Plastic bearings solve a problem

The TRI-MET in Portland, OR, decided to purchase a twin cyclone bus vacuum system for their Powel Facility after doing extensive research. The research included visiting several transit facilities in California--using both bellows and 3" hose style bus vacuum systems. The benefits and short-comings of both styles were evaluated.

The twin cyclone bus vacuum system clearly proved to be the system that could best meet their unique demands.

The Powell Facility has a service island width of 74" and was the narrowest space that a twin cyclone bus vacuum system has ever fit at that time. Also, only one other system (Palm Springs, CA) has ever been installed in an uncovered outside location.

The system has had very few difficulties operating nearly flawlessly since start-up. The uncovered outside location and extremely wet environment did effect some exposed roller bearings under the bellows and 3 cubic yard trash containers. The problem was permanently solved by replacing them with plastic sleeve bearings.

Sometimes good air flow has its difficulties. The small waste paper baskets next to the drivers seats occasionally get vacuumed up in the tremendous air flow going through the buses front door. The waste baskets have at times been caught in the cyclone inlet opening and upset the system's normal operation. TRI-MET now sets the waste baskets out of the air stream before vacuuming.

The Powell Facility personnel have been very pleased with the system performance and have commented on how efficiently the bus trash is being removed. The dust build up that normally settled on the busses interior is now gone. A news article written by Powell service supervisor Mr. Brad Reusser appeared the TRI-MET Fare Exchange newspaper entitled "Service Crew Cleans in a Breeze" describes, in their own words, their satisfaction with the system.

About The Author:

Mark Harris is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.bearing-n-bearings.com. Keep things running smoothly with ball bearings, roller bearings, ball thrust bearings and tapered bearings.