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VROC AUTOMATED PIPE AND JOINT RING HANDLING EQUIPMENT
Hawkeye’s VROC Pipe and Joint Ring handling equipment automates the handling of concrete pipe and joint rings. The VROC system can be integrated with the pipe making machine or installed as an independent system. Modules are available to automate all or selected portions of product and joint ring handling. Models are available to handle manhole and pipe sizes from 12” to 120” diameter.
Modules available for the VROC system include:
- Pipe Handling Manipulators
- Pallet and Header Removal Manipulators
- Joint Ring Cleaners
- Joint Ring Storage and Retrieval
- Pipe Tippers
- Deburr Equipment
- Vacuum Test Equipment
- Marking Equipment
- Product Outfeed Equipment
Pipe Handling Manipulator
An automatic manipulator removes cured pipe from the moving floor system. The m anipulator lifts the product by engaging the underside of the product’s pallet to prevent premature release of the pallet from the product. T he manipulator automatically adjusts to the diameter of the pipe being removed from the floor and transfers the product to a pallet removal device. The manipulator is designed to handle products from 12” to 72” diameter.
Pallet and Header Removal Manipulator
Depalletizer mechanism automatically removes pallets from the cured pipe. The depalletizer engages the outer flange of the pallet and the product is clamped at the wall and lifted. Concurrently, the depalletizer exerts a down force and pneumatic tapping on the pallet until the pallet is removed.
Headers, if present, are simultaneously removed with the pallet. The manipulators built-in removal device engages a handling groove in the header and lifts the header in combination with pneumatic tapping.
The manipulator automatically adjusts for different length products and various product diameters. Models are available to remove pallets and headers from round, oval, and box products, in diameters from 12” to 120”.
Joint Ring Cleaners
Cleaners use a combination of pulverizing, scraping, and brushing to clean all working surfaces of the joint ring. Cleaning operations are fully enclosed to ensure safe and clean operation. Units consist of dual hydraulic scrapers, pulverizing rollers, and multiple adjustable wire brushes. Cleaned rings are automatically ejected. Cleaners automatically adjust to different product diameters. Models are available to clean pallets and headers from 12” to 72”.
Joint Ring Storage and Retrieval
Removed joint rings are automatically stacked for storage or further production. Systems are available to stack and retrieve joint rings from an automatic storage and retrieval area, or to stack rings on carriers. Rings for Multiform production are stacked with the appropriate centers for direct use with the Multiform module or automatic feeding devices.
Pipe Tipper
The pipe tipper automatically receives pipe from a shuttle that nests with the pipe tipper. Once the pipe is received, the tipper hydraulically pivots to orient the pipe from vertical to horizontal. The tipped pipe can be removed manually or automatically. Models are available to tip round, oval, and box products from 12” diameter to 120” diameter.
Debur Equipment
Automatically operated arms equipped with powered deburring cones automatically adjust to the pipe diameter and rotate to deburr the spigot and bell of the pipe. Deburring mechanisms are located at the bell and spigot end of the pipe for simultaneous deburring. Models are available to deburr round and non-round products.
Vacuum Test Equipment
Vacuum testers are available for vertical and horizontal testing. Testers are complete with an electrically powered rotary screw vacuum pump and reservoir tank. Horizontal testers include two bulkheads equipped close cell neoprene for sealing to the pipe ends. Vertical testers include a moveable top bulkhead equipped with close cell neoprene for sealing to the top of the product. Vacuum is drawn to a preset value and held for a preset time. Pressure is monitored during the test cycle. If the product passes the vacuum test, the bulkhead automatically release. If the product does not pass, an alarm sounds. Models are available for testing manholes and concrete pipe in diameter up to 72”.
Marking Equipment
Products can be marked vertically, horizontally, and on the outside or inside of the product. The marking equipment is complete with a structure to support and guide the printing device, a linear actuator, and a 32 valve, one-color ink jet printer with a five gallon ink supply with a low ink warning indicator. The marking equipment automatically actuates when the product enters the marking station. The marking device is able to print a wide range of figures and letters ranging in heights from 1” to 2”. The printer is integrated to an operator’s interface so that all pipes can be marked with a production reference, date, manufacturer’s code or logo. Additionally, the printer can be integrated with the vacuum test station to indicate a passed vacuum test.
Product Outfeed Equipment
Completed pipe and manholes can be automatically transported outdoors for removal and yarding. Systems are available to convey the products vertically or horizontally and can be equipped with a sorter to present up to three lines of individually sized pipe. Outfeed equipment is complete with safety devices to prevent unexpected movement when a forklift truck is present removing products.
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