Bulletin: SVB-121

Date Issued: July 31, 2006

Category: Design Improvement

Subject: Structural Upgrades

Machine Models: TEI¨ Bundle Breakers¨ delivered since September 2002

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Problem

Recommended Action

Modification Procedure

Problem:

Alliance engineers recently observed structural problems developing on a Bundle Breaker^¨ that had been in service for approximately one year. As a result of these observations Alliance is aware that several areas of the machine structural design need revision to provide increased strength and durability.

In response to these observations the design changes contained in this service bulletin have been incorporated as standard features for all new production Bundle Breaker^¨ units. These changes will ensure more consistent and reliable breaking operation when breaking taller bundles, or for those bundles that may be close to the physical size limits that the machine can accommodate.

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Recommended action:

Alliance recommends that Bundle Breaker^¨ customers perform the following modifications within 60 days after receipt of this service bulletin. These design changes will provide increased in-service durability and reliability when compared to the as-delivered configuration.

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Modification Procedure:

If you need additional assistance to perform this modification or have any questions, please call Mr. Gary Kneale of Alliance Field Service at (509) 842-5134 for further information.

All parts noted in this service bulletin can be obtained from the Alliance Parts Dept.

Part A.  Platen linkage pin replacement

1. Lower the platens onto wooden supports of equal height so that the linkage pins connecting the upstream and downstream platens together are structurally unloaded. De-energize the machine.

2. Remove installed pivot pins (3 locations) and discard. Inspect the pin bushings for any signs of distress and / or weld cracking. If necessary replace any distressed bushings or apply additional weld filler material at crack locations.

3. Install replacement p/n 00X1697 bolts with p/n 00X0166 C Crown locknuts as shown in Figure 1. Torque nut to 170 ft-lbs. Lubricate new bolts using existing grease zerks.

Note: Do not substitute other locally-sourced bolts for the Alliance specified above. Alliance cannot ensure proper material strength exists with non-Alliance-provided parts.

4. Energize machine and raise platens to the full up position. Lockout platens per the Operator Manual. De-energize the machine and remove wooden supports.

    

Replace pins with bolts/nuts

Figure 1

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Part B.  Confirm location of infeed and exit conveyor top surfaces are within tolerance

5. Using a straightedge, check that the top surface of the exit conveyor and the top surface of the infeed conveyor are flush to within 1/16” (1.5mm) relative to each other. Be sure to measure both the drive side and operator sides of the conveyors, as they may differ. If not within this tolerance, shimming under the respective lower conveyor will be required to bring both top surfaces into tolerance with each other.

 Figure 2

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Part C.  Conveyor assembly support replacement

6. Inspect to see which style of conveyor support is installed on the upstream side of the entry conveyor and the downstream side of the exit conveyor (4 locations total)

• If the small angular support is installed, it will require replacement with the larger p/n 1031167 gusset as shown below in Figure 3.
• If the larger p/n 1031167 gusset is already installed, skip Steps 7-9 and proceed to Part D.

	Shim in position (shown for reference)
P/N 1031167 gusset

Figure 3. Current production gusset configuration

WARNING – Do not crawl underneath the Bundle Breaker^¨ to inspect or repair potentially unstable parts without first installing workstands underneath the Bundle Breaker conveyor assemblies.  These parts may cause injury to personnel underneath the Bundle Breaker^¨ if workstands are not first installed.

7. On each side of both the infeed and exit conveyor assemblies, remove the three existing 3/8” diam bolts and discard. Remove the conveyor assemblies and provide temporary support as required for the conveyor assemblies.

8. Where necessary remove the smaller support gusset and replace it with the larger p/n 1031167 support gusset by welding in place (as shown in Figure 3 above).  Insure that the top surface of the new gusset is located flush with the top surface of the structural cross-beam member.

9. If necessary from step 5) fabricate shims of the proper thickness and locate holes in the shims to match the existing bolt holes in the side frames of the conveyor assemblies.  Insert the shims into place (as shown in the photo above), position the conveyors assemblies into the correct final location and temporarily secure the conveyors to the frames with clamps. Go to Step 11.

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Part D.  Conveyor assembly bolt replacement

Note:  Perform Steps 10 & 11 on one bolt at a time.

10. On each side of the infeed and exit conveyor assemblies, remove the existing 3/8” diam bolt and discard.

11. Drill out the existing bolt hole to ý” diam. Install new p/n 00X1026 socket head cap screw together with p/n 00X004 lock washer and p/n 00X0154 nut. Torque nut to 90 ft-lbs.

12. Repeat steps 10 & 11 until all 3 existing bolts have been replaced.

13. On each side of the infeed and exit conveyor assemblies, add (2) additional ý” diam holes. Install new p/n 00X1026 socket head cap screw with p/n 00X004 lock washer and p/n 00X0154 nut. Torque nut to 90 ft-lbs.

The final configuration is shown in Figure 4.

14. Repeat steps 10) - 12) for both sides of the infeed and exit conveyor assemblies for a total of 20 bolt locations.

15. Remove any temporary supports and re-energize the machine.

 Figure 4

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