Issue 9 February 2006
3
1.3 How the machine works
The machine works due to the air moving through it. The following scheme shows the flow of air through the
machine. The two front brushes sweep dirt, trash and debris into the centre of the machine, so that the airflow
can pick these up and deposit them into the hopper.
The air and debris mixture is made to swirl in a cyclonic action inside the hopper in order to cause the debris
to separate out, falling into the lower part of the hopper and allowing the air to return to atmosphere through
exits in the top of the hopper. There are 3 separating actions inside the hopper:
•
The initial entry cyclonic action which is aided by swirl plates in the rear of the hopper;
•
Screens in the top of the hopper which prevent light material such as dry leaves and paper from
escaping;
•
The final cyclone spinners located in the top of the hopper, which separate out small dust particles.
As long as airflow is maintained, the machine will work correctly. If the machine does not pick up or leaves a
trail, this means the air is not flowing correctly through the machine. Always bear in mind this notion of airflow.
1.4 Things to avoid while sweeping
a. Rope,
string
b. Nylon, plastic or metal strapping
c. Large plastic bags
d. Large items of clothing
e. Bricks and very large stones
f. Large pieces of wood, twigs-sticks
g. Aerosols – it is advised to pick these up by hand as they may contain inflammable liquids or gases
All normal litter, leaves, debris or trash will not normally be a problem to pick up. This includes normal soft
drinks cans, glass bottles and broken glass.
