Alpha adaptors

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The Alpha adaptor is used in conjunction with the bayonet fitting to eliminate all leak paths in the assembly. The alpha adaptor must be used with the bayonet barrel handle assemblies as without it no tools can be fitted to the assembly.
Important: Must be used with all Bayonet Barrel Assemblies.

The alpha adaptor seals the potential leak-path between the outer body of the handle assembly and the inner push rod. It also completes the seal between the gaiter, tong-port and handle assembly. The two nuts as seen on the left hand illustration and below, clamp the gaiter to the Alpha adaptor, forming the outer seal, whilst the inner seal and pushrod prevent the internal leakage that would otherwise occur.

The Alpha adaptor assembly has a dedicated removal station allowing the replacement of gaiters without compromising the cell. This item must be included in the cell and aligned with the handle assembly it is to work with.

Alpha Adaptor Types

At present EMS manufacture three different alpha adaptor types, two for the 1/2" bayonet tong assembly and one type for the 3/4". These parts all allow a gas tight seal around the outside of a barrel through use of a gaiter, and the internal leak path of the barrel is eliminated through the use of another seal, as detailed previously in the Alpha Adaptor information page.

Mk2 3/4" Alpha Adaptor for Convoluted Gaiter

Part N° 44-29150

This adaptor is for the 3/4" bayonet barrel and is for use with convoluted type gaiters. The gaiter is locked down through the use of the collar and two locknuts.

Mk1 1/2" Alpha Adaptor for Plain Gaiter

Part N° 44-29100

This adaptor is for the 1/2" bayonet barrel and is for use with standard type gaiters. The gaiter is locked down through the use of the collar and four screws.

Mk2 1/2” Alpha Adaptor for Convoluted Gaiter

Part N° 44-29101

This adaptor is for the 1/2” bayonet barrel and is for use with convoluted type gaiters. The gaiter is locked down through the use of the collar and two locknuts.

Release and Parking Unit

The release unit is simple in design to aid practicality and minimise the potential for malfunction. The unit must be mounted firmly as during parking and release, the operator of the tong will need to both push against the block, and apply a torque to the unit while disengaging and connecting the bayonet barrel to the Alpha adaptor.

The unit must be concentric to the tong barrel in the desired park location and must only be mounted with the pawl uppermost as shown, due to its operation being gravity dependant.

Parking the Alpha Adaptor

The Adaptor is inserted into the unit and is automatically locked in by the ‘pawl’. Flats present on the adaptor mean that the adaptor is unable to twist and that the bayonet barrel can be separated from the Alpha adaptor.

This process is used when changing gaiters and is very important. The unit must be mounted so that the adaptor can de directly inserted. The adaptor and parking unit must therefore be positioned at a certain angle, elevation and distance away to allow the correct alignment.

Releasing the Alpha Adaptor

The Alpha Adaptor is easily released from the unit through the operation of the trigger. This simply moves the pawl from the locking position and allows the adaptor to be removed.

Part N° 44-29200