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Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumblers: A Douglas Review

Morse is often looked at as specialists in the drum-handling equipment industry, and among their many excellent products are tilt-to-load drum tumblers, of which Morse (and consequently, our team here at Douglas Equipment) is able to supply many different models.

Here we’ll take a look at the benefits that a Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumbler can provide for your business.

Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumbler – Primary Benefits at a Glance:

  • Powered device that can be loaded at floor level with no lifting required
  • Corner over corner mixing action that’s completely thorough and effective
  • No need to purge containers for mixing between batches
  • Can be used with steel, plastic or fiber drums
  • Makes use of a separate drum for each specific batch
  • Save your company money, labor and time

Safety First – Mix Your Contents in a Closed Drum to Cut Down on Potential Hazards

When liquid is supplied in a drum, it usually settles or becomes inappropriately agitated while it is being transported, and will definitely settle while in storage. This leaves the contents of the drum in a state that is less than desired, or completely unfit for its intended use.

Before the contents of the drum can be used, mixing has to take place. The usual manner of mixing is to open the drum and pour the contents into a suitable decanter where they can be mixed. This, though, creates a number of issues:

  • If the decanting vessel is of lesser dimensions than the original drum, you cannot guarantee that you will decant a proportional measure of what the drum contains. This is not an issue if the drum contains a single substance, but can be a real problem if the drum contents have separated during storage or transportation.
  • Decanting can require a huge amount of effort, especially if only manual labor is available.
  • Manual decanting risks spillage, which is of particular risk if the drum contents are hazardous. In addition, the contents of a spilled drum are usually non-recoverable, resulting in wasted costs in labor that are incurred during cleanup.

The key method to prevent spillage and to make sure drum contents are adequately mixed is to mix the contents in a closed drum using a tilt-to-load drum tumbler, and in particular one of the models manufactured by Morse. By making use of a Morse drum rotator, you will eliminate the risk of spillage and the splashing of potential hazardous and dangerous contents onto your employees. You will also greatly reduce the risk of contamination.

When you use a tilt-to-load drum tumbler from Morse, all the work is handled by the machine itself as the contents are mixed inside the drum in which they are supplied and contained. The first stage of the process involves loading an upright drum, which is done easily at floor level. Next, the hinged ratchet plate and top clamps are secured in order to firmly hold the drum in place. These items are completely adaptable, meaning a range of drum sizes can be used.

Once secured, the motor is switched on in order to activate the hydraulics, and the drum is raised to its top position. The rotation control valve is then raised in order to start the rotation process.

Capacities of Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumblers

  • Rotation Speed

5-20 RPM, or 4-16 RPM for 50Hz models

  • Capacity

Up to 800 lb. (363 kg) for a full drum or 400 lb. (181 kg) for a half-full drum. Note that the capacity is much less for a drum that is not full because of the extra effort involved in rotating a drum that is bottom-heavy or imbalanced. Half-full drums have shifting loads which means the tilt-to-load drum tumbler will have to work harder.

  • Drum Dimensions

29” to 37” (74 to 94 cm) in height

18” to 23.5” (46 to 60 cm) in diameter

Morse and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

All Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumblers should be installed in accordance with the requirements as outlined by OSHA for enclosure and safety. This means that the drum tumbler should be enclosed within a safety enclosure with the control panel outside of the safety cage. The drum tumbler should also stop operation if the enclosure door is ever opened.

The specific requirement states: “Barrels, containers, and drums: Revolving drums, barrels, and containers shall be guarded by an enclosure which is interlocked with the drive mechanism, so that the barrel, drum, or container cannot revolve unless the guard enclosure is in place.”

Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumbler – Motor Options

  • 115v, 60Hz
  • 220v, 50Hz
  • 230v, 60Hz
  • 380v, 50Hz
  • 440v, 50Hz
  • 460v, 60Hz
  • 575v, 60Hz

These styles of motor are available: TEFC (Totally enclosed fan-cooled), air and explosion proof. Note that only non-explosion proof A/C models are supplied with a pre-wired control box that provides start and stop functions. Explosion-proof motors do not have wiring from the control box to the device, so you will need to consult an electrician to complete the installation in accordance with your local code.

Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumblers – the Douglas Equipment verdict

At Douglas Equipment, we have worked with Morse for a very long time, and we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending their products to our clients. As a company, Morse has proven themselves to be reliable time and time again, and we have many satisfied customers to whom we’ve supplied their products.

A Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Tumbler will save you time, effort and money – that’s almost a guarantee. Using this type of drum tumbler is the safest way to mix the contents of a drum, as well as being the most convenient. With no need to decant, you’ll find your processes moving along at a faster pace, and your employees kept safe and free from hazards.

To speak to us about a Morse Tilt-To-Load Drum Handler, or any of the other Morse products, call us any time at 1-800-451-0030, or contact us online today!