Electric Vibratory Hammer VS Hydraulic Vibratory Hammer

In the previous article, we introduced the difference between vibratory hammer and impact hammer. This article will compare electric vibratory hammer and hydraulic vibratory hammer to help you find the vibratory hammer suitable for your project.

First of all, what are the working principles of these two vibratory hammers?

The electric vibratory hammer is a mechanical device that uses an electric motor to drive an eccentric structure to generate periodic vibration force and transmit it to the work object.

1. Motor drive

The core power source of the electric vibratory hammer is the motor (AC or DC, usually three-phase electricity), and its rotational motion is transmitted to the eccentric structure through a coupling or gearbox.

2. The eccentric block generates centrifugal force

Eccentric structure: The motor drives the eccentric shaft or eccentric block to rotate at high speed to generate centrifugal force. The direction of the centrifugal force changes periodically with the rotation, forming a reciprocating exciting force.

Vibration force calculation: The magnitude of the vibration force depends on the mass of the eccentric block, the eccentric distance (the distance between the center of mass and the axis of rotation) and the speed

Frequency adjustment: The vibration frequency can be changed by adjusting the motor speed (such as variable frequency control) to adapt to different working conditions.

3. Vibration transmission and guidance

Vibration transmission: The exciting force is transmitted to the hammer head, pile pipe and other working parts through rigid brackets or connectors to form high-frequency vibration.

Shock absorption design: Springs or rubber shock absorbers isolate the equipment body from the vibrating parts, reduce the impact on the operating platform, and improve stability.

Key components

1. Motor: Provides power, usually with overload protection to adapt to high-load conditions.

2. Eccentric mechanism: The adjustable eccentric block allows the vibration force to be adjusted (by increasing or decreasing the counterweight or changing the eccentric distance).

3. Shock absorption system: Prevent vibration energy from backbiting the equipment and extend the service life.

4. Clamping device: Used to fix working objects such as pile pipes and steel plates (such as hydraulic clamps).

Hydraulic vibratory hammer is a high-efficiency vibrating equipment driven by a hydraulic system. It generates controllable vibration force through a hydraulic power source and is widely used in pile foundation construction, soil compaction and industrial demolition. Its working principle is significantly different from that of an electric vibratory hammer. The core lies in the power transmission and regulation mechanism of the hydraulic system.

1. Hydraulic power source drive

Hydraulic pump station: The power of the hydraulic vibratory hammer comes from an external hydraulic pump station (such as an excavator, hydraulic power unit, etc.), which converts mechanical energy into high-pressure energy of hydraulic oil.

Hydraulic motor/cylinder: High-pressure oil drives the hydraulic motor to rotate or the cylinder to reciprocate, thereby driving the eccentric block or vibration mechanism to generate exciting force.

2. Eccentric mechanism and vibration generation

Rotary vibration (common in high-frequency vibratory hammers):

The hydraulic motor drives the eccentric shaft or eccentric block to rotate, generating centrifugal force

The motor speed (i.e. vibration frequency) can be changed by adjusting the hydraulic flow or pressure.

Reciprocating vibration (low frequency and large amplitude):

The hydraulic cylinder drives the mass block to reciprocate and generates vibration using inertial force, which is suitable for scenes requiring large impact force (such as hard rock crushing).

3. Vibration control and regulation

Frequency regulation: The oil volume or pressure is controlled by a hydraulic valve to achieve stepless regulation of the vibration frequency (for example, from low frequency 800 times/minute to high frequency 2500 times/minute).

Amplitude adjustment: adjust the eccentricity of the eccentric block (mechanical) or change the pressure of the hydraulic system (dynamic adjustment) to flexibly match different working conditions.

4. Vibration transmission and shock absorption

Rigid transmission structure: The exciting force is directly transmitted to the pile body or the working object through the clamping device (such as hydraulic clamp).

Shock absorption system: Use rubber buffer blocks or hydraulic shock absorbers to isolate the impact of vibration on the host equipment (such as excavators) and protect the stability of the equipment.

Key components

1. Hydraulic power unit: Provide high-pressure oil, which needs to match the flow and pressure of the pump station (usually the pressure range is 20-35 MPa).

2. Hydraulic motor/cylinder: core power conversion component, which requires high pressure resistance and impact resistance.

3. Eccentric mechanism: adjustable eccentric block design, supporting dynamic adjustment of amplitude.

4. Clamping device: hydraulic clamp or fixture, used to fix pile body, steel plate, etc.

5. Control system: hydraulic proportional valve or electronic control module to achieve precise adjustment of frequency and amplitude.

So what are the main differences between electric vibratory hammer and hydraulic vibratory hammer?

1. Different driving methods

Project Electric vibratory hammer Hydraulic vibratory hammer

Drive mode Electric motor drives the eccentric block to rotate and generate vibration Hydraulic motor drives the eccentric block to rotate and generate vibration

Energy source Electricity Hydraulic oil

2. Structure and volume

Electric vibratory hammer:

The structure is relatively simple and the volume is large.

Easy to maintain, but the flexibility is poor.

Hydraulic vibratory hammer:

The structure is more compact and suitable for small sites or mobile platforms (such as crawler cranes and pile-driving ships).

Usually lighter and convenient for construction deployment.

3. Scope of application

Electric vibratory hammer:

Applicable to areas with stable power supply and large construction sites.

Commonly used in land construction, such as building foundations, bridge foundations, etc.

Hydraulic vibratory hammer:

More suitable for working conditions with high requirements for equipment flexibility, such as water operations, narrow urban spaces, and high-altitude operations.

It can be installed on various construction machinery (such as excavators and cranes) to achieve mobile operations.

4. Performance comparison

Performance index Electric vibratory hammer Hydraulic vibratory hammer

Vibration frequency Relatively fixed, generally 1200~1800 rpm Adjustable, more flexible

Control method Relatively simple Fine control can be achieved

Noise and vibration transmission Noise is relatively high Relatively quiet, vibration transmission is small

Adaptability Poor Stronger, especially suitable for complex geology

5. Maintenance and cost

Electric vibratory hammer:

Low cost and easy maintenance.

Requires power support, cable laying is more troublesome.

Hydraulic vibratory hammer:

The initial cost and maintenance cost are higher (including hydraulic station and pipeline).

But it has a long life and high efficiency, suitable for large and frequent construction.

Summary:

If the construction area has urban infrastructure, stable electricity, and spacious site, it is more economical and efficient to choose an electric vibratory hammer.

If you are facing a complex environment (such as water, mountainous areas, and small urban areas) or need high flexibility operation: Hydraulic vibratory hammer is a more suitable choice.