Valves, Gates, and Airlocks Spotlight - February 09

Iris Diaphragm Valve
Available with either a pneumatic or electricmotor, the Mucon ADP series iris diaphragm valve is fitted with open, closed, and trickle feed switches. The quick and quiet operation is capable of opening and closing in less than 1 second. It is sealed to be dust-tight and hose-proof. The electric motor is sealed to IP55. The low-profile compact design is constructed out of robust materials with many different diaphragm materials available to suit abrasive to delicate products. The valve can be used for frequent operation in harsh environments.
Kemutec Powder Technologies, Bristol, PA 215-788-8013 www.kemutec.com

Pneumatic Slide Gates
These pneumatic slide gates are used to control air flow and conserve energy. They deliver a positive shutoff to service machinery, divert air, and operate using a compressed air cylinder. Safety guards reduce the risk of injury. Standard slide gates are constructed from heavy-duty gauge steel. Made for tough applications where material is a concern, they are available in 4- to 24-in. sizes.
Imperial Systems Inc., Jackson Center, PA 800-918-3013 www.isystemsweb.com

Rotary Valve
The QC Aerolock rotary valve is designed for contamination-sensitive applications where frequent disassembly and cleaning is required. It is also excellent for use with abrasive materials. Without disengaging the valve from the system, it can be easily disassembled and cleaned by one person using a handheld wrench. This exposes the rotor, end plates, and housing chamber for easy cleaning without disturbing the seals or bearings. Upon reassembly, the original clearances are maintained without adjustment. Available in five sizes from 6 to 14 in. and designed to handle pressure differentials to 12 psi, the unit comes standard with a 10-blade stainless-steel rotor for maximum labyrinth seal and wear life. The rotor is equipped with relieved tips to prevent material buildup on the housing.
K-Tron America, Pitman, NJ 856-256-3265 www.ktron.com

Valve Rebuild and Recycle Program
This company offers a program to rebuild or recycle used valves. Companies send their valves for evaluation. Following an inspection, different options are discussed with the customer, including replacing soft parts (gaskets, O-rings, seats, etc.), replacing damaged parts (shafts, bearings, fasteners, etc.), rebuilding and machining the shutoff disk sealing radius; repairing or replacing the actuation package, and upgrading key components for better performance and longer life. The rebuilt valves are fully tested and carry the company’s standard warranty. Unusable components are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner and typically the scrap value covers any cost involved with the recycling.
Gemco Valve Co., Middlesex, NJ www.gemcovalve.com/recycle

Rotary Airlock
The heavy-duty drop-thru rotary airlock is suitable for use on both gravity and pneumatic conveying applications up to 20 psi. The airlocks are available with both round and square flanges and have outboard bearings and gland-type shaft seals. Numerous rotor options are available including open and closed end, fixed or adjustable blades, bevel edges, scalloped pockets, reduced capacity, Teflon coated, and flexible rubber tips. Sizes range from 3½ to 36 in.
Rotolok Valves Inc., Monroe, NC 704-282-4444 www.rotolokvalve.com

Side-Entry Rotary Airlock Valve
This side-entry rotary airlock valve is used in applications where product shearing is a concern. The valve name derives from the offset inlet and outlet flanges, where the product enters the side of the rotor instead of the top. On a normal valve, shearing takes place as the rotor rotates into the housing. When these two straight edges meet on a typical drop-thru rotary airlock, this provides a pinch area where the product can shear and jam. With the side-entry rotary airlock, the product is caught on the upswing of the rotor blades so that the product is constantly falling away from the shear point. The rotor pockets also do not fill up completely, which additionally reduces the likelihood of shearing. Lastly, the throat has a V shape which helps push product out of the way. Sizes from 6 to 20 in. are available.
Carolina Conveying Inc., Canton, NC 828-235-1005 www.carolinaconveying.com

Rotary Airlock
The MSRP-series parallel bore rotary airlock is designed so the maximum number of blades remains in contact without affecting throughput. A substantial throat opening at the valve entry allows for high pocket filling efficiency. There is minimum clearance at the rotor tips and the sides with body. Robust body construction prevents distortion. Sizes range from 6 to 16 in., with square or round flange patterns. This valve is suitable for operation up to 750ºF and conveying pressures of 20 psi.
Bush & Wilton Inc., Charlotte, NC 704-573-6858 www.bushandwilton.com

Gate Lock
The gate lock assembly is an economical and low-maintenance alternative to the traditional rotary airlock feeder 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 easily handles high cycling of dry granular or fine powdered materials. The seat automatically compensates for wear when it inflates against the disk, thereby extending valve life. The assembly is available in sizes from 2- to 30-in.-diam and in any length desired.
Posi-flate, St. Paul, MN 651-484-5800 www.posiflate.com

Ceramic and Quick-Take-Apart Airlocks
When encountering alumina, coke, fly ash, glass frit, and other highly abrasive products, the Ceramic series rotary valve sustains its durability and achieves at least 3–5 times longer life compared with most other valves. A high-performance, thick-wear layer of alumina ceramic coating maintains the valve’s precision tolerances longer. This valve is made for applications where frequent removal of the valve internals is required. This valve permits toolless removal of the rotor and end plate as one piece, which eliminates the time-consuming step of gapping the rotor during reassembly. There are no guide rails that require additional maintenance.
Prater-Sterling, Bolingbrook, IL 630-759-9595 www.prater-sterling.com

Double Flapgate Airlock Valves
These double flapgate airlock valves are engineered and manufactured for extreme operating environments or highly abrasive materials. They are specifically designed to control the rate of materials flow through a system and at the same time prevent air leakage by isolating the processing system’s pressures. They can be designed to seal completely with pressure differentials up to 20 psi. These valves are built for heavy-duty service, are highly resistant to abrasive materials, feature long bearing and shaft life for fewer system shutdowns, and have access covers to simplify inspection and maintenance. Models that can operate in temperatures up to 1650°F are available. High chrome or Ni-Hard seats and gates are also options. Activation can be electric, pneumatic, or gravity.
Meyer, Wm. W. & Sons Inc., Libertyville, IL 800-963-4458 www.wmwmeyer.com