Feedrail FM & FX Multi-Conductor Trolley Series

FM & FX Multi-Conductor Trolley Series — What It Is and What It Does

Track Supports

Steel clamp type track hangers for supporting track sections from strap or rod. Additional track hangers can be attached at intermediate points.

Track

Track sections consist of a brake press welded two-piece 13-gauge zinc coated steel housing and the enclosed current carrying bus bars and insulators, all factory assembled in convenient lengths ready for easy, fool-proof installation on the job. The lower horizontal portions of the houseing serve as smooth, rigid runway sfor the trolleys.

“Multi-Conductor track sections are available in various types — Plain, Door, Feed, Sectionalizing, Transfer, Curved and Expansion Track sections.

Bus bars are of hard drawn copper. They are amply proportioned to carry the specified current of 60 amperes per pole continuoulsly, 90 amperes per pole intermittently, without overheating. Bus bar connectors assure full current carrying capacity across the joints without interfering with the free travel of the trolley contacts.

Insulators are made of a high insulating and arc-resistent material. They are held on 12” centers by the casing.

Trolleys

Feedrail^® trolleys are designed to provide stable clean power; arcing and hot spots are essentially eliminated. Stable clean power is required for trouble free operation of today’s computer controlled equipment and machinery. 

Trolleys are available in fusible and non-fusible types.

Basically, all Feedrail^® “Multi-Conducotr” trolleys have a chassis-insulator-contact assembly. The chassis is of heavy gauge steel. The trolley wheels and guide wheels are of the ball-bearing type. A substantially proportioned insulator block combines the best insulating properties with high are resistance.

Feedrail^® “Multi-Conductor” trolleys are furnished with COPPER GRAPHITE BRUSH CONTACTS for movement up to 250 feet per minute. For rate of travel or conditions other than above, please consult factory.

A polarizing tab on the chassis, operating in conjunction with a stop in the door track section, permits insertion of the trolleys only one way. Equipment grounding may be made through the trolleys. Weights in excess of 40 pounds per trolley are not recommended.

Grounding

For the safety of personnel, the track casings of the Feedrail^® system may be used as an equipment grounding conductor for grounding equipment through the individula trolleys.

Equpment grounding may be made by using the screw on the underside of the trolley chassis or on trolleys having bainets or boxes by using the grounding screw within the box. Track housing must be grounded through consuit or other suitable means.

Feedrail^® “Multi-Conductor” systems are desinged for indoor service in essentially dry locations. Feedrail^® systems areelectrified tracks in which the current carrying components are nclosed in protective steel housings. Smooth riding internally track-supported trolleys take off current and provide electrical power for crane and hoist or other types of electrification systems.

Feedrail^® “Multi-Conductor” systems have been specifiacally developed to provide safe electrification for crane bridges, monorail-hoist installations, test lines, machine tools and similar applications.

The Feedrail"Multi-Conductor” systems are made up of standardized units, factory assembled for fast, complete installation without on-site fabrications.

Feedrail^® “Multi-Conductor” systems may be used to provide both power and control. They are ideally suited for use on control circuits where other standard Feedrail^® systems supply heavier electrification requirements.

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Joining Straight Track Sections with Coupling Plate FX102

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Joining Curved to Curved Sections or Straight to Curved Sections with Coupling Plate FX102

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Mounting Dead End Cap FM407 & FX507

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Mounting End Feed Box FM409 or FX509

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Installing Feed-in Track Sections

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Installing Transfer Track

Feedrail^® Multi-Conductor transfer track sections are similar to Plain Track sections except that one or both ends are flared and have a tapered insulator serving as a guide for entrance of the trolleys.

On installations having transfer points, (*turntables, slide or tongue switches, etc.) the Transfer Track sections should be installed first so that proper gaps can be set. These gaps between Transfer Track sections should not exceed b inch. (Transfer Track sections for use on turntables, slide or tongue switches, are not stock items but are manufactured specifically to conform to given dimensions.)

Where motor propelled hoists are used on runs which include transfer points, it is necessary to use two electrically inter-connected trolleys. The two trolleys must be spaced sufficiently so that current is maintained to one trolley while the other crosses the transfer point. Duplex Transfer Type Trolleys are designed particularly for this application.

Transfer Track sections at transfer points must be aligned accurately, both horizontally and vertically. They must be supported at the transfer ends by an FX-197 Transfer Point Hanger Set. (Hook bottoms of Transfer Point Hanger Set into slots in the under edges of the track housing. Bring the plates together and fasten to support with bolts as shown.)

In every case the mounting of Transfer Track sections should be designed to insure a rigid installation. They should be sway braced to maintain alignment.

Sections are installed and coupled to adjoining track sections.

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Installing Sectionalized Track

Sectionalizing Track sections are used to electrically isolate parts of a track run while permitting movement of the trolleys through that portion of the track. All Sectionalizing Track sections are coupled in the same manner as Plain Track, shown on page 39. Note: The standard sections described on page 33 have internal insulators of a size which do not prevent the interrupting of the current to the trolley. The current is not only maintained through the trolley but the circuits on both sides are electrically tied together through the trolley contacts as the trolley passes the sectionalizing insulator. Other special sectionalizing track sections which are used in particular applications do break the current to the trolley. In these cases, two electrically connected trolleys must be used. They must be spaced sufficiently apart so that the contacts of one will be on the bus bars while the contacts of the other are passing the insulator. Unless connected in this manner, power will not be maintained to the trolley contacts as they cross the insulators and arcing at the trolley contacts will occur. Sectionalizing track sections must not be used as a circuit interrupting device.

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Building Expansion Track

At least one Expansion Track section should be installed in each 400 ft. of track run to compensate for the cumulative differences in expansion and contraction between the steel casings and copper bus bars. Additional Expansion Track sections may be required if the installation is subjected to a wide range of temperature changes.

Expansion Track sections must be used wherever an installation is made across a building or structural expansion joint.

The standard 10' Expansion Track section is designed to provide 2" of expansion and 2" of contraction above and below the normal 10' length, at 75°F. At the time of installation, the length of the Expansion Track section must be set in accordance with the table below.

When used at points other than a building or structural expansion joint to compensate for unequal expansion or contraction between the steel track housing and copper bus bars, support the Expansion Track section by the coupling plates at each end and by the center support plates from suitable support brackets.

When used across a building expansion joint, center the Expansion Track section across the building expansion joint and support at each end from coupling plates and from the center support plates. Center support must be on the same side of the building expansion joint as the side of the expansion section stenciled "STATIONARY."

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Mounting of Multi-Conductor Trolleys

All trolleys must be pulled in such a manner that no strain is placed on the trolley by the pulling arrangement or electrical cable. A bracket and chain linkage, as shown, is recommended. Brackets must be attached to the hoist, crane bridge or other equipment so the chains are on the center line of the track and the bracket parallel to and 2" below the track. Flexible rubber covered cables must be used for electrical connection of each trolley.

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Mounting Dimensions of Trolley Pulling Rackets

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Inserting Trolleys

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Installation Planning

Before a Feedrail^® Multi-Conductor system can be planned or an estimate of the cost prepared, the electrical and mechanical requirements that the system must meet should be known. The following outlines list the basic data needed for all applications and the additional data required for various specific applications.

Basic For All

1. Describe in detail the purpose for which the Feedrail^® “Multi-Conductor” will be used. Will it be used with existing equipment?
2. How many conductors will be required?
3. What voltage and current is to be applied to each conductor? Where is the power source located?
4. Details about any special requirements or conditions which the installation must meet such as moisture, corrosive fumes, high or low temperatures, etc.

For Electric Cranes

5. Sketch giving number, location, length of crane runways and length of bridge. Show location of building expansion joints or expansion joints in the structure from which the Feedrail^® will be supported.
6. How many conductors will be required on each bridge run? How many for power? For control? How much current must each conductor carry?
7. What is the maximum travel speed of the bridge? of the hoist?
8. List of the crane’s motors — main hoist, auxiliary hoist, bridge travel, trolley travel— giving the type (D.C., wound rotor, squirrel cage, etc.) of each motor and its horsepower and full-load ampere rating.

For Electric Hoists

5. Plan view sketch of the rail system on which the hoists will travel, giving the length of run, of straight sections, radii of any curves and dimensions of any switches. What is the minimum distance from Feedrail^® to monorail in order to clear hoist? Show location of building expansion joints or expansion joints in the structure from which the Feedrail^® will be supported.
6. How many hoists will be used and what is the horsepower and full load current rating of each? Include horsepower and full load current rating of travel motors of any of the hoists that are motor propelled. What are the maximum travel speeds?

For Moving Test Lines

5. Plan view sketch with dimensions showing the length of straight sections and radii of any curves, indicate the number of outlets required. If there are any sections along the run where test current will not be required, indicate their location and extent.
6. What type of equipment will be tested.
7. Give weight of units to be supported by the system.
8. What amperage range and what fusing arrangements will be required?

For Production Machines

5. Plan view sketch with dimensions showing the location of the Feedrail^® system.
6. Indicate the number of conductors required and give voltage and amperage requirements of each. Give horsepower and full load current rating of each motor.
7. List any other equipment that will be powered by the Feedrail^® and give its full load current rating.

For Special Requirements

5. Plan view sketch with all dimensions which are necessary to make clear the location and extent of the Feedrail^® “100” system and the radii of any curves it may contain. Show the location of the power source.
6. Full details about equipment which will be operated from the system, including :
   1. Horsepower and full-load current rating of any electrical motors.
   2. Weight of any equipment to be supported by the system.
   3. Fusing arrangements required.
   4. Number of outlets needed.

Engineering Cooperation

Working out the details of a Feedrail^® Multi- Conductor installation is not difficult once all the electrical and mechanical requirements have been definitely determined.

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Preventive Maintenance

Before the Feedrail^® system is placed in operation, it should be thoroughly checked for horizontal and vertical alignment, adequate track support and free movement of trolley travel throughout the entire track run. All track, bus bar and feed connections should be mechanically tight. The system should be checked for possible grounds or short circuits. Any paint, grease, or other foreign matter accumulated during construction should be removed from the bus bars, insulation and track interior. Blow out all dust and other loose particles from inside the track.

Expansion sections, when used, must be properly adjusted, located and supported in accordance with installation instructions. Check bus bars and casing for accurate alignment.

Feedrail^® is both an electrical and a moving mechanical system and therefore should be included as a part of your Preventive Maintenance Program.

Electrical Maintenance requires:

1. Keeping the system dry and clean to prevent electrical leakage or “shorts” across the insulation.
2. Maintaining electrical continuity by keeping bus bar contact surfaces clean and joints tight.

Mechanical Maintenance requires:

1. Preventing excessive wear.
2. Replacing parts showing excessive wear.

The following Preventive Maintenance procedure, periodically performed, is recommended:

1. Remove, thoroughly clean all trolleys and lubricate the wheels. Feedrail^® recommends Grade #1 Bearing Grease. This is softer grease than #2 and allows the grease to penetrate the bearings easier. Inspect contacts for excessive wear. Replace worn wheels and contacts.
2. Clean bus bars with Feedrail^® Bus Bar Cleaner.
3. Blow out all foreign particles which have accumulated inside the track.
4. Check trolleys for free movement within the track.
5. Check all track supports, track joints, bus bar and feed connections for tightness.

This procedure should be repeated at regular intervals, consistent with the severity of the operations and usage of the system. Plants operating two or three shifts will require more frequent inspection of the Feedrail^® equipment.

Feedrail^® is not normally recommended for installations subject to vibration, frequent electrical overload, corrosive fumes and other abnormal conditions. However, should such conditions exist, more frequent inspections and maintenance will be required.

Before additional electrical loads are added to the system it should be determined that sufficient capacity is available.

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Typical Specification

The Trolley Busway System (Crane and Hoist Electrification System) shall be of metal enclosed type with internally tracksupported trolleys as manufactured by:

Genuine Feedrail^®
Industrial Products 

The System shall have a voltage rating (600)(300) Volts A.C., or (300)(250) Volts D.C. (2 pole) (3 pole) (4 pole) (5 pole), and a continuous current carrying capacity of 60 Amperes per Pole. (When used as a Crane and Hoist Electrification System, the System shall be rated at 60 Amperes continuous service and 90 Amperes intermittent service). The full current carrying capacity of the system shall be maintained throughout.

The System shall permit longitudinal movement of the housings and bus bars, independent of each other, in order to allow for unequal expansion and contraction as a result of temperature changes.

The System shall consist of standardized, interchangeable, Feedrail^® units — track sections, coupling sets, dead end caps, track hangers and power takeoff trolleys, as called for on the plans.

Track sections shall be two-piece, 13 gauge, brake pressed, zinc-coated sheet steel enclosures having a continuous slot in the bottom and a heavy double webbed rib in the top. Rolled or drawn copper bus bars, capable of carrying 60 Amperes per pole continuously without overheating, shall be mounted within the steel enclosure on arc-resistant insulators.

Door track sections shall include two hinged doors in the bottom for insertion and removal of trolleys. Door openings shall have a mechanical polarization to insure proper polarity of the trolleys.

Track supported trolleys shall be Cat. No.__________________________ as listed in the Feedrail^® Catalog. They shall have a zinc-plated sheet steel chassis with metal wheels for support. Horizontal guide wheels shall run in the slot of the Feedrail^® track to prevent slewing and maintain alignment. Spring-loaded (roller) (or) (brush) contacts shall be mounted on arc-resistant insulation. When inserted in Feedrail^® track, the contacts shall align with the bus bars at all times.

Trolleys shall be mechanically polarized with respect to door track sections. 

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Basic Dimensions/Mounting Methods of Feedrail^® Heavy Duty Systems

As an aid in planning mountings, the basic dimensions of the Feedrail^® ‘Multi-Conductor’ systems are shown below. These are offered as a guide only.

Mounting Methods

Examples of the methods commonly used for mountiing Feedrail^® ‘Multi-Conductor’ systems track runs are shown below. These methods can be used in existing plants as well as in new buildings. Engineers and contractors will readily be able to devise other methods to suit special installations. In every case the mounting should be designed to insure a rigid installation in both horizontal and vertical alignment.

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