Guide to Anchoring and Installing Feed Mixers in Pig Farms

Site Selection and Groundwork Preparation

The foundation of stable mixer operation begins with proper site selection. Choose a location with firm, level ground to minimize vibration during operation. Avoid areas prone to flooding or excessive moisture, as this can compromise the integrity of concrete foundations. In regions with soft soil, conduct soil compaction tests and consider reinforcing the ground with gravel layers before pouring concrete.

For permanent installations, excavate foundation pits according to the mixer’s specifications. The depth should exceed 50 cm in most cases, with width dimensions matching the mixer’s base plus an additional 20 cm margin on all sides. Use wooden formwork to shape the foundation, ensuring vertical alignment with spirit levels. Reinforce the concrete with steel rebar grids spaced no more than 30 cm apart to prevent cracking under dynamic loads.

Temporary installations require alternative approaches. When using mobile mixers, create a stable platform using pressure-treated timber or steel plates. The platform must distribute weight evenly to prevent sinking. For seasonal operations, consider removable concrete slabs that can be relocated as needed.

Anchor Bolt Installation Techniques

Proper anchor bolt placement ensures mechanical stability. For pre-embedded bolts, use templates made from plywood or metal to maintain precise spacing. The templates should feature holes matching the bolt pattern, with additional alignment marks for reference. Secure the template to the formwork before pouring concrete, ensuring bolts remain vertical during curing.

Post-installed anchor bolts offer flexibility in existing structures. Drill holes using rotary hammers with depth gauges to maintain consistent embedding. Clean holes thoroughly with compressed air and wire brushes to remove debris. Insert chemical anchors according to manufacturer specifications, allowing sufficient curing time before applying load.

Vertical alignment tolerance for anchor bolts should not exceed 2 mm per meter of height. Use laser levels or plumb lines to verify alignment during installation. After concrete curing, check bolt protrusion heights with calipers, ensuring uniformity within ±3 mm. Tighten nuts gradually in a crisscross pattern to distribute pressure evenly.

Mechanical Assembly and Alignment Procedures

Begin assembly by positioning the mixer base over the anchor bolts. Use jacking screws to make fine horizontal adjustments before final tightening. Check base plate flatness with feeler gauges, aiming for gaps no larger than 0.5 mm between the plate and foundation.

Motor and drive shaft alignment requires precision. Use dial indicators to measure radial and axial runout, keeping values below 0.1 mm. Adjust coupling spacers or motor mounts to eliminate misalignment. For belt-driven systems, set tension to achieve 15-20 mm deflection at the belt midpoint under moderate pressure.

Final adjustments include verifying mixer bowl clearance from surrounding structures. Maintain a minimum gap of 50 cm between the bowl edge and walls to allow operator access. Test rotation manually before powering on, checking for obstructions or binding. Gradually increase speed while monitoring vibration levels with accelerometers.

Safety and Operational Considerations

Implement comprehensive safety measures around the installation. Install guardrails around elevated platforms and provide anti-slip surfaces on walkways. Clearly mark emergency stop buttons and ensure they remain accessible from multiple angles.

Electrical installations must comply with farm safety standards. Use weatherproof enclosures for control panels and route cables through conduit pipes. Ground all metal components properly, verifying resistance values below 1 ohm. Label all circuits clearly and include residual current devices (RCDs) for personnel protection.

Regular maintenance schedules prevent operational failures. Lubricate moving parts weekly using food-grade grease where applicable. Inspect anchor bolts monthly for signs of loosening or corrosion. Keep a logbook documenting all maintenance activities, including belt replacements, motor servicing, and structural repairs.

Since 1999,Sinomuge(Muge) has been a leading manufacturer of livestock feeding systems in China, we specialize in producing silo and feed transport system, liquid feed intelligent feeding systems, intelligent feeding controllers, precision feeding systerm for sows and other automated pig farming equipment. We have established extensive partnerships with leading livestock groups worldwide, including MuYuan, Zhengbang Group, New Hope Group, and Twins Group,, providing integrated professional solutions from design and R&D to production and installation.Official website address：https://sinomuge.com/