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INDUSTRIAL A N D ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
April 15, 1929
A Utility Shaking Machine’ W. M. Shaw THEUNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, KNOXVILLE, TENN.
I
N THE course of extended investigations upon the absorp-
tion properties of soils and minerals, the importance of continuous and prolonged agitation became evident. The Wagner shaking machine was the only device available for this purpose. The limited carrying capacity of this machine has proved a great hindrance to the expeditious execution of an extensive experimental program. The need for a shaker with a large carrying capacity therefore became imperative. Such a machine was designed and constructed
FRONT
SECTION
V/EW
A-A
Figure 1-Diagram
of Shaker
in a local shop. This machine has now been in continuous operation for nearly two years and has given perfect satisfaction. It possesses two distinct merits in that it is adaptable to different types and sizes of containers and it is of simple, rugged, and inexpensive construction. Description
The shaker (Figure 1) consists essentially of a system of trays and overhead clamps arranged radially about the shaft every 60 degrees, as shown in the end-view drawing. Each tray accommodates six containers. The six trays are held together rigidly by two outer steel bands, which are in turn connected permanently with the shaft by means of six ‘/*-inch rods a t each end of the machine. The overhead clamps have six sockets concentric with the dished depressions on the trays. Each socket carries a 2-inch spring, one-half of which extends beyond the face of the clamp. The clamps are provided with three notches to fit over the rods and when not in use are held in place loosely by a wooden block and metal strip screwed on and fitting over the middle notch. (Figure 2 ) The dimensions given in the drawing are especially designed for the use of liter Florence flasks as the maximum size of container and all sizes below it. For larger containers the diameter of the machine would need be increased.
run up or down to permit the proper adjustment of the overhead clamp. The preliminary adjustment of the clamp is such as to permit easy insertion of the flask and to cause about 50 per cent compression of the springs. The flask is inserted by taking hold of the neck with the right hand and placing the stopper squarely against the spring pressed sufficiently inward to permit the bottom end to swing easily into its seat, the left hand being used to steady the body of the flask. Experience has shown that this technic eliminates all chance of breakage during loading and unloading. The pressure of the spring is sufficient to hold the flasks in place only during the loading. Therefore, as soon as each tray is loaded, the outer nuts are screwed down until the stoppers just engage the sockets; the inside nuts are then screwed up tightly against the clamp. When all the trays are thus loaded, the agitation may be started and continued indefinitely. The shaker may be propelled by either a small electric or water motdr with intervening countershaft to reduce the speed to about 45 revolutions per minute. The above procedure is followed in reverse order to unload the machine. When the load is not the full capacity of the machine, it should be distributed to give proper balance. Extra overhead clamps may be provided for extreme ranges in size of neck of containers, but clamps with sockets to fit No. 7 rubber stopper have served all purposes. For containers with extra broad necks the pressure of springs and clamp is sufficient to hold them in position. Uses
The shaker can be used: (1) To obtain equilibrium in absorption studies with solution and solid phase systems; (2) to deflocculate soils for
Figure 2-The
Utility Shaker Partly Loaded
Operation
For greater convenience in loading, the trays are set each in turn at an angle of 30 degrees above the horizontal position and dipping inward. The machine is steadied in position by means of a notched break that swings out and directly under the flat bar and engages a protruding nut under each tray. (See rear end in Figure 2 . ) The winged nuts are 1
Received October 18, 1928.
mechanical analysis; (3) to flocculate precipitates like ammonium phosphomolybdate; and (4)to carry out solubility studies. Acknowledgment
Acknowledgment is made of the interest shown and collaboration extended by the makers of this machine, the W. J. Savage Co., of Knoxville, Tenn.
