Professor Baxter - BFM® fitting Application Expert
Application expert for BFM® fitting flexible connectors & spigot system, and a very good boy!
Have a question? Shoot me a message, leave a post, or email me with your ruffest applications.
GENERAL
The installation gap (IG) is the space between the two spigots. The connector should be a half inch longer than the installation gap. That half inch is all the flex you need, even with Loss-in-Weight applications where you would want to avoid any scale disruption. So, what is the minimum stack height?
Firstly, each spigot is 3-1/2” high. Two spigots in an installation account for a total height of 7 inches.
A 100 mm connector is about 4” and fits in a 3-1/2” installation gap. This brings the overall stack-up to 10-1/2”.
Flexiblefittings can trim the spigots to make each one 2” high. So, two spigots will total 4-inches, for an overall stack height of 3-1/2” (IG) + 4" = 7-1/2”. This is as short as it effectively gets.
In truth, the spigot could be trimmed further, such that each one is no higher than 1-3/4” each, and the shortest connector length is 80 mm, or 3-1/4”. That would work out to an overall stack of 6-1/4”. However, spigots that short require very careful welding to avoid distorting the seal area. Additionally, the 80 mm connector is hard to manipulate between the two spigots. While this is possible, it is not recommended.
Learn more about Installation Gap here.
Use our interactive Installation Gap Calulator here.
It is certainly paw-sible!
The best way to reduce the wear and tear on your BFM® connector is to slightly redirect the product flow. By using a ‘flow correction ring,’ we can minimize the contact between your product and the connector walls.
There are three standard methods of achieving flow correction. Check out the link below to view the full solution to your powder processing challenge.
BFM® supplies most connectors with integrated support rings that keep your air and product flowing. Rings are available in stainless steel or plastic (which are used in conjunction with metal detectors) and connectors can be manufactured with single or multiple rings.
BFM® is the only flexible connection system that provides a 100% sealed dust-free transition, dissipates static electricity build-up, and has been proven to resist explosions over 60kPa (8.7PSI, .6Bar).
Short answer - No.
But we do design & fabricate square to round transitions customized to your unique process. We measure and calculate, ensuring you get the paw-fect fit!
I sure do!
We get tricky questions all the time - What BFM connector material will I need on parts of a cryogenic grinder? What installation gap is required on the boots coming off of my pellet shaker? What is the proper way of grounding our BFM boots?
I will review your application to determine if BFM® fittings are suitable for your application, which flexible fitting material meets your requirements, how to size and install the system correctly, as well as custom fabricating any transitions required to retrofit the BFM at your facility.
I work in my lab every day, resolving new challenges and finding innovative solutions for your unique application. And, sometimes I take naps under my assistant's desk in between all the lab work.
