Operating Procedure for Pour Vehicle
1. Introduction
Pour vehicles, also known as pouring cars, are a type of mechanical apparatus used to transfer molten metal between different stages and processes in the manufacturing operations. Pour vehicles are essential pieces of production equipment in the production of high-quality ferrous and non-ferrous parts. The operation of pouring vehicles requires a great deal of care and attention to detail when transferring the molten metal. This document outlines the operating procedure for a pour vehicle.
2. Safety
All operators of a pour vehicle must be familiar with the standard safety protocols and regulations set forth by the company. All operators should wear appropriate protective gear appropriate for the specific task at hand. The following precautions must be taken when operating a pour vehicle in order to ensure the safety of all personnel:
▪ All personnel must be clear of the pour vehicle area before operation begins.
▪ Before operation begins all personnel should have the necessary safety equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, in place.
▪ The pour vehicle should be properly maintained, inspected and serviced at regular intervals.
▪ All personnel should ensure the pour vehicle is securely in place with all necessary safety devices, such as chains and straps, before operation begins.
▪ All pour vehicle operations should be conducted using approved procedures and good manufacturing practices.
▪ Operators should always keep in mind that molten metal can cause serious injury and should take all necessary precautions when transferring molten metal from the pour vehicle to the production line.
3. Preparation
Prior to operation the pour vehicle should be inspected and all necessary accessories, such as chains, straps, safety bars and guards, should be in place and secured. The operator should also ensure there is adequate space on the floor for the pour vehicle to move, including the necessary clearance for the ergonomically designed platform and elevated pouring station.
The operator should then ensure the proper temperature of the molten metal is maintained by making sure the transfer lines are free of obstructions and open completely during each pour operation. The target temperature should be clearly marked and the appropriate pouring temperature indicated on the production run sheet.
Once the pour vehicle is in place and all necessary preparation steps have been taken, the operator must verify that all personnel are clear of the area and check the production run sheet to ensure the appropriate amount of product is to be poured.
4. Operation
To begin operation of a pour vehicle the operator should first engage the power lift system and lower the vehicle to the pouring station. Once at the designated pouring station, the operator must securely attach the pour vehicle to the station and retract the safety bars.
Once the pour vehicle is secure the operator must open the pour transfer line and begin pouring the molten metal into the molds. The operator should always maintain the proper pouring temperature and speed and make sure the metal does not splash or spill.
After the pour is completed the operator should then raise the pour vehicle, disconnect from the station and move the vehicle to the designated staging area.
5. Clean-up & Maintenance
Once the pour vehicle is in the staging area the operator must allow the metal to cool completely before beginning the clean-up process. Once cooled the operator should use an approved solvent and rag to remove any excess metal or slag from the pour vehicle and the surrounding area.
The operator should then check all chains, straps, guards and safety bars, making sure they are properly secured and in good working order. At the end of each shift the operator should perform a thorough inspection of the pour vehicle and the production line, looking for damage and excessive wear.
6. Summary
Pour vehicles play an instrumental role in the production process of high-quality parts and products. Knowing proper operating procedure is essential for the safe and efficient operation of a pour vehicle and the successful production of quality parts. All personnel should be familiar with and adhere to the safety protocols outlined in this document when operating a pour vehicle. Proper inspection and maintenance should also be performed as necessary to ensure the correct and safe operation of the pour vehicle.
