The "No-Pocket" Drum
Until the introduction of the revolutionary VORTEX® chipping system, all drum chippers, as we know, have a "pocket" in the surface of the drum to carry chips to the discharge port. This is not the optimum means of throwing chips nor does it make for the most durable weldment, or even lend itself to ease of serviceability. Because the VORTEX® chipping system separates the chip throwing responsibility to an attached impeller to the drum shaft, the pocketless/skinless VORTEX® drum itself will make several gains in its abilities to chip when cutting is its primary, isolated function.
A New Spin
Without having to "carry out" a throwing operation, the VORTEX® drum is not dependent upon the minimum requirements needed by the drum in order to achieve acceptable throwing capability and avoid plugging, in terms of RPMs and size. Thus, it is easier to maintain ideal drum speeds, with more torque delivered to a "right-sized" diameter drum from the engine instead of having to operate at higher, torque-robbing RPMs because of the need to throw. Since cutting force at the knife tip increases the closer you get to the axis of the drum, reducing both the drum diameter and the drum RPM creates a greater cutting force at the knife tip. Plugging is virtually a non-factor due to the speed relationship between the drum and discharge disc, and recovery time is quickened between auto feed stops. Overall, the VORTEX® chipping system is able to match these most favorable conditions with its drum configuration and properties.
The VORTEX® "no-pocket" drum with throwing impeller (disc)
Look Ma ... No Pockets
The VORTEX® pocketless/skinless drum creates no restrictions on chip flow after a chip comes off the knife. Chips immediately fall into the cone-shaped bellypan where they are pushed as well as pulled by gravity and air to the discharge fan. No pockets are needed to carry chips. Drums with pockets do not allow for interior welding of the drum skin or much of the interior of the pocket and knife holder. Over a period of time, chipping stress causes welds to give way and knife holders to break away, which are both dangerous and expensive to repair. Because the VORTEX® drum has no exterior surface "skin", the entire interior of the drum as well as the knife holders are fully exposed. This open face allows 100% weld coverage on all drum components making for a far superior and more durable assembly.
Open and exposed access to knife holders
Gain Access
The open and exposed access to knife holders, allow for added weld coverage making knife support stronger and allows knife bolts to be fastened with wrench-accessible backside nuts; no more threaded holders.
A more durable assembly with 100% weld coverage
