Feeding Systems
Flex-Flo™ Feeding Systems
Distributing feed to the feeders controllably, cleanly and efficiently is the specific function of the Flex-Flo™ Auger System. Flexibility applies to the entire system and its adaptability to your specific needs—in feeds, in house layout, and in installation and maintenance.
Using PVC tubing as the carrier of feed not only provides flexibility in facility design, but reduces dust, provides protection against insect and rodent contamination, reduces noise, therefore reducing stress and offering longer life.
Special Blend
AP's polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing is extruded and formed in their own facility, to exacting standards and under their own quality control. Blended PVC allows them to formulate the optimum compound for UV stabilization, strength and wear resistance.
Unloaders
Designed to fit below the 16” (406 mm) plastic and 22” (559 mm) metal boots, AP's standard unloaders are available for 2.2” (55 mm), 3” (75 mm), 3.5” (90 mm) and 5” (125 mm) Flex-Flo™ or 4” and 6” rigid auger systems.
All AP unloaders have a slide-gate above the auger to meter feed or serve as a complete shut off…and a convenient, inspection/clean-out plat on the side, which is easily removed with two wing nuts. AP unloaders feature a heavy-duty ball bearing for increased service life and reduced maintenance.
Most unloaders are available in single or double outlet models, as well as “through” and “twin through” models which can be used in tandem where two tanks are used in line.
Around the Ben - Wear Resistant Elbows
For moving feed up in the air and around corners, Flex-Flo™ tubing is available in specially formed elbows with increased wall thickness on the inside of the elbow for strength and wear resistance.
Universal Sensor
AP's Universal Sensor is truly universal; it adapts to control voltages from 24 to 240 volts and can operate either normally open or normally closed. This switch utilizes technology that is not sensitive to changes in temperature or humidity eliminating the need for sensitivity adjustment.
The convenient push button interface allows you to quickly and precisely program an on delay from one second to three hours to prevent short cycling of the feed system. LEDs indicate the status of the switch at all times.
The Universal Sensor is available pre-mounted and pre-wired in the Flex-Flo™ control unit. This control unit features an oversized outlet to prevent feed bridging.
Precise Controls
AP offers both drop tube and hopper level switches as automatic shut-off options. Both units are located at the last feeder in the line.
Drop tube switches and hopper level controls are also available with an optional proximity style switch with time delay.
Kwik-Attach Drop Kit
The Kwik-Attach drop kit installs quick and easy and attaches securely to avoid feed spills. The Kwik-Attach drop kit allows for complete clean out of feed and can be adapted with actuators for remote operation.
Maximum Run Timer
AP's Maximum Run Timer prevents costly feed spills and auger wear by shutting down the feed line if the system operates longer than the programmed run time. An indicator light alerts you to why the system was shut down. The reset button allows the auger to be restarted after the problem has been corrected.
This run timer can be easily adapted to any flexible auger system.
Flex-Flo™ Models
Both tubing and augers are available in a variety of models to fit your specific requirements. Whether it's ground feed, crumble feed, mash, high moisture corn, shelled corn or pellets, AP has the combinations to handle it.
For corn up to 27% moisture and other hard to flow materials, the Flex-Flo™ High Roughage system incorporates a special combination of a Model 300 (75 mm) auger in a Model 350 (90 mm) tube.
For pellet feeds, a special auger is available for Model 300 Flex-Flo™, which increases the tolerance between the tube wall and auger. This increased tolerance prevents auger plugging and damage to expensive pelleted feeds.
Efficent Power
The Flex-Flo™ auger is driven by a 1/3 to 1-1/2 horsepower, totally enclosed, fan-cooled motor at a standard 359 RPM (other speeds are available for special applications).
Whether direct or belt driven, the drive system includes an easily accessible maintenance port…a safety back-up switch which automatically stops and restarts the motor if for any reason feed backs up in the line (a readily visible warning light comes on to notify you that this is occurring)…and an automatic thermal shut-off switch which will stop the motor if it overheats (a manual thermal reset switch allows you to restart the system when the motor has cooled off). All electrical connections are made in a plastic, water resistant control box.
Quality Auger
AP augers are coiled in-house from high tensile steel…and AP uses wire, which is flattened prior to hardening, providing for a more consistent, high quality product.
Extension Hopper
For applications requiring distances greater than the standard length of any given system, extension hoppers are available that can expand the delivery range to practically any distance and can provide access at 90º from the main line.
Belt Drive Unit
As with the direct drive unit, the belt drive unit features an easy to access maintenance port and automatic overheat shutoff in the event of feed backup in the line.
SMARTflex
This innovative new product incorporates the proximity sensor and all the timers required to efficiently operate a Flex-Flo delivery system in one pre-wired control unit assembly.
The SMARTflex includes a Maximum Run Timer to prevent excessive feed systems wear and costly feed spills, an On Delay Timer to prevent short cycling of the feed system motor and a Cumulative Run Timer to track feed intake.
The SMARTflex is programmed using a digital display and a simple push button interface. The unit also features an alarm contact and audible alarm that sounds if the system is plugged or has exceed the maximum run time.
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