Rotary airlock valves, sometimes simply referred to as “rotary valves,” are integral to the transportation of bulk powders and grains. However, the design of rotary airlock valves depends on various factors, such as the material you’re transporting in the workplace. This guide will describe five types of rotary valves and their applications to help businesses find the right one for their needs. Although rotary valves aren’t separated into classes, the points below will address industry uses and the design specifications you should prioritize for each one.
Dairy Industry
We’re going to pair these two valves into one point because they’re typically applicable for the same purposes: AL and BL type rotary valves. These two types of rotary valves provide the dairy industry with various beneficial design specifications. For instance, your average AL or BL type valve will have rounded rotor pockets, shaft sealants to promote proper material flow, and a means to combat bacteriological contamination. For this reason, you’ll commonly find AL and BL type valves in facilities for transporting chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
Grain Handling
Grain is a delicate material that requires very specific systems for transporting. An incorrectly designed pneumatic conveyor system can result in product damage, combustion hazards, and various other workplace issues. The type of rotary valve that businesses need for moving grain is one with a smooth, narrow design. Other specifications your valve needs for handling grain are easy disassembly for maintenance, sealants for preventing air loss and clogging, and pneumatic conveyor compatibility.
Dust Collectors
Many different industries utilize dust collectors to keep employees safe. With the help of dust collectors, industrial work environments can keep the air clean and safe at all times. The rotary airlock valves in dust collectors are essential for securely discharging dust into the designated bin, hopper, or any other type of applicable storage device. The type of rotary valve you have in a dust collector should feature specs such as durable cast-iron housing, additional stainless-steel tips for extra air leak prevention, and a geared motor.
Powder Transportation
Powder is commonly transported in the milling, baking, and cement industries. As with grain, powder requires precise handling to ensure it remains intact for the entire journey. In order to get the job done, these industries use blow-through rotary valves featuring housing, endplates, and tips comprised of steel, chrome, or a mixture of the two. Additional designs specs your valve needs for transporting powder include offset intake and discharge ports, suitable resistance against abrasive and corrosive materials, and an ability to change transportation speeds whenever necessary. The speed at which powders travel through material handling systems plays a vital role in whether it reaches the end of the system intact.
Thanks to this journey through five types of rotary valves and their applications, you can find one that best suits your industry’s specifications. At the end of the day, the best way to ensure you’re investing in the right valve is by consulting with your vendor about the materials, temperatures, and other specific workplace conditions in which the rotary valve will be involved. Reach out to DoverMEI for help with designing a dust collector with the proper rotary airlock valve specifications to fit your workplace needs.