Valves for Epoxy Resin & Methylene Chloride

AKO UK now supply hose valves to a company in the UK producing metal detectors used in food and pharmaceutical factories. The detectors check for any metal parts in the food or tablets being manufactured.

The VM type Pinch/Hose Valve installed on the machine used by the company to produce the metal detectors has 3 different products passing through it: a 2-part epoxy resin and sand mix that is used in mouldings, and a solvent (methylene chloride) which purely acts as a cleaning fluid to clean the lines after use.

The company have been using an AKO Hose Valve for epoxy resin and the other media on their machine for 12 months. The valve was already on the machine when they bought it. The existing Hose Valve had a Viton sleeve. The Viton sleeve only lasted 6 months, but it has now been changed to Natural Rubber which has been working ok for 3 months so far.

Pinch Valve used within this application: VM020.03X.50.30LA

VM model, air operated, aluminium body, stainless steel BSP threaded ends, natural rubber sleeve.

AKO UK advised the company to change the sleeve to Natural Rubber after researching the chemical compatibility with the rubber.

The VM model is a phased out range of hose valve by AKO, which is replaced with the VMC type pinch valves.

Product: Resin / Solvent

Temperature: Ambient

Pressure: 2 BAR (solvent pressure)

Pinch Valve is normally closed.

Amount of cycles per day: approx 25 per day. Site is in operation 8 hours per day.

No Vacuum used.

How much air is being used to close the Pinch Valve? 2 Bar