How much does it cost to replace aeration pads on a Spitzer trailer?

Pricing is available on request – it depends on the trailer model and the number of compartments. Labour: typically 6–8 hours. Vehicle downtime: one working day. Contact: +48 602 716 551.

How can I check the condition of aeration pads without visiting a service centre?

The driver can carry out a visual check through the top hatch (with a torch): look for swelling, porosity, or punctures in the pad. A practical test: blow compressed air through the fitting and check whether air passes evenly through the entire pad surface into the tank.

Can I keep operating with one damaged aeration pad?

Technically yes – the trailer will still move. However, the discharge will be uneven: the zone near the damaged pad will not empty properly. When carrying valuable plastic granulate, 10–20% of the material can remain in the tank. That is a direct financial loss.

21.04.2025

Spitzer Silo Trailer Aeration Pads – When to Replace

Name: PHS Magnum
Address: ul. Kościelna 9, Chorula, Opolskie, 47-316, PL
Telephone: +48 602 716 551
Price range: $$

Accident repair of a Spitzer silo trailer

At a Glance

Spitzer aeration pads – a microporous fabric fitted to the tank floor that fluidises bulk material with compressed air (up to approx. 2 bar). Types: polyester (PE/PP granulate, flour), polyamide (cement, lime), silicone food-grade (foodstuffs), PTFE (aggressive chemicals). Service life: 1–10 years depending on the material carried. Signs of wear: uneven discharge, residual material on the tank floor, rising pressure without complete emptying. Full-set replacement: 6–8 hours of labour. PHS Magnum keeps pads for the Spitzer SF/SK series in stock.

Aeration Pads on a Silo Trailer – Technical Guide

An aeration pad (German: Belüftertuch) is an unassuming component of a silo trailer that has a profound effect on discharge efficiency. Without serviceable pads, gravity–pneumatic discharge is either impossible or severely compromised.

How Do Aeration Pads Work?

An aeration pad is a microporous fabric mounted on the floor of the silo tank. During discharge, compressed air (up to approx. 2 bar) is blown through the pad from below. The air fluidises the bulk material – granulate, cement, or flour behaves like a liquid and flows towards the outlet.

Without aeration: the material falls towards the outlet under gravity, but tends to bridge and block. With aeration: the material flows freely, and the tank empties to 95–99%.

Spitzer Aeration Pad Types

Standard polyester:

Material: polyester knit coated with PVC or PE
Applications: plastic granulate (PE, PP, PVC), sugar, flour
Service life: 3–6 years

Polyamide (type H – Heavy Duty):

Material: reinforced polyamide fabric
Applications: cement, lime, gypsum, marble powder
Service life: 1–3 years with cement (highly abrasive)

Silicone / Food Grade:

FDA and (EC) 1935/2004 approved
Applications: icing sugar, starch, dairy powders
Service life: 5–10 years

Signs of Worn Aeration Pads

Symptom 1: Inability to fully empty the tank

If 5–15% of material regularly remains in the tank, this is the first indication that the aeration pads are worn or blocked. Clogged pads do not pass air – aeration stops working.

Symptom 2: Uneven discharge

Material flows unevenly from one side; the opposite side of the tank empties more slowly. This points to wear or damage on one or more pads.

Symptom 3: Rising pressure during discharge

If system pressure climbs to MOP (2.2 bar) without the tank fully emptying, the pads are most likely clogged or leaking.

Symptom 4: Powder in the air lines

A damaged pad allows material into the pneumatic system. This appears as a dusty residue in hoses or valves.

Pad Replacement – Step by Step

Empty and clean the tank
Enter via the top hatch (or through the lower service opening)
Remove the clamping strip (M8–M10 bolts)
Pull out the old pad
Clean the groove of any residual material
Fit the new pad (dry – do not lubricate)
Torque the strip to the specified value (do not overtighten – it will tear the pad)
Pressure-test the aeration system

Call +48 602 716 551 – full aeration pad service for Spitzer trailers.

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