The WORKMASTER® Vibratory-Expanding Cross System uses a removable Vibrator to compact both bottom and side refractory linings in coreless induction furnaces. Photo A to the right shows the WEC Hydraulic Model 800 with Vibrator attached, fully contracted (Shoes and Battens are shown in place). Photo B shows the WEC 800 fully
expanded, and Photo C shows the smallest unit, Model 300, fully contracted, without shoes and battens. Two “extender” Shoes, shown in Photo D, may be used as necessary to increase the fully-expanded size of the WEC Units.
The Bottom Plate with the Vibrator bolted at its center, as shown to the right, is lowered and placed on the dry refractory material previously poured into the bottom of the furnace. This bottom lining is compacted first, then, when complete, the Bottom Plate Assembly is removed.
The Vibrator is then removed from the quick-change bracket on the Bottom Plate and installed in the bracket on the WEC Unit. A closed-end, cylindrical Lining-Former (The Former) is centered in the furnace, and lowered and fixed in place on the already-compacted bottom lining. Dry refractory material is poured into the space between the Former and Furnace Wall. The WEC Unit, with Shoes and cut-to-size oak Battens attached, is lowered by hoist to the location where the initial compacting of the wall lining refractory is to take place.
The WEC Unit is then expanded hydraulically until the Battens firmly contact the inside of the Former, and then the hoist is slacked off. When the Vibrator is activated, a strong and effective vibrating force (10,400 force-lbs; 11,000 VPM @ 80 PSI), is transferred through the Former, uniformly compacting the refractory. Depending on furnace height, the WEC Unit is contracted, raised, re-expanded, and vibrated again as required. The easy-to-control Vibrator frequency achieves a homogeneous refractory compaction throughout the lining.
OPERATING DATA | WEC MODELS** | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
300 | 400 | 500 | 800 | 900 | ||
Inside Diameter Lining-Former | (in) | 15.16 - 24.61 | 19.09 - 30.91 | 23.03 - 37.20 | 34.84 - 49.02 | 43.70 - 58.46 |
(mm) | 385 - 625 | 485 - 785 | 585 - 945 | 885 - 1245 | 1110 - 1485 | |
Air Pressure | (psi) | 80 - 100 | 80 - 100 | 80 - 100 | 80 - 100 | 80 - 100 |
Air Consumption* | (cfm) | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 |
Lining Compaction Time | (mins) | 7 -8 | 8 - 10 | 8 - 10 | 12 - 15 Total for 2 Positions | 12 - 15 Total for 2 Positions |
Bottom Compaction Time | (mins) | 8 - 12 | 8 - 12 | 8 - 12 | 8 - 12 | 8 - 12 |
Weight (Less Vibrator & Battens) | (lbs) | 65 | 75 | 100 | 175 | 270 |


DIMENSIONS (IN) | WEC MODELS | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
300 | 400 | 500 | 800 | 900 | |
A | 7.09 | 9.06 | 11.02 | 16.93 | 20.87 |
B | 7.68 | 9.65 | 11.61 | 17.52 | 21.65 |
C | 1.81 ± .04 | 1.81 ± .04 | 1.81 ± .04 | 1.81 ± .04 | 1.81 ± .04 |
D | 5.91 | 5.91 | 5.91 | 5.91 | 13.39 |
E | 21.65 | 21.65 | 21.65 | 21.65 | 31.89 |

Determine the inside diameter of the Former you intend to use. With this data in hand, simply call us at 866.476.9217 or fax us at 484.325.2961. We will be glad to determine the exact WEC Vibratory-Expanding Cross System Model you should have and we will provide full information on price and delivery.