circular vibration. Position of the vibrator.

Centrifugal force:
- Loose form Fc = K (Mt + 0.2 M + 0.2 B)
- Fixed form Fc = K (Mt + M + 0.2 B)
K ~ 20 to 40
Recommended vibrators: normal or high speed electric vibrators,
pneumatic vibrators.

Guide to Vibration

Vibrating Tables: other applications

In addition to concrete precast industry
applications, vibrating tables are widely
used in a large number of activities for
compacting bulk materials in containers
and drums. Vibration leads to reduced
handling, freight and spillage costs. It
helps increasing production through
high speed automated filling, weighing
and packaging operations.

In the casting industry, vibrating tables

are used for moulding and coring sand
compaction.
During vibration, bulk materials are
turned to a fluid state practically without
internal friction. The particles are moved,
and air escapes as they rearrange themselves
closer to each other. This usually occurs
within a few seconds and leads to compaction ratios from 10 to 50%.
The grid-top vibrating table is widely used
in modern, automated, high capacity filling
lines; this table has vertical supports that raise
between roller conveyor rolls, thus lifting and
isolating the container during vibration cycle.
Tables can also be used for discharging
containers and drums as well as for shake
and fatigue testing of electronic and machine
assemblies and many products and instruments.
Within a few seconds, a vibrating table
simulates the behaviour of goods on a
crosscountry trip by rail, truck or air,
thus enabling to check the accuracy of
circuitry or reliability of assembly.
Jolting of sheets of paper, veener
sheets, nesting and orienting of various
manufactured items are some other applications of vibrating tables.

Recommended vibrators
According to their size and applications,
vibrating tables can be equipped with
one or two Atlas Copco pneumatic, low
or normal speed electric vibrators or one
pneumatic piston vibrator.

Centrifugal force
The calculation formula for a rough evaluation of the required centrifugal force is:
- loose load
Fc = K (Mt + 0,25 C)
- fixed load
Fc = K (Mt + C)
Fc = centrifugal force in N.
Mt = weight of the vibrating part of the
table (including vibrators) in kg.
C = weight of the load in kg.
K = factor depending on application:
moulding and coring sand compaction
K ~ 30, bulk materials compaction
K from 20 to 30, fatigue tests of
components K ~ 100.

Location
See page 8.

Table sheet
Table sheet

Rubber support
Rubber
support
Frame

Fig.11: Vibrating table with circular vibration. Position of the vibrator.

Frame

Fig.12: Vibrating table with vertical linear

vibration. Alternative position of the
vibrators.

Centrifugal force:
- Loose load Fc = K (Mt + 0,25 C)
- Fixed load Fc = K (Mt + C)
K ~ 20 to 100 according to application.
Recommended vibrators: Normal speed (3,000 r.p.m.), electric vibrators.

Guide to Vibration

Screening
Screening is another field of application for vibrators. Vibrating screens are
mainly used in:
- sorting material by size into different
fractions (gravel and crushed aggregates for instance);
- check screening (removing of core
lumps and alien materials from moulding sand);
- dewatering (twig and bark dewatering
in the pulp and paper industry; dewatering of vegetables).

Recommended vibrators

Location

Atlas Copco standard (3,000 r.p.m.) vibrators usually give best results. Required
frequency is in inverse proportion with
screen cloth opening (the larger the opening, the lower the r.p.m.).

A vibrating screen consists of a frame, one

or more screen clothes, a vibration unit
and a spring mounting or suspension. The
vibration unit is made of 1 or 2 vibrators.
If the screen is equipped with one motor
vibrator, (circular vibration), the screen
must be declined 10o or more in order to
promote a good flow of material on the
screen cloth.
If the screen is equipped with 2 identical vibrators (linear vibration), it may be
horizontal. The vibrators must be positioned 45 o in relation to the screen so that
the line of action of the vibration passes
through the centre of gravity of the screen
(including the vibration unit).
According to the application, the 2
vibrators can be mounted either above,
under or on each side* of the screen. The
2 vibrators must rotate towards each other.

Note: Vibration amplitude

The screen cloth opening size fixes the
amplitude of vibration: the larger the
opening, the greater the amplitude of the
screen.
With a cloth opening of 1 mm for
instance, the amplitude should be 0.5 mm;
it should be 2.5 mm for an opening of 30
mm and 6.5 mm for an opening of 100
mm.

Centrifugal force
The centrifugal force and amplitude of the
vibrators depend on cloth opening size
and type of vibration. The rule of thumb
for an inclined screen with a circular
vibration is: the required centrifugal force
must be 3 to 4 times the total weight of
the screen
(including the vibrators). For all screening
installations, the manufacturers recommendations are very useful.

Note: Before fixing the vibrator(s) on a

vibrating structure such as a screen, check
that the suspension system is correctly
installed and take the dynamic reactions
of the structure into consideration.
* In this case, distance between the vibrators makes synchronisation more difficult.

Centrifugal force: 3 to 4 times the total weight of thescreen

(including the vibrators).
Recommended vibrators: standard (3,000 r.p.m.).

10

Guide to Vibration

Spring suspension

Screen cloth

10

Fig. 13: Vibrating screen with

circular vibration. Position of the
vibrator.

Anchor plate
Stiffenings
Spring suspension
or spring support
Screen cloth

45

Fig. 14: Vibrating screen with linear vibration. Alternative position of the vibrators.

Guide to Vibration

11

Feeding
Flow of bulk materials from hoppers
and silos is another handling problem in
industry.
Vibrating feeders promote a regular
flow of material to conveyors, crushers,
mills and other processing equipments.
The shape of the hopper discharge
opening has a significant influence on
flow performance. The opening design
must allow the pressure of material to
be absorbed by the hopper. If not, a
column of material will remain on the
feeder, and more powerful vibrarors will
be necessary.

Recommended vibrators
Atlas Copco low speed and normal speed
vibrators give the best results the higher
the feeder capacity, the lower the vibrator
frequency.
Electric vibrators (3,000 r.p.m.) are recommended when an accurate regulation of
the flow is required.

Centrifugal force
The required centrifugal force depends upon
the feeder size. The average value is 4 to 7
times the total weight of the installation.

Location
The main parts of a feeder are a trough,
spring suspension elements and one or
two vibrators.
If the feeder is equipped with one
motor vibrator, it must be declined 15
at least. The vibrator is fixed under the
trough so that the line of action of the
vibration passes through the centre of
gravity of the feeder.
When equipped with 2 identical motor
vibrators, feeders are designed to work
horizontally.

Vibrating feeders equipped with Atlas

Copco normal speed electric vibrator.

12

Guide to Vibration

When installed in series, they allow long

distance material transport. Furthermore a
treatment can be applied during transportation (heating, cooling, dust cleaning ... ).
The two Atlas Copco motor vibrators
must be fixed 25 to the horizontal, and
the line of action of the vibration must
pass through the centre of gravity of the
feeder.
Note: Material introduction on feeders.
The material flow intake must be as
constant as possible in order to obtain a
good feeder efficiency.
Any material build-up from hopper on
the intake side of the feeder will reduce
transport capacity.
In a number of applications, vibration
does not move materials or products; it
keeps flow regular and prevents installation stoppage by clogging or blockage.
Small Atlas Copco pneumatic vibrators
are often used for this purpose: they work
intermittently, and their control is either
manual or automatic by sequence.
The drawings hereafter show some
usual applications.

Centrifugal force: Fc = K (Mc + 0.25 C).

K ~ 40 to 70 according to application.
Recommended vibrators: Normal speed (3,000 r.p.m.) vibrators.

Spring suspension

15

One Atlas Copco ball vibrator improves efficiency of this tin transportation
system.

Anchor plate

Channel iron

Fig.l5: Vibrating chute. Position of the

vibrator.

Working intermittently, a Atlas Copco

pneumatic vibrator promotes a regular
material flow in this pipe.

Spring suspension
or rubber support

Stiffening
Anchor plate

Fig.16: Conveyor with linear vibration. Alternative position of the vibrators.

One Atlas Copco ball vibrator avoids bottle
blockage on this conveyor.
Guide to Vibration

13

Dust Collectors
Dust collectors help lowering air pollution level and improving working
conditions.

Vibration is required for 2 kinds of dust

collectors: the fabric filter-bag type and the
electrostatic precipitator. In the first type,
all the dust is collected by the filter bags
which must be cleaned at regular intervals.
For this purpose, the vibraror shakes the
bags intermittently and the dust falls from
the bags into hoppers positioned below.
Furthermore, vibrarors are often used to
improve dust discharge and removal from
collecting hoppers. In electrostatic precipitarors, the vibrarors are used to shake both
wire and plate frame, thus moving the dust
particles they hold. The dust falls into hoppers. In this case too, vibrators are often
used to help dust removal from collecting
hoppers during cleaning cycles.

Recommended vibrators
Atlas Copco normal speed electric vibrators
(3 ,000 r.p.m .) are recommended for this
application.

Centrifugal force
The required centrifugal force is between 3
and 4 times the vibrating weight (i .e. filter
elements + frame).

Location
A dust collector is made of an air-proof
box including a hopper at its lower side
and in which the collecting elements
are suspended. All the filter elements
are mounted on a common frame and
stretched by springs. The vibrator is fixed
on a channel iron which is mounted on the
frame upper part.

Motor vibrator
4 channel iron should be positioned
on the angle iron frame

Spring suspension
Angle iron

Note: For effectively clearing,

the filter bags should be stretched

Fig.17: Dust separator with filter

bags.

Fig.18: Dust separator with filter sheets.

Centrifugal force: 3 to 4 times the vibrating weight.

Recommended vibrators: normal speed (3,000 r.p.m.) electric vibrators.

14

Guide to Vibration

Electric Vibrators
Atlas Copco
Vibration

Normal speed, ER type

High speed, ER 7is type

Pneumatic Vibrators
Turbo, EP type

Ball, EB type

Mould vibration
Concrete
Sand
Materials
compaction
Discharging
Hoppers and silos
Dessanding
Cleaning
Filters
Transportation
Feeders and Conveyors
Screening
Screens

Vibrators have many applications which fall outside the categories previously
mentioned. This booklet can be used as a guide for quite a number of such
cases.
For suspended or spring mounted structures, choose the most similar listed
application: tables, trestles, screens or feeders . In the same way, recommended Atlas Copco vibrators for bins, forms, hoppers are suitable for fixed
structutes such as pipes, chutes ...

Guide to Vibration

15

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Art no 9800 1269 01 2011.05 Atlas Copco Construction Tools AB, Stockholm, Sweden

We reserve the right to change specifications without notice. Photos and illustrations do not always show standard versions of machines.
The above information is a general description only, is not guaranteed and contains no warranties of any kind.