A variable frequency drive (VFD) programmed for either variable speed or auto-reversing
may be required, depending on the application. If not, the use of a reversing starter switch is
recommended; they cost only a little extra. Such a switch is handy for clearing a jammed
press.
Press Components
A/B/C-plates
There are four vertical plates making up the frame of the press, called out in the
Nomenclature drawing at the end of this manual. Starting from the drive end of a press, the
first one is the Adapter Plate. The gearbox is bolted to the Adapter Plate. Through four
spacers, the Adapter Plate is welded to the A-plate. This A-plate forms one wall of the inlet
hopper. The shaft seal housing is bolted to the A-plate.
The next plate is the B-plate. It forms the downstream wall of the inlet hopper. The screen
starts at the B-plate. There may be a notch (or pair of notches), called a Cord Cutter, in the
B-plate. Also, there may be a bar called Brian's Stripper welded to the bottom of the B-plate,
inside the inlet hopper; it is designed to kiss the edge of the screw flight as it passes. These
two features prevent long fiber pieces from balling up at the exit of the inlet hopper. See the
“Cord Cutter and Stripper Pins” section ahead.
The final plate, the C-plate, supports the discharge end of the screen. The cake discharge
spout is bolted to the C-plate. The discharge cone touches the spout when the cone is in the
closed position.
Air Regulator
To regulate the air pressure of the discharge air cylinder, presses are supplied with an air
pressure regulator along with a 4-way cone positioning valve. These are typically installed
near the cone end of the press. [Until recently FRL (Filter, Regulator, Lubricator) sets were
provided to regulate air pressure. Most air cylinder manufacturers now recommend against
the use of lubricators.]
The valve allows manual selection of the shut, open, or "neutral" position. This valve
connects air supply from the regulator to one end of the air cylinder, while simultaneously
opening the other end to atmosphere. The vent line on the 4-way valve allows air to escape
when pressure is switched from one end of the air cylinder to the other.
Continuous air flow from the 4-way valve’s vent line indicates a leak inside the air cylinder,
or possibly a faulty valve.
The neutral position of the valve is used only in testing. If left in the neutral position, the
cone will not move unless it is pushed open by press cake. If, later, the flow of press cake is
diminished, the cone will remain in the position to which it was pushed, and purging can
occur.
7
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