Basic Compaction Systems
A compactor system has three main parts:
- the Compactor
- the Power Unit
- the Container
Stationary Compaction System
Self Contained Compactor
Compactor
Every compactor has a compactor frame, a steel housing which contains the components of the compactor.
Waste materials are loaded into the charge box, which holds the materials prior to compaction. The clear top opening measures the distance from the retracted ram to the inside of the breaker bar. The ram, a heavy duty steel plate pushes trash through the charge box into the receiving container. The breaker bar crushes large materials such as crates or pallets, which extend above the charge box. The ram is pushed forward by a hydraulic cylinder. When the ram is fully extended, a directional control valve or limit switch is activated, causing the ram to reverse (except on CYCON equipped units which do not require limit switches). The ram's cycle can be repeated until all the material is pushed into the receiving container. The hydraulic cylinder is housed at the rear of the compactor behind the ram.
Power Unit
A power unit, installed on or with every compactor, consists of an electric motor and hydraulic pump. Hydraulic fluid is drawn from an oil reservoir and forced through hoses. This, in turn, forces the cylinder to move, pushing the ram forward. An electrical control panel, containing switches, relays, and timers, operates the compactor.
The hydraulic system has an operating range from 0 to 3000 psi. When the container is full, the pressure climbs to its predetermined maximum. In most cases, the load is considered full when the pressure ranges from 1500 to 1800 psi.
Container
The receiving container connects to the breaker bar and the charge box opening. Compaction takes place inside the container, not the charge box in most cases. As the container fills, materials move across the floor and are diverted back by the roll plate. This continues until the container is full.