The Probe-A-Vac is a pneumatic sampling system designed for quick, simple probing of large and/or deep storage bins. Operating on a pneumatic vacuum principle, the Probe-A-Vac literally lifts a continuous sample up through an aluminum “core” tube as it lowers its tubing into the material being sampled.
PROBING
The Probe-A-Vac probes up to 100’, thus overcoming the problem of “thin sampling” frequently encountered in deep bins. The probe collects an uninterrupted sample as it moves through the material, making it unnecessary to withdraw the probe after obtaining each sample.
SAMPLING
Spot sampling at various levels is possible, or a composite sample of the “entire core” can be made.
PLACEMENT OF TEMPERATURE CABLES
The ease with which the Probe-A-Vac penetrates granular materials makes it an ideal method for accurately placing temperature cables. A special fitting on the probe holds the cable in position as the probe goes into the grain. Once in position, the cable will stay in place as the probe is withdrawn.
LOCATING & ISOLATING INFESTATION, DISTRIBUTING INSECTICIDES
When hot spots, due to insects or moisture are located, treatment may be done simply by inserting the Probe-A-Vac into the damaged area while pouring insecticide into the probe. The type of infestation, the size and the geographic location of the hot spot can be determined by each successive probe. Insecticides can be distributed locally to solve the problem, eliminating the need for treating the entire bin or moving the grain.
1. Heavy Canvas Carryall Bag — Everything fits easily in the heavy duty bag except the motor-cyclone unit and flexible pneumatic hose.
2. Aluminum Tubing — The chamber formed by the inner (1-1/4” OD) tube and the outer (2” OD) tube provides an air duct passage for the pneumatic action at the point of the probe. The inner tube is held in place by specially designed luglocks. Both tubes are lightweight rolled aluminum.
3. Flexible Pneumatic Hose — Ten (10) feet of flexible vinyl hose attaches the probe to the motor-cyclone unit or to the pneumatic conveying tube.
4. Gooseneck — A special curved aluminum “gooseneck” saves wear on the vinyl hose and prevents kinking.
5. Handle — Friction grip handle for one or two people operation. This handle reverses for probe withdrawal (Lever Yoke).
6. Pliers — Specially designed pliers depress spring lugs for quick assembly and disassembly of tube sections.
7. Motor — A high speed, 7/8 HP motor powers the cyclone for sampling and is Class II, Group G listed by Underwriters Laboratories. A manual on/off switch is also supplied.
8. Cyclone — Specially engineered cyclone lifts material up in probe sections and deposits the material in the collection chamber. The funnel shaped chamber holds the sample until the motor is switched off and the bottom release shutter is opened. The air is exhausted into the atmosphere and can be filtered. An air filter system is built into the cyclone to prevent dust blow-out. The filter size is optional depending on the particle size of the material being sampled.
9. Tip Sections — Three different probe points are available for sampling various materials. A coarse material tip and a burr tip for compacted materials are also designed to allow the right amount of pneumatic pressure to contact the material and lift it upwards. Directly above the tip is a metal hook that is used to insert temperature cables.
10. Adjustable Standard — The standard allows the motor and the cyclone to be adjusted up and down to accommodate the desired sample receptacle.
11. Additional Aluminum Tubes — Tubes are made in standard, easy-to-handle four foot sections. Heavy gauge spring lock lugs attach sections together.
Temperature System (Optional)
In the nylon temperature hook there is a thermistor that indicates the temperature of the material being sampled when used with a Temperature Reading instrument (not pictured).