Rotary airlock valves are a key component of the bulk material handling process, and just like many other components of that process, there are some issues that can occur. Unfortunately, rotary airlock valve leaks aren’t rare; but luckily, dealing with these leaks and preventing them from frequently occurring can be a simple process. To help you swiftly and successfully deal with this common annoyance, we’ll teach you how to handle a rotary airlock valve leak.
The easiest way to deal with a rotary airlock valve leak is by attaching the valve to the material storage vessel. This way, the rotary airlock valve serves two purposes: an airlock and a metering tool. This allows the air to leak right into the storage vessel and makes its way to the top of the vessel, where it exits through the bin vent filter.
Instead of a direct connection to the storage vessel, another method of dealing with a rotary airlock valve is by attaching it to a properly sized surge hopper. The surge hopper’s vent filter plays a crucial role in redirecting the air leakage, as does connecting the rotary airlock valve to a central dust collection system. The fans in the dust collection system will ensure air leakage flows through the rotary airlock valve’s surge hopper until it successfully reaches the dust collector.
While these are useful methods for handling a rotary airlock valve leak, the best way to prevent these leaks is through regular inspections and maintenance. Just like a bevy of other equipment in an industrial workplace, rotary airlock valves require regular attention to ensure they’re in working condition.
Now that you know how to handle a rotary airlock valve leak, you can prevent it from having a negative impact on your facility’s workflow. At DoverMEI, not only will we install systems such as dust collectors, but we’ll come back for routine inspections and maintenance as well. That way, you can ensure that components of your dust collection systems such as the rotary airlock valve remain an integral part of your workflow instead of being a detriment.