Gilson Automatic Soil Processor Manual
3
1.0 INTRODUCTION
TheGilsonHM-540AutomaticSoilProcessorisdesignedfor
fastandefficientpreparationofair-driedcohesivesoilsamples
for moisture-density relationship (Proctor) testing and other
geotechnical laboratory tests� Up to 40lb (18kg) of cohesive
soil can be processed in fifteen minutes through the No�4
screen�Thesampleismovedlaterallybetweentheupperand
lowerscreenswiththecoverinplace�Thesampleisreduced
without impacting particle integrity� The processor automati-
callyshutsoffwhenthecycleiscomplete�
2.0 UNPACKING
2.1 Inspection of Shipment
Assoonasyourmachineisdelivered,inspectallcratesand
boxesforsignsoffreightorhandlingdamagebeforeuncrating
orunpacking�
Ifdamageisnoted,advisethefreightcarrierattimeofdelivery�
Ifseveredamageisnoted,refusetheshipmentduetofreight
damage�Ineithercase,adviseboththeshippingcompanyand
Gilson�Photographsarerecommended�
2.2 Uncrating
The HM-540 Automatic Soil Processor weighs over 500lb
(227kg)whencratedforshipping�Useappropriateequipment
andmanpowertouncrate,assemble,andinstalltheunit�Wear
safety glasses and work gloves� Save all packing materials
untilinspectioniscomplete�
TouncratetheSoilProcessor,followthesesteps:
• Remove metal straps from the shipping container with
suitablecutters�
• Removethetopofthebox/crate�
• Locatethepackinglistandcheckpartsandunitsagainst
thepackinglisttomakesuretheshipmentiscomplete�
• Remove wooden bracing and dunnage from the shipping
container�
• Do not remove wooden braces from inside the machine
untilthemachinehasbeenpermanentlyinstalled�
• Ifaccessoriesareincluded,unpackandremovethem�
• Cutallremainingbandsandremovethemfromthepallet�
3.0 LOCATION & INSTALLATION
3.1 Location
TheSoilProcessorshouldbelocatedinanareafreeofacidic
or contaminating fumes that could initiate corrosion on ma-
chinedsurfacesorelectricalcontacts�
Positionthemachinenearadedicated,groundedelectricalout-
letinanareawithaccesstoasupplyofclean,dry,compressed
air�Seeelectricalandpneumaticspecificationsbelow�
Afloorsystemthatisflat,level,andsturdyisrequiredforthe
HM-540 Automatic Soil Processor� The machine weighs ap-
proximately500lb(227kg)andvibratesduringuse�
3.2 Installation
After placing the machine in the chosen location, use a car-
penter’sorsimilarbubbleleveltolevelit�Placethelevelalong
the frame of the machine� Adjust the industrial leveling feet
untilthemachineislevelside-to-sideandfront-to-back�
4.0 CLEANING
4.1 Removing Rust Inhibitor
TheexternalsurfacesofyournewSoilProcessorhavebeen
coated with a rust-preventative compound to protect it from
corrosionduringshippingandstorage�
Afterpositioningandinstallingyourmachine,therustinhibitor
mustberemovedpriortomakingtheelectricalandpneumatic
connections�
Caution:
Always use the correct PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment)asspecifiedbythesolventmanufacturer�
• Dampenaclean,dryclothwithasuitablesafetysolvent
suchasCRCQuickCleanorsimilar�
NOTE:
Do not soak cloth or rub painted surfaces vigor-
ously, as the solvent may attack the paint.
• Gently wipe the surfaces until tackiness is gone, then
gentlywipewithadrycloth�
4.2 Daily Cleaning
After each operational use, clean the processor with the
included compressed air hose or a shop vacuum and wipe
with a dry rag to prevent cross-contamination between soil
materials�
5.0 MACHINE CONNECTIONS & SETUP
TheHM-540SoilProcessorisanelectro-pneumaticmachine
and requires both an electrical connection and a supply of
compressedair�
5.1 Electrical Connection
• HM-540modelrequiresastandard120V,15amp,single-
phase,60Hz,groundedelectricaloutlet�
• HM-540Fmodeloperateson220V,50Hz�
Plugthepre-wiredcorddirectlyintotheappropriateelectrical
outlet�Donotuseextensioncords�
5.2 Compressed Air Connection
OperationofeachSoilProcessorrequiresanairsupplyrated
ataminimumof2CFM@90psi(57L/min@6�2bar),witha6gal
(22L) air receiver tank� An air compressor with greater CFM
capacityandlargerreceivertankwillcyclelessfrequently�
TheHM-540isequippedwitha1/4inquick-disconnectpneu-
matic fitting� Connect the air supply to the quick-disconnect
