All sands cause wear on components to varying degrees. Valves and valve seats are among the most commonly replaced items. While some original components are hard cast-iron alloys intended for abrasion resistance, these parts are often replaced by polyurethane components, which offer extended wear life in most instances.

Valve rods, torque motor paddles, and paddle rods should be periodically inspected for wear and replaced when needed.

Sand discharging from the valves exits the sand tank via down pipes, often equipped with elbows, to a sectionalized collecting flume. These elbows handling coarse sand experience extensive wear and require more frequent replacement than valves discharging finer sand. While many sand tanks have used steel pipes and hard iron elbows, these metal components have been replaced with thick walled PVC pipes and polyurethane elbows that are easier to handle, quicker to replace, and provide equal or extended performance.

Flume liners in the sloping two- or three-cell compartment trough need to be visually inspected and replaced as needed.

The control enclosure on top of the sand tank housing the hydraulic cylinders, torque motors, solenoid valves, and associated electrical wiring and hydraulic lines should be cleared of any accumulated sand to assure no interference that can cause component failure.

Types of liners include AR steels, rubber, and polyurethane and should cover not only the bottom of the flume, but also the sides to provide protection to these cell compartments of classified sands.

The opening of the sand tank valves is typically made possible by a hydraulic power unit with dedicated lines connecting hydraulic cylinders attached to each valve rod. Periodic replacement of the hydraulic fluid and filter, as specified by the manufacturer’s manual, should be followed.

For sand tanks that are not operational during a seasonal shut-down period, even if not changing the fluid, the hydraulic reservoir should be checked for water that may have accumulated from temperature-caused condensation. The water should be drained from the reservoir and the proper hydraulic fluid level maintained as recommended by the manufacturer.

All electric systems, wiring, and hydraulic lines should be checked periodically to make sure all are functioning properly and do not cause an improper grounding or leakage causing a hazard to maintenance personnel. The control enclosure on top of the sand tank housing the hydraulic cylinders, torque motors, solenoid valves, and associated electrical wiring and hydraulic lines should be cleared of any accumulated sand to assure no interference that can cause component failure.

If a sand tank is equipped with a rising-current recirculating-pump system, the impeller should be checked for wear and replaced when worn. V-belts driving the pump and bearing lubricant should be inspected and maintained as specified by the manufacturer’s manual.

Sand classifying tanks, while from an initial overview may seem complex, can be easily maintained with periodic inspections and repairs providing higher value sand products.

The Sand Tank Top Five Check List

1. Check critical wear components and replace if needed.

2. Periodically sample sand discharging from the first three valve stations.

3. Change hydraulic fluid and filter as recommended by manufacturer.

4. Inspect and maintain all electrical and hydraulic components as recommended by  manufacturer.

5. Keep service platforms cleared and properly guarded for the safety of maintenance personnel.

Tom Moore is a graduate of Penn State University with an associate degree in mechanical engineering. He is manager of Customer Service of the Aggregate Processing Division for McLanahan Corp. in Hollidaysburg, Pa.