If your RX-29 or RX-30 RO-TAP sieve shaker isn’t performing like it used to, you’re not alone. Over time, wear and tear can cause key components to degrade, leading to inconsistent results and frustrating downtime.
This can disrupt your lab’s workflow and compromise the integrity of your particle analysis.
Fortunately, one of the biggest advantages of owning a mechanical sieve shaker like the RO-TAP is its serviceability. W.S. Tyler offers comprehensive maintenance kits, both minor and major, that allow you to replace virtually every part of your unit yourself, restoring its performance and extending its lifespan.
At W.S. Tyler, we’re committed to helping you maintain a cleaner, safer, and more efficient lab environment. With over 150 years of experience in particle analysis and industrial screening, we’ve designed these kits to make maintenance straightforward and accessible.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the components included in each maintenance kit and provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for installing each part. Whether you’re replacing a timing belt or reshaping a bearing opening, this guide will help you get your RO-TAP back in top shape.
Understanding the Components of the RO-TAP Maintenance Kits
Maintaining your RO-TAP RX-29 or RX-30 mechanical sieve shaker is essential to preserving its performance and ensuring accurate particle analysis. Over time, mechanical components naturally wear down, which can lead to inconsistent results and increased downtime.
To help users restore their units efficiently, W.S. Tyler offers two distinct maintenance kits: the minor maintenance kit and the major maintenance kit.
These kits are designed to provide everything needed to replace worn parts and bring your RO-TAP back to optimal condition. Whether you’re dealing with minor wear or a more extensive breakdown, understanding what each kit includes will help you to determine the best path forward. Each component plays a critical role in the shaker’s motion and vibration system, so proper replacement is key to maintaining consistent performance.
Need to make adjustments to your RO-TAP? Learn about why and how you need to make adjustments below:
In the sections below, we’ll break down the contents of each kit and explain their purpose. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect during installation and how each part contributes to the overall function of your RO-TAP.
Minor Maintenance Kit
The minor maintenance kit is ideal for routine upkeep and includes the most commonly replaced components. These parts typically experience regular wear and require some disassembly. The kit includes:
- 2 Eccentric Disks - These control the shaker’s oscillating motion and are essential for consistent vibration.
- 1 Brass Flange Bushing - Helps support the shaker’s rotating components and reduces friction.
- 1 Brass Bearing - Ensures smooth rotation of internal parts.
- 1 Cork - Acts as a vibration dampener and helps maintain stability.
- 2 Black Flange Bushings - Provide support and reduce wear on moving parts.
Replacing these components can significantly improve the shaker’s performance and extend its lifespan.
Major Maintenance Kit
The major maintenance kit includes all the items found in the minor kit, plus several additional components. These parts are central to the shaker’s mechanical operation and are typically replaced during more thorough maintenance sessions. The kit includes:
- 1 Timing Belt - Transfers power from the motor to the shaker mechanism.
- 1 Upper Carrying Plate - Supports the eccentric discs and helps maintain structural integrity.
- 1 Cam Gear - Drives the shaker’s motion and coordinates the movement of internal components.
- 1 Timing Belt Pulley - Works in tandem with the timing belt to ensure smooth power transmission.
Installing these components can restore your RO-Tap to near original condition and prevent future breakdowns.
Step-by-Step Installation Guides
Installing the components of the RO-Tap maintenance kits can range from simple part swaps to full disassembly and reassembly of the unit. To make this process easier, we’ve broken down each installation into clear, step-by-step instructions.
Whether you’re replacing a timing belt or reshaping a bearing opening, these guides will help to ensure your RO-TAP is restored to optimal performance.
Each subsection below corresponds to a specific part included in the major maintenance kit. While some steps overlap, each guide is tailored to the unique installation process of the component in question.
Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and reverse the steps when reassembling the unit.
Timing Belt
1. Place the RO-TAP on its side.
2. Use a 3/8” socket with a drill to loosen the four bolts holding the motor in place.
3. Slide the motor system to the right without removing the bolts.
4. Remove the old timing belt and wrap the new one around the motor pulley and timing belt pulley.
5. Slide the bolts back to the center and tighten them.
6. Ensure the belt moves smoothly on the pulley system.
Timing Belt Pulley
1. Follow the same steps as the timing belt removal.
2. Use a drill to remove the 3/8” screw securing the pulley.
3. Replace the old pulley with the new one.
4. Reinstall the screw and tighten it.
5. Reassemble the timing belt as described above.
Cam Gear
1. Repeat the steps for removing the timing belt pulley.
2. Remove screws to open the pedestal cover.
3. Detach the lift rod coupling and lift rods.
4. Remove the control panel and disconnect all wires.
5. Use a socket wrench and drill to remove the cam gear bolt.
6. Install the new cam gear and reverse the steps to reassemble.
Flange Bushings
1. Use a #10 Allen key to remove the screw on top of the hammer.
2. Remove the hammer pin and hammer using a bar or screwdriver.
3. (Optional) Remove the hammer block for easier access. By removing the pedestal cover and 3/4” bolt to detach the hammer block.
4. Tap out the flange bushings and install new ones using a rubber mallet.
5. Reassemble the RO-TAP in reverse order.
Upper Carrying Plate
1. Remove the pedestal cover and 1/2” bolt from the top.
2. Remove the hammer and colored panels beneath it.
3. Remove the two 3/8” bolts securing the upper carrying plate.
4. Tap lightly to free the plate from the eccentric disc.
5. Install the new plate and reassemble all components.
Eccentric Discs
Top Disc:
1. Follow the steps for replacing the upper carrying plate.
2. Remove the disc by hand and keep track of the rectangular bar.
3. Install the new disc and ensure the rod is flush.
4. Reinsert the metal bar, making sure that the metal rod is flush with the eccentric disc, and reassemble.
Bottom Disc:
1. Follow steps for removing the timing belt pulley and upper carrying plate.
2. Remove the square backup plate using a 3/8” socket.
3. Tap the rod free from the disc and remove the disc by hand.
4. Install the new disc and metal bar, then reassemble.
Brass Bearings & Brass Flange Bushing
1. Remove all components as if replacing both eccentric discs.
2. Remove the rod seated inside the bearing and bushing.
3. Detach the lower carrying plate by removing its screws.
4. Use a rod and hammer to remove the brass bearing.
5. Tap out the flange bushing slightly, insert a bolt and washer, and hammer it out.
6. Install new parts using a hammer and rod until flush.
7. Use a flexible cylinder hone (180 or 240 grit, 1” diameter) to reshape the opening.
8. Reassemble all components in reverse order.
Ensuring Optimal Performance of Your RO-TAP Sieve Shaker
Maintaining your RX-29 and RX-30 RO-TAP sieve shaker doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and guidance, replacing worn components can be a straightforward process that restores your unit’s performance and extends its lifespan.
Whether you’re swapping out a timing belt or reshaping a bearing opening, each step plays a vital role in keeping your particle analysis accurate and reliable.
W.S. Tyler’s minor and major maintenance kits are designed to empower users to take control of their equipment’s upkeep. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your RO-TAP continues to operate at peak efficiency without the need for costly repairs or replacements.
As a company with over 150 years of experience in particle analysis and industrial screening, W.S. Tyler is committed to helping you maintain a cleaner, safer, and more productive lab environment. Our mission is to provide solutions to simplify your workflows and improve your results.
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