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pugmill problem

updated mon 31 mar 97

 

Bill Amsterlaw on sat 29 mar 97

Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 07:18:11 EST
From: Dana Andrews <>
Subject: pugmill problem

Hi Steve Andrews:

I have the same pugmill. I have the problem you describe only when I try to
pug clay that is very soft. The literature that came with my pugmill includes
some information that may be helpful to you:

1. "In operation some clay will extrude through the aperture into the vacuum
chamber. This is normal. This clay should be removed when the chamber starts
to fill. To successfully deair, there need only be a small hole from the
vacuum chamber into the main chamber of the pug barrel. The aperture can be
95% blocked with clay and still not impede deairing."

2. "Some fine porcelain type clays are difficult to deair. The rate of clay
flow can be slowed down to improve deairing by blanking the top 3" of the
stainless steel screens. This is achieved by blanking off the top of both
screens with adhesive plastic tape. This technique can also be used to reduce
the clay flow through the aperture into the vacuum chamber if this becomes a
problem with softer clays."

If you decide to try partly blocking the screens, make sure you re-install
them with the mesh facing the hopper.

- Bill Amsterlaw (wamster@msn.com)
Plattsburgh, NY


----------
You wrote:
>>
I am having a problem with a nearly new Venco 3-1/2" Mill. The slot from the
de-airing chamber to the mill rapidly fills with clay thereby stopping the
de-airing action. The clay is not real soft and per instructions from my
machine supplier I have tried opening the air valve but I am still getting air
in the clay.
<<