Graco Twistork Helix 308345T Parts list manual

308345T
EN
Instructions - Parts
BELT-DRIVEN, STAINLESS STEEL, PNEUMATIC
Twistork®Helix Agitator
with Suction Feature
For use in closed-head, bung-type, 55-gallon drums.
100 psi (0.7 MPa, 7 bar) Maximum Working Pressure
See page 2 for model information.
Important Safety Instructions
Read all warnings and instructions in this
manualbeforeusingtheequipment.Save
these instructions.
2575 II 1/2 G Ex h IIB T3 Ga/Gb
ITS03ATEX11226X

2308345T
Contents
Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warnings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Component Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Standard Agitator, Model 236629 . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Oil-less Reversible Agitator, Model 236760. . . . . 5
Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Air Line Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install the Agitator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Find the Proper Agitator Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pressure Relief Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Maximum Siphon Flow Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Air Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Nitrogen Charge the Drum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operate the Agitator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Shutdown Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Flush the Air Motor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Prolong the Life of the Bearing Nut . . . . . . . . . . 11
Clean the Fluid Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Agitator Blades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Lubricate the Air Motor (Model 236629 Only). . . 13
Clean the Air Intake Check Valve. . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Correct a Bad Suction Line Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Remove the Siphon and Helix Tubes. . . . . . . . . 15
Remove the Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Assemble the Agitator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Model 236629 Standard Agitator . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Model 236760 Oil-less Reversible Agitator . . . . 18
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
California Proposition 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Graco Standard Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Models
Part Series Description
236629 C Standard Agitator, 0.75 HP (0.55 kW)
236760 C Oil-less Reversible Agitator, 0.75 HP (0.55 kW)

Warnings
308345T 3
Warnings
The following warnings are for the setup, use, grounding, maintenance, and repair of this equipment. The
exclamation point symbol alerts you to a general warning and the hazard symbols refer to procedure-specific risks.
When these symbols appear in the body of this manual or on warning labels, refer back to these Warnings.
Product-specific hazard symbols and warnings not covered in this section may appear throughout the body of this
manual where applicable.
WARNING
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
Flammable fumes, such as solvent and paint fumes, in work area can ignite or explode. Paint or solvent
flowing through the equipment can cause static sparking. To help prevent fire and explosion:
• Use equipment only in well-ventilated area.
• Eliminate all ignition sources, such as pilot lights, cigarettes, portable electric lamps, and plastic drop
cloths (potential static sparking).
• Ground all equipment in the work area. See Grounding instructions.
• Never spray or flush solvent at high pressure.
• Keep work area free of debris, including solvent, rags and gasoline.
• Do not plug or unplug power cords, or turn power or light switches on or off when flammable fumes
are present.
• Use only grounded hoses.
• Hold gun firmly to side of grounded pail when triggering into pail. Do not use pail liners unless they
are anti-static or conductive.
•Stop operation immediately ifstaticsparkingoccursoryoufeelashock.Donotuseequipmentuntil
you identify and correct the problem.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in the work area.
MOVING PARTS HAZARD
Moving parts can pinch, cut or amputate fingers and other body parts.
• Keep clear of moving parts.
• Do not operate equipment with protective guards or covers removed.
• Do not wear loose clothing, jewelry or long hair while operating equipment.
• Equipment can start without warning. Before checking, moving, or servicing equipment, follow the
Pressure Relief Procedure and disconnect all power sources.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SAFE USE
• Electrostatic charging hazard. Clean surfaces with a damp cloth and read instructions for additional
techniques to mitigate risk of electrostatic discharge.
• TheAmbientTemperatureRangeofeachagitatordependsontheairmotorincludedintheassembly.
Refer to Models and Technical Specifications in Instruction manual for additional information.

Warnings
4308345T
EQUIPMENT MISUSE HAZARD
Misuse can cause death or serious injury.
• Do not operate the unit when fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not exceed the maximum working pressure or temperature rating of the lowest rated system
component. See Technical Specifications in all equipment manuals.
• Use fluids and solvents that are compatible with equipment wetted parts. See Technical
Specifications in all equipment manuals. Read fluid and solvent manufacturer’s warnings. For
complete information about your material, request Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) from distributor or
retailer.
• Do not leave the work area while equipment is energized or under pressure.
• Turn off all equipment and follow the Pressure Relief Procedure when equipment is not in use.
• Check equipment daily. Repair or replace worn or damaged parts immediately with genuine
manufacturer’s replacement parts only.
• Do not alter ormodify equipment. Alterations or modifications may void agency approvals and create
safety hazards.
• Make sure all equipment is rated and approved for the environment in which you are using it.
• Use equipment only for its intended purpose. Call your distributor for information.
• Route hoses and cables away from traffic areas, sharp edges, moving parts, and hot surfaces.
• Do not kink or over bend hoses or use hoses to pull equipment.
• Keep children and animals away from work area.
• Comply with all applicable safety regulations.
TOXIC FLUID OR FUMES HAZARD
Toxic fluids or fumes can cause serious injury or death if splashed in the eyes or on skin, inhaled, or
swallowed.
• Read Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) to know the specific hazards of the fluids you are using.
• Store hazardous fluid in approved containers, and dispose of it according to applicable guidelines.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Wear appropriate protective equipment when in the work area to help prevent serious injury, including
eye injury, hearing loss, inhalation of toxic fumes, and burns. Protective equipment includes but is not
limited to:
• Protective eyewear, and hearing protection.
• Respirators, protective clothing, and gloves as recommended by the fluid and solvent manufacturer.
WARNING

Component Identification
308345T 5
Component Identification
The Twistork Helix Agitator is intended to mix and
maintain paints and similar fluids in closed-head,
55-gallon (200-liter) drums with 2 in. npt bung
connections. The Twistork Helix Agitator provides
suction porting through its siphon tube, which allows you
to siphon fluid to a pump while mixing it.
Standard Agitator, Model 236629
The standard agitator operates in a center-lift fluid
rotation mode, which is preferred in most applications
because it minimizes fluid aeration. The helix rotates
counterclockwise and mixes fluid by lifting it up from the
bottom of the drum. See FIG. 1.
Standard agitator Model 236629 cannot reverse its
helix rotation.
FIG. 1: Model 236629: Standard (counterclockwise)
Rotation
Oil-less Reversible Agitator,
Model 236760
The oil-less reversible agitator operates the same as the
standard agitator,but it uses a non-lubricated air supply,
and the helix rotation can be reversed.
NOTE: Although the air motor can operate without oil,
motor life is increased when lubrication is provided.
To reverse the helix rotation on reversible agitator Model
236760, remove the air motor muffler (16a) and needle
valve (18), and switch the ports they are installed into.
See FIG. 2.
When the helix rotation is reversed, the agitator
operates in a pull-down fluid rotation mode, which can
be better for agitating fluids that are difficult to put into
suspension. The helix rotates clockwise and mixes fluid
by pulling it down from the surface. See FIG. 2.
With clockwise (pull-down fluid rotation), care must be
used at high speeds to prevent cavitation, which could
be caused by air being drawn down to the siphon inlet.
FIG. 2: Model 236760: Reversed (clockwise) Rotation
16a
18
18
16a

Installation
6308345T
Installation
Key:
SV: Bleed-type air shutoff valve
AF: Air line filter
AR: Air regulator and gauge
AL: Air line lubricator
AM: Agitator motor
MT: Mix tank (reference only)
Grounding
Check your local electrical code for detailed grounding
instructions for your area and type of equipment.
To ground the Twistork Helix agitator, connect the
ground wire (H) to the grounding lug (J) on the collar.
Connect the grounding wire clamp to a true earth
ground. See FIG. 4.
Order part number 222011, ground wire and clamp.
FIG. 4: Ground the Agitator
To reduce the risk of fire and explosion, always
maintain a minimum of 1 in. (25.4 mm) clearance
between rotating agitator parts and container to
prevent sparks from contact.
FIG. 3: Typical Installation
AM
SV
AL
MT
AR
AF
The equipment must be grounded to reduce the risk
of static sparking. Static sparking can cause fumes to
ignite or explode. To reduce the risk of static sparking,
all electrically conductive objects or devices in the
spray area must be properly grounded.
NOTICE
The bearing nut (8) is made of acetal, which is not
compatible with some of the solvents used in paints or
coatings and is not compatible with acidic fluids and
will be damaged by them. Order part number 189660,
optional Rulon®bearing nut. Check your material data
sheet and/or supplier for compatibility.
J
H

Installation
308345T 7
FIG. 5: Install Flexible Suction Hose
Air Line Accessories
A bleed-type air shutoff valve (SV) is required; it isolates
the air line components for servicing. The air shutoff
valve should be installed in the supply line and can be
used to stop and start the agitator. If the valve is used to
stop and start the agitator, you do not need to set the
agitator speed each time it is used.
Order air shutoff valves by the part numbers listed
below:
110223 1/4” npt(f) x 1/4” npt(f)
110224 3/8” npt(f) x 3/8” npt(f)
113333 3/8” npt(m) x 3/8” npt(f)
The following air line accessorieshelp to increase motor
life and ease of operation.
Air Line Filter
Air line filters remove harmful dirt and moisture from the
air supply. Order one of the following:
106148 3/8 npt(f) air line filter
106149 1/2 npt(f) air line filter
Air Line Lubricator (for Model 236629 only)
Downstream from the filter, install an air line lubricator
for automatic air motor lubrication. Set the lubricator
feed rate at 1 drop of oil per minute for high speed or
continuous duty usage. Do not overfeed oil or exhaust
air may become contaminated. To manually lubricate
the air motor, see Lubricate the Air Motor
(Model 236629 Only), page 13. Order one of the
following:
214847 3/8 npt(f) air line lubricator
214848 1/2 npt(f) air line lubricator
Air Line Quick-Disconnect
Install an air line quick-disconnect (F) or bleed-type air
shutoff valve at the air inlet (D). See FIG. 6. Order one of
the following:
169969 1/8 npt(m) air line quick-disconnect
208536 1/4 npt(f) air line quick-disconnect
NOTICE
To avoid damaging the agitator, do not mount the pump
(G) directly to the agitator outlet fitting (41). Make sure
the pump is properly supported, and install a flexible
suction hose (E) between the agitator outlet fitting and
the pump, as shown in FIG. 5.
G
E
41
NOTICE
Not lubricating the air motor will cause air motor failure.

Installation
8308345T
Install the Agitator
The agitator weighs 24 lb (11 kg). To manually lift it in
and out of the drum, grasp the housing (3), and guide
the helix tube (7) through the drum bung. See FIG. 6.
Order part number 189658, accessory handle, to
connect a lift hook to raise and lower the agitator or
hang the agitator to store it.
1. Hold the agitator by the housing (3) or by the
accessory handle. Lower the helix tube (7) through
the bung using a turning motion until the siphon
tube rests on the bottom of the drum.
NOTE: The tube must rest on the bottom to
evacuate the maximum amount of material from the
drum and to stabilize the agitator.
2. Make sure the gasket (46) is in place, screw the
bung adapter (44) into the bung, and tighten the
bung adapter. See FIG. 6.
3. Make sure the o-ring (20) is in place inside the
lock-ring (45), then tighten the lock-ring (45).
NOTE: To keepthe helix tube pointedstraightdown,
make sure the bung adapter (44) and lock ring (45)
are tight.
4. Position the air motor so the air line (C) can be
attached to the inlet (D) on the needle valve without
obstructing any other system components.
5. When using the agitator suction feature, connect
a suction hose (E) between the agitator fluid outlet
fitting (41) and the pump. See FIG. 6. The hose
connector must have a 30° bevel to match the fluid
outlet fitting with an airtight seal. See Maximum
Siphon Flow Rate, page 9.
When not using the siphon feature, plug the fluid
outlet fitting (41) to prevent excess fluid evaporation.
The air motor exhaust can be piped out as follows:
Remove the air motor muffler (16a), and connect an
exhaust line to the exhaust port.
NOTE: Model 236629 has a 1/4 npt(f) exhaust port.
Model 236760 has a 3/8 npt(f) exhaust port.
FIG. 6: Agitator
NOTICE
To avoid damaging the siphon tube, lower the agitator
to the drum bottom; do not drop it.
Do not install the agitator without the bearing nut (8) in
place. See FIG. 7. If the bearing nut is not installed, the
siphon tube (4) and helix tube (7) will rub against each
other during operation and cause damage. Replace the
bearing nut if damaged or worn.
Model 236629 shown
E41
16a
C
3
45
20
44
46 7
F
D

Operation
308345T 9
Operation
Find the Proper Agitator Speed
NOTE: Attach ground wire before using agitator.
1. Fill the fluid supply container to about 3–4 inches (75–
100 mm) above the agitator blade.
2. Start the agitator, and gradually increase the speed by
turning the needle valve (14) until a vortex begins to
form in the paint.
3. Reduce the speed slightly, then fill the fluid
container. Use the lowest agitator speed needed for
thorough agitation of the paint. Excessive agitator
speed may cause the paint to foam.
Pressure Relief Procedure
1. Close the bleed-type air shutoff valve (SV) to relieve
pressure to the air motor.
2. Disconnect the air line.
Maximum Siphon Flow Rate
The volume of fluid that can be siphoned through the
agitator inlet is determined by the viscosity of the fluid.
• The maximum flow rate is approximately 12 gpm (45
lpm) with 100-centipoise fluid.
• The maximum flow rate is approximately 1.2 gpm
(4.5 lpm) with much heavier 1000-centipoise fluid.
To prevent pump cavitation, avoid flow rates higher than
these. Check the fluid periodically for signs of cavitation.
Air Requirements
For continuous use, the 0.75 HP air motor typically
requires 2.5 scfm (0.071 m3/min.) of air at 400 rpm or
5.7 scfm (0.162 m3/min.) of air at 800 rpm.
Nitrogen Charge the Drum
Operate the Agitator
See FIG. 7.
The bearing nut (8) helps prevent excessive fluid flow
between the siphon tube (4) and helix tube (7), but it is
not intended to be a complete seal. Fluids can pass
through the bearing nut into the gap between the two
tubes. Before you change colors or coatings or store the
agitator, clean the fluid tubes. See Clean the Fluid
Tubes, page 12.
NOTE: Thoroughly agitate the fluid before you use the
suction feature. Agitating maximizes fluid quality and
helps avoid solids getting drawn into the siphon tube
and clogging it. Order part number 236984, strainer inlet
Moving parts, such as an impeller blade, can cut or
amputate fingers. To reduce the risk of serious injury,
always shut off the agitator and disconnect the air line
before moving, checking, or repairing the agitator.
This equipment stays pressurized until pressure is
manually relieved. To help prevent serious injury from
splashing fluid and moving parts, follow the Pressure
Relief Procedure before cleaning, checking, or
servicing the equipment.
NOTICE
If you are using nitrogen to charge the drum, use a
maximum of 0.25 psi (1.7 kPa, 0.02 bar). Such low
pressure requires special regulation equipment. Use a
passive, non-pressurized system when possible.
Higher pressure could push fluid through the shaft seal
(21) and into the top bearings (11), damaging them.
See Parts, page 18.

Operation
10 308345T
kit, to help prevent thick sediment from being forced into
the siphon inlet.
NOTE: If you install an air shutoff valve, the same
agitator speed is set each time it is turned on without
requiring repeated needle valve adjustments.
You can also use an air line quick-disconnect (F) as a
shutoff. See FIG. 6. See Air Line Quick-Disconnect,
page 7.
FIG. 7: Operate the Agitator
Shutdown Procedure
1. To stop the agitator, close the needle valve (18), or
disconnect the quick-disconnect (F), or close the air
valve in the air supply line.
2. Follow the Pressure Relief Procedure, page 9.
3. If you remove the agitator from the drum, remove
the bearing nut (8), and hang or tilt the agitator
upright over a container to allow it to drain. Order
part number 189658, accessory handle, so you can
connect a lift hook to raise and lower the agitator or
hang the agitator to store it.
Do not let fluid dry in the fluid tubes. See Clean the
Fluid Tubes, page 12.
NOTICE
Do not operate the agitator at a high speed for a long
period of time. Excessive agitator speed can cause the
fluid to foam and can cause vibration and increased
wear on parts and damage to the drum bung. Only
agitate the fluid fast enough to maintain even mixing.
You can view fluid movement through the 0.75-in. port
on the drum cover.
Model 236629 shown 18
F
7
8
4
NOTICE
Keep the agitator upright. Do not lay it on its side or
upside down, because fluid might flow into the beltdrive
area causing damage.
If you use the accessory agitator handle, make sure the
agitator is loosened from the drum before you raise it
with a lift. The handle will not support the weight of the
drum.