4.

SITE PREPARATION BUCKET ELEVATOR

4.2. Foundation
The foundation for the bucket elevator must accommodate the loaded weight, wind load, soil bearing loads,
moisture run-off. It should be designed based on allowable soil bearing loads.
It is recommended that the boot be anchored with drilled epoxy anchors or wedge type anchors.
Contact the responsible engineer of the project, concrete and structural drawings, or AGI for specific
information.

4.3. Location of Spouting

Connected Equipment
The bucket elevator inlet and discharge openings are designed to connect to spouting or transitions from other
equipment.
• It is critical that inlet spouting be designed so as not to cause side loading of the elevator, or restrict capacity
in to the boot.
• It is critical that the discharge spouting be sized and designed so as not to restrict full capacity discharge of
the elevator.
• Discharge spouting loads should not be supported by the bucket elevator head.

4.4. Dust Control

Excessive dust in the boot, elevator trunk, and head discharge may cause a dust explosion under certain
conditions. Excessive air, particularly in the boot section, will expel dust through the gaskets and shaft seals. It is
the responsibility of the owner and/or installer to provide relief for the air and dust in the bucket elevator. This
air relief is generally introduced at the boot, legstock casing, head section, or in all three locations. The amount
and type of equipment used to provide the air and dust relief is relevant to the customer and/or the safety
standard requirements of the company or local authorities.
The elevator boot cannot achieve the type of seal that would be attributed to that of a pressure vessel.
Excessive air pressure in a boot in combination with the product will create a dusty environment both inside
and outside the boot.

4.5. Lateral Support of Bucket Elevator

AGI recommends the use of a tower, designed by a structural engineer licensed in the jurisdiction, to laterally
support the bucket elevator. However, guy cables may be used to support some bucket elevators with pulley
diameters 30" and smaller. Approval from AGI and a consultation with a local engineer is required before
supporting a bucket elevator with guy cables.
The bucket elevator is vertically self-supporting of its own weight. It cannot be used to support other structures
such as distributors, cleaners, spouting, etc. The bucket elevator requires lateral support every 20 ft to resist
wind and seismic loads. This loading is site specific and needs to be determined by the licensed structural
engineer.

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4.5.1 Supporting the Bucket Elevator with Tower

• Consider worker access, ladders and platforms, connections between the elevator, tower, grain bin, and
clearance from explosion vents.

To prevent injury, keep platforms clear from explosion vents.

• Attach trunk lateral supports as required on the site layout. Refer to the approval drawing provided and
assemble as shown.
Figure 6. Elevator Inside and Outside Structure (Acceptable on ALL Elevators)

Important
Any lateral bracing to towers should be connected to the trunking at or within 12” of the trunking
flanges.
Note
• The illustrations above are for informational purposes only, and should not be used to size steel
shapes.
• Reactions/forces to structure and design above, to be reviewed by Engineer of Record.

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4. SITE PREPARATION BUCKET ELEVATOR

Figure 7. Elevator Inside Structure with Cable (Acceptable on Elevators with Pulley Diameters 30" and
Smaller)

4.5.2 Supporting the Bucket Elevator with Guy Cables

Planning
When developing the site layout drawing, careful consideration should be given to:
• The location of guy cable anchoring points on the ground and on nearby structures.
• Clearance for guy cable, anchoring, and bracing without interfering with other equipment.
• Clearance allowing proper maintenance of the equipment after it has been installed.
• Connecting each guy cable to the anchor and installing safety cable. See Figure 11.
Important
Anchors must be designed to ensure rigidity and strength by a licensed engineer in jurisdiction.

Guy Cable Installation Guidelines

The following information provides basic guidelines for using guy cables to support a bucket elevator.
Remember that bucket elevators are self-supporting but not freestanding.
• Support elevators laterally as noted in the approval drawing (typically 20 ft).
• Install guy cable connections as the elevator is assembled.
• Install guy cable anchor connections at the top of the elevator. Attach a shackle and seize after assembly.
See Figure 8.
• Install turnbuckles in all cables.
• Match the same size clip to the same size wire rope.

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BUCKET ELEVATOR 4. SITE PREPARATION

• Use cable thimble at each wire rope termination.

• Use the correct style of wire rope termination.

Important
The efficiency of the termination depends
on:
– selection of the proper size clips and
thimbles
– utilizing the proper number of clips
– utilizing the proper amount of rope
turned back
– correct placement of the clips
– applying the proper torque to the nuts

Figure 8. Recommended Connection at the Top of the Elevator

Figure 9. Types of Turnbuckles

Note
Use of any hook turnbuckles is not recommended.

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4. SITE PREPARATION BUCKET ELEVATOR

Figure 10. Guying a Platform

TO STRUCTURE
OR DEADMAN

TO STRUCTURE
OR DEADMAN

Figure 11. Typical Anchor and Guy Cable Arrangement and Location (Acceptable on Elevators with Pulley
Diameters 30" and Smaller)

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BUCKET ELEVATOR 4. SITE PREPARATION

Important
– Guy tension changes with temperature due to expansion and contraction. Always check the guy
wires for proper tension.
– Periodically inspect the wire rope end termination. Use torque wrench to retighten nuts to
recommended torque.

4.6. Electrical Requirements, Controls, and Devices

• Electric motors and controls shall be installed and serviced by a qualified electrician and must meet all local
codes and standards.
• When providing power to the electric motor:
– Place main power disconnect switches at a convenient location to permit ready access in case of an
emergency.
– Ensure that the motor is electrically grounded.
– Provide appropriate electrical controls that meet all specifications of the bucket elevator.
– Use an interlock when the bucket elevator is mechanically connected to other equipment.
• The following safety devices should be installed:
– Overload protection for devices (shear pins, torque limiters, etc.) and no speed protection (zero-speed
switches) to shut off power in the event of an incident that might cause the conveyor to stop operating.
– Emergency stop switches that are readily accessible.
– Signal devices to warn personnel of imminent start up, especially if started from a remote location.
• Bucket elevators are commonly equipped with devices listed below, and these may be required by local fire
codes. AGI recommends these safety devices.

Interlocking Devices
There are various types of electrical devices for interlocking of bucket elevator with other equipment. An
interlock shall be used on a bucket elevator that is connected to downstream or upstream equipment. If a
downstream drag conveyor is plugged, or has its power disconnected, the bucket elevator feeding it should
immediately have its power disconnected as well. Conversely, if the bucket elevator has a power disconnection,
the conveyor feeding the bucket elevator must also be turned off immediately.

Belt Rub Sensors

Belt rub sensors detect belt misalignment that can lead to damage or excessive
heat, and are located on the side of the boot and head casings. There are different
types; some activate by contact, while others use a temperature sensor.
The heat generated from a misaligned belt rubbing against the casing can start a
fire or create an explosion hazard. If triggered during normal operation of the
elevator, the power to the elevator motor should be disconnected immediately.

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