PNEG-2116
Bucket Elevator
41
6. Maintenance and Repair
IMPORTANT: Thoroughly read safety information from
before beginning installation and
start-up.
General Maintenance
A good maintenance program involves thorough general housekeeping, periodic inspection, adequate
lubrication, and timely adjustment.
NOTE:
Never service any equipment while operating unless it is necessary; for example, bearing
lubrication.
General Housekeeping and Periodic Inspection
At frequent and regular intervals, perform these housekeeping chores and inspections:
1. Remove accumulated dirt from the motor, reducer housings and bearings.
a. Motors depend upon unobstructed airflow over their housings for effective cooling.
b. Reducer gear cases must also be free of dirt for effective heat radiation. Most reducers have a
pressure vent to permit escape of vapors, which may build up internally. If dirt blocks a vent,
internal pressure can rupture seals. Leaking lubricant will contaminate the product being handled
by the elevator and reducer failure and subsequent equipment downtime will definitely result if
the leak is not discovered in time and repairs made. Original equipment manufacturers will refuse
to honor warranties if a motor or reducer fails because dirt accumulation leads to overheating or
lubricant failure.
c. While cleaning the reducer, check the reducer’s lubricant level and condition. If the level is low,
find and correct the leak. If the lubricant is dirty or shows signs of overheating, schedule a change
of lubricant as soon as possible.
d. Listen carefully for a noisy motor, reducer, or bearings, or a rubbing belt. Any of these sounds
can be a forewarning of overheating and fire or explosion. Correct any problem discovered
immediately.
2. Periodically remove the drop-down clean out door from each end of the boot. Cleanse the boot of all
accumulated dirt and material to prevent vermin infestation and corrosion.
a. If the boot has a screw take-up, clean the acme take-up screws and nuts. Apply a protective
coating of rust-inhibiting lubricant. Future take-up adjustment will be much easier.
(OR)
b. If the boot has a posi-guide gravity take-up, cleanse the polyethylene guide sleeves and the
stainless steel guide shafts of accumulated dirt to ensure that the pulley and weight box
assembly move up and down freely. The guide sleeves and shaft
DO NOT
require any
lubrication. In fact, any lubricant applied would merely attract dirt, preventing smooth operation
of the take-up.
3. Examine the head lining. Extreme wear patterns can sometimes distort the discharge and if not
corrected, wear completely through the head. Spouting may also wear through.
4. Check to make sure the pressure relief vents, if installed, on the head and/or legging are
unobstructed. In order to provide relief, they must be free to blow out.
5. Inspect all ladders and platforms. Tighten any loose fasteners. Note any defective field welds and
schedule immediate repair. Also schedule replacement for any damaged ladder sections, platform
structural members, or floor grates. While inspecting platforms and ladders, be sure to examine
guying cable brackets and/or bracing. Note any defects and schedule immediate repair.
