Clamshell grabs are essential for handling, loading, and unloading bulk materials in various industrial sectors. These devices are characterized by their design, featuring two shells that open and close, allowing for efficient and safe collection and transport of materials. However, in certain specific cases, the effectiveness of these clamshell grabs can be affected by the granulometry and condition of the material being handled. In such situations, the addition of penetration teeth becomes crucial. This article explores when and why using these teeth on clamshell grabs is necessary.
Material Granulometry and the Need for Penetration Teeth
The granulometry of the materials being handled is a key factor in determining whether penetration teeth should be used on clamshell grabs. Granulometry refers to the size of the material particles and their distribution. When materials have large granulometry, such as the size of an apple, penetration teeth become necessary. Although this measurement is not exact and requires a technical analysis by professionals, it provides a general idea of when to use these teeth.
Penetration teeth are externally welded to the closing lips of the clamshell grab. Their primary function is to facilitate the penetration of the shells into materials with large particles. These teeth act as digging tools, helping to break and move the material, enabling more efficient loading. Without teeth, the shells might struggle to penetrate materials with coarse granulometry, resulting in incomplete or inefficient loading.
On the other hand, when the material's granulometry is delicate, similar to sand or even the size of a nut, the need for penetration teeth decreases. In these cases, the material is fluid enough to be handled without the additional help of the teeth, as the clamshell grab shells can effectively penetrate and load the material without difficulty.
Material Condition and the Application of Penetration Teeth
In addition to granulometry, the condition of the material also affects the need for penetration teeth. In situations where the material is very compacted or tightly packed, such as at the bottom of ship holds or storage pits, penetration teeth are highly recommended. Compacted materials can be challenging to handle due to their density and compression, hindering efficient loading.
Penetration teeth help break up these compacted deposits, allowing the clamshell grab shells to make their way through the material. This digging process facilitates dragging the material into the machine, ensuring optimal filling of the clamshell and preventing blockages or difficulties during operation. Without the help of the teeth, the clamshell might not be able to handle materials in this condition, leading to inefficient loading and potential damage to the equipment.
Stemm: Engineering and Manufacturing of Orange Peel Grabs and Electrohydraulic Clamshell Grabs
With extensive experience in the design and manufacturing of industrial handling equipment, Stemm ensures that each of its hydraulic orange peel grabs and clamshell grabs undergoes thorough quality control and receives specialised support to provide the most suitable solution in every case.
Additionally, on the Stemm website, you can obtain a special online quote to evaluate and calculate the project cost conveniently, simply, and efficiently.
