Tips for storing airlocks during the off-season
By Rotary Airlock 4.11.09
A common question often asked of those utilizing pneumatic grain transfer systems in the agriculture industry is, "How do I store the airlock during the off-season?" The reason for this question is that farmers are increasingly finding their airlocks have seized during the off-season, often discovering this misfortune right before or even during harvest. The culprit in most cases is rust which has been allowed over time to build up between the rotor and housing.
Here are a few storage tips, then, to help prevent this frustration from happening right before harvest time. The best method is to remove the airlock from the system and store it (covered) in a building with a little diesel fuel sitting in it. Sometimes this is not possible nor easy to do. If this is the case, and it must remain in line, coat the inside with diesel, and slide a piece of sheet metal between the top of the airlock and the transition piece bolted to it, in order to prevent any water from falling inside. Once a month, start the airlock and run for a few revolutions to assure it stays free.
Harvest season can be stressful enough without equipment failure taking its toll. Implementing these simple tips can help assure a smooth start-up of the airlock at the most critical time it's needed.
Feel free to contact us to discuss in detail. You may also see us personally at the following upcoming farm shows:
= Greater Peoria Farm Show - Peoria, IL (Dec. 1-3, 2009)
= Nebraska Power Farming Show - Lincoln, NE (Dec. 9-10, 2009)
= Fort Wayne Farm Show - Fort Wayne, IN (Jan. 12-14)
= Quad Cities Farm Equipment Show - Rock Island, IL (Jan. 17-19, 2010)
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Tips for storing airlocks during the off-season
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Posts: 4
Reply #1 on : Sun December 13, 2009, 07:02:07