Linear Vibrator Types, Options and Installation Components

Houston Vibrator’s line of pneumatic piston vibrators (collectively known as the BV’s) is extensive, with many different types, configurations, options, and components available to customize the vibrator for the precise set of application requirements and facility requirements you have. Below, you’ll find a brief explanation of the available types and options available, and the components required in a typical installation of a piston vibrator.

Houston Vibrator’s Sales Team is always here to assist you with sizing, product selection, and option selection, so if you’re not sure which is right for you, get in touch for help. Request a Quote or call 800-320-4044 for immediate assistance.


Types of Piston Vibrators

Impacting: This is a continuously running vibrator, meaning that the piston continues to move back and forth as long as air is supplied. The piston actually contacts the bottom of the vibrator bore at the end of each stroke, creating an “impact”. This is the most powerful option, but also the loudest. Models of this type will end with the “IMP” designation.

Air Cushioned: This is a continuously running vibrator, meaning that the piston continues to move back and forth as long as air is supplied. The piston does not make contact with the bottom of the vibrator bore, but oscillates back and forth, creating an “air cushion” at each end of the stroke. This is the least powerful option, but the quietest. Models of this type will end with the “AC” designation.

Quiet Impact: This is a continuously running vibrator, meaning that the piston continues to move back and forth as long as air is supplied. The piston is tipped with a rubber bumper, and actually contacts the bottom of the bore at the end of each stroke, creating an “impact” which is quieted by the rubber tip. This is a wonderful blend of both force and noise reduction, patented by Houston Vibrator. Models of this type will end with the “QI” designation.

Single Impact: This is a timed impact vibrator, meaning that the piston only hits once each time air is supplied. It stays at the end of the stroke until air supply is turned off and the vibrator is allowed to exhaust and reset to the start position. Like the Impacting Model, it does actually create an “impact” each time the vibrator is energized. However, the timing of each impact is controlled by way of an electronic timer, PLC, pneumatic timer, or manual on/off control. Models of this type will end with the “SI” designation.

Quiet Single Impact: This is a timed impact vibrator, meaning that the piston only hits once each time air is supplied. It stays at the end of the stroke until air supply is turned off and the vibrator is allowed to exhaust and reset to the start position. Like the Quiet Impacting Model, it does actually create an “impact” each time the vibrator is engergized, and the rubber tip of the piston quiets the noise from that impact. The timing of each impact is controlled by way of an electronic timer, PLC, pneumatic timer, or manual on/off control. Models of this type will end with the “QSI” designation.


Available Options

While not all options are available for all sizes or all types, we can accommodate most requirements. This is a list of our most commonly requested options.

Long Stroke: Available on limited sizes, long stroke vibrators can be mounted on the same mounting plate as their standard counterparts, but feature a higher force output. This is useful in retrofits requiring higher force than the existing model can provide. For a chart of possible retrofits (including other brands), view our Long Stroke Retrofit Chart.

Tefkote: This is an internal coating that allows piston vibrators to be used without lubrication. It is useful when vibrators will be used in an environment where exhaust air containing lubricants is undesirable, such as food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, or anywhere that personnel will be in close proximity. This option also provides protection from high temperature environments, allowing piston vibrators to be used on mounting surfaces may be hotter than normal due to process or material temperature. The Tefkote option is available on most of our piston vibrator sizes and types, including IMP, AC, SI, QI, QSI bin vibrators, and HCV and QMC railcar vibrators.

Start Springs: Start Springs are used to ensure that a vibrator’s piston returns to the start position when the air source is turned off. This option should only be used when a vibrator is mounted such that the piston is within 20 degrees of horizontal. Otherwise, gravity will pull the piston back into the proper position, and the spring is not needed. Note: ALL SI models include a start spring.

Tapped Exhaust: Tapped exhaust is useful when exhaust air is not ideal in the immediate area of the vibrator. With the tapped exhaust option, you are able to attach tubing or piping to the threaded exhaust port in the vibrator, and route it to an alternate location. Some larger models may require dual tapped exaust.

External Coatings: Houston Vibrator offers special corrosion-resistant or food-grade external coatings upon request.


Components used in a typical piston vibrator installation

Installing a piston vibrator is not a simple matter of bolting it to your equipment, and supplying compressed air. For a vibrator to perform effectively and safely, there are several necessary components. You will need, at minimum:

  • Mounting Assembly
  • Airhose
  • Safety Cable
  • Lubro-unit combination Filter-Regulator-Lubricator (if Tefkote option is chosen, no lubricator is required)
  • On/Off Controller of some kind

A typical single-vibrator installation looks something like this:

Typical BV Installation

Your installation may require additional components such as:

  • Solenoid Valves
  • Pneumatic Timers
  • Electronic Timers
  • Specialized on/off controllers
  • Dessicant Dryer

As always, the Houston Vibrator Sales Team is available to assist you in configuring a solution that fits the requirements of your application, your facility, and your budget.