Valves for Sand Line Splitting Application Details
Two different sized valves are used here – DN50 & DN125, to suit the size of existing pipework. The valves are positioned on a sand line splitter, used in both the normally open and normally closed positions.
The sand passing through the valves is usually ambient in temperature, and is blown through at a pressure of between 1-3 BAR. The amount of air pressure used to close the valves is 6 BAR, although this could be regulated down very slightly to 5-5.5 BAR to save excess wear on the sleeve, since AKO air operated Pinch Valves require a differential pressure of 2-2.5 BAR to close fully.
Pinch Valves used within this application – VF050.03X.31.30LA & VF125.03X.31.30LA
VF model, air operated, bore sizes DN50 & DN125, aluminium body, aluminium flanges PN10/16 with mild steel bushings, natural rubber abrasion resistant sleeve.
Valves for Sand in Abrasive Nature
With the valves being used to divert sand into different pipes, this is a fairly abrasive application due to the coarseness of the sand particles. However, the abrasive nature of the media does not affect the use of the valve. The engineer we spoke to told us that the rubber sleeve inside the housing of the pinch valve for sand line splitting is not replaced very often, and he couldn’t even recall the last time one was replaced.
With it’s anti-abrasive qualities, and 2-fold reinforced fabric layers, Natural Rubber is the best sleeve material for most applications under 80 degrees C, even some of the most abrasive applications.
Overall, the steel foundry are satisfied with the performance of the pinch valves for sand line splitting from AKO, stating that the products are simple to install and maintain.
See more advantages of the Pinch Valve.