Post-season Maintenance

Your pneumatic system positive displacement blower and rotary airlock operate within very close tolerances. During the non-drying months, the airlock rotary vanes can accumulate moisture and actually seize to the inner walls of the outer casing. Because of this, the rotary vanes need to be protected. The positive displacement pump requires similar attention. It is suggested that the internal air box surfaces of the blower and airlock be protected with a rust preventative as a fine spray to "fog coat" the internal surfaces. FIRST, DISCONNECT ALL POWER. For access to the inside of the airlock, work through the inlet opening (where the grain enters the airlock) and rotate by hand making sure all surfaces of the rotary vanes are coated. For access to the positive displacement blower, remove the line from the air discharge transition, hold the check valve open and spray through the opening, DO NOT remove either the inlet or outlet transition of the blower! Read your operating manuals under the "End of Season Maintenance" section.

If you have a velocity compensator valve, it is suggested that you place some type of protective covering over this VCV valve to eliminate water entering the valve and freezing over the winter.

Remember, post-season maintenance helps prevent pre-season replacement. An ounce of prevention can save you tons of problems next year!