In the past traditional pinch valves have always failed open causing problems and limiting its’ use in many applications. Now using a unique solenoid valve manufactured by RGS, AKO UK can now overcome this problem. The pinch valve will now fail closed.

In the past traditional pinch valves have always failed open causing problems and limiting its’ use in many applications. Now using a unique solenoid valve manufactured by RGS, AKO UK can now overcome this problem. The pinch valve will now fail closed.
 
AKO UK and RGS have now launched this unique system to overcome the of the pinch valve failing open, while maintaining all the benefits of using a pinch valve in abrasive applications instead of butterfly valves.
 
If the system has lost air and the pinch valve is in the closed position it will remain closed until an engineer can sort out the problem. When the pinch valve is open, loss of air is detected by a pressure switch and again the pinch valve immediately closes. The air is acting as the fail safe mechanism with the unique RGS valve.
 
This particular set up is being looked at by various market leaders in the concrete industry for the new silo safety systems that will eventually be required by law.
 
The AKO pinch valve is permanently mounted in the silo input line. As the tanker discharges its product load using its own integral pump, a paddle switch mounted in the top of the silo senses the increasing level of silo contents. When the movement of its rotating paddles is restricted by the level, it ceases rotation and trips a microswitch, sending a signal to the solenoid on the pinch valve. The solenoid activates instantly and allows air pressure to close the sleeve in the pinch valve. Simultaneously the pinch valve triggers an audible alarm advising the tanker driver to stop his pump.
 
The use of butterfly valves in silo and many other applications often results in the flow through the valve being restricted by the butterfly disk, slowing down the process. The valve seat becomes contaminated with trapped product, resulting in spillage, waste and cross-contamination. The butterfly disk also wears very quickly increasing maintenance down time.
 
The use of a pinch valve eliminates these problems immediately. A full clear bore allows unrestricted product flow. FDA approved white rubber sleeves can be supplied with stainless steel contact parts for handling foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals.
 
Pinch Valves have been used for years in all abrasive applications. Due to the sleeve technology clear bore and simplicity of the pinch valve, the life in certain applications can be up to 6 times longer than a butterfly valve.
 
Simple maintenance with the AKO Pinch Valve not only puts it streets ahead of the ‘traditional’ valves, but also other pinch valves on the market. AKO Pinch Valve re-sleeves can be completed in between 5-15 minutes depending on the size the valve. Replacing only the sleeve means a fraction of the maintenance cost compared with a butterfly valve.
 
Commercially with the required accessories customers can expect to pay about the same price for an AKO/RGS pinch valve as you would for a butterfly valve.
 
The AKO Pinch Valve can be used in many applications due to the diversity of the AKO UK range. Sizes range from 10-250mm with a variety of end connections available which include, PN10/16, ANSI150, Screwed BSP, Tri Clamp/Clover, IDF and RJT. End materials include, POM, Stainless Steel, PVC, and Aluminium (with and without Mild/Stainless Steel bushings). Bodies can be made of Aluminium, PVC or Stainless Steel.
 
The range of sleeves includes, Natural Rubber (High temperature if required), Natural Rubber Food Quality (FDA Approved), Neoprene, EPDM, Viton, Silicon, Nitrile, Hypalon and Butyl.
 
Using a secondary back up safety valve as well as the pinch valve will now be a thing of the past. This new set up will open up many more applications for pinch valves where in the past they were rejected. The new ‘fail safe’ system is unique to AKO UK.
 
AKO and RGS manufacture in the UK ensuring the best possible service. After sales backup is guaranteed.
 
AKO UK can offer a complete range of valves and silo flow aids.