Valves, Gates & Airlocks Spotlight - Feb 08

Valve Assembly Monitor
The Westlock XR linear/rotary control monitor is a versatile, stand-alone field device that includes patent-pending technology. It uses state-of-the art technology to provide other features for valve actuation applications while remaining compatible with all types of installation in a broad range of process industries. From the noncontact sensor for positioning to the fully encapsulated electronics modules for detailed automated valve package performance information, the XR is intelligently designed to convey critical information to process managers quickly and in a wide range of formats. The controller’s patent-pending technology captures the variables required to develop a pressure profiling baseline dynamically—while in service. Additionally, its alarm logic uses enhanced technology to provide more meaningful alarms when there are changes in process conditions.
Tyco Flow Control, Princeton, NJ 609-720-4200 www.tycoflowcontrol.com

Rotary Airlock Valves
This company offers three types of heavy-duty rotary airlocks: Drop Thru, Blow Thru, and Side Entry. All units come standard with regreasable bearings, helical gearboxes, predrilled body vents, and predrilled air purge connections. These valves are rated up to 20 psi pressure differentials, and units are available for temperatures in excess of 1000°F. All units feature large rotor shafts with thick beveled blades as standard. Numerous options are available to meet all application requirements.
Carolina Conveying Inc., Canton, NC 828-235-1005 www.carolinaconveying.com

Remanufacture Rotary Airlocks
These remanufactured airlocks will meet or exceed OEM standards and the company guarantees that they will last as long as a new valve. By utilizing the principles of lean manufacturing, the company is able to meet its customers’ lead-time requirements. Airlocks can also be reengineered to solve customer problems. Wear coatings can be applied to the products, or the company can give customers a product that will work well in difficult environments.
Rotary Airlock LLC, Rock Falls, IL 800-373-8955 www.rotaryairlock.com

Disc Valve
The Mucon disc valve is a durable, low-maintenance shutoff valve that is designed for powder processing. It is often used in toxic or hazardous environments and, when used in pairs and fitted with a safety vented spool, forms an airlock for the safe loading of components into dangerous processes. Not only does the valve constantly control the flow of product, it also ensures it stays within the system and does not leak into the atmosphere. The valve also performs well under pressure and at elevated temperatures, and is nonjamming.
Kemutec Powder Technologies, Bristol, PA 215-788-8013 www.kemutec.com

Custom Airlocks
These rugged airlocks are available in customized fabricated and machined models for pneumatic systems, gravity feeds, and volumetric discharge devices. Fabricated models handle dust collection, plastics, feeds, and corrosive chemicals where pressure differentials are 20 in. of water column or less. Urethane wipers provide a tight fit between fabricated rotors and housings. Machined airlocks have cast housings for added durability and are designed for higher pressures as well as difficult and abrasive materials. Rotor-to-housing fit is a tight 0.004 to 0.006 in. Both models offer carbon and stainless-steel rotor and housing options.
Airlanco, Falls City, NE 800-500-9777 www.airlanco.com

Medium-Pressure Rotary Valve
This rotary valve with AL-hard-coated housing and stainless-steel rotor has been designed for customers in the plastics and polyolefin industries. The valve is designed for use in gravity- or pneumatic-conveying applications for plastic pellets and other granular products. They are available in a medium pressure version with a differential pressure of 15 psi. The valves are available in sizes from 4 to 20 in. for capacities up to 100 tn/hr.
Pelletron Corp., Lancaster, PA 717-293-4005 www.pelletroncorp.com

Low-Profile Slide Gate
The Low Profile Slide Gate (LPSG) provides good sealing capabilities in an economical design. Other features and benefits include: extremely low profile for installation into limited-headroom applications, very good sealing of powders and small material sizes, and high blade-loading capability with minimal maintenance and extended operating life.
PEBCO, Paducah, KY 270-442-1996 www.pebco.com

Gate Lock Assembly
This gate lock assembly is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional rotary airlock feeders and provides a positive seal that can accommodate either full vacuum or pressure up to 100 psig. The air-operated seat inflates to provide a long-lasting, high-integrity seal, and it easily handles high cycling of dry granular or fine powdered materials. The seat automatically compensates for wear when it inflates against the disk, extending valve life. The assembly is available in sizes from 2- to 30-in. diam and in any length desired. It is available in a wide variety of construction materials, including stainless steel for sanitary applications.
Posi-flate, St. Paul, MN 651-484-5800 www.posiflate.com

Rotary Tube Selector Valve
The compact RTSV valve diverts pneumatically conveyed powders and granules from one line to any of 16 lines and can also be used to converge flow from multiple lines into one line. Multiline valves are often used to replace a series of two-way valves, simplifying the system and reducing maintenance. Standard and USDA models with 3 to 16 ports and 2- to 16-in.-diam tubes are available. Line selection is fully automated and controlled from one location. The valve can be mounted vertically or horizontally. Metal piping purges clean, is less susceptible to wear than flexible-hose stations, and provides higher temperature and pressure ratings (up to 250°F and 75 psig).
Nu-Con Equipment, Chanhassen, MN 952-279-5210 www.nucon.com