Valves for Inert Powders for the Manufacture of Monolithics

A mechanical and control engineering company are using 4″ AKO Pinch Valves from the VF range for controlling the flow of inert dry powders. A quantity of fifteen of these pinch valves are currently installed and in operation on site.

The valves are used for controlling the flow of a variety of motionless dry powders and sand materials for the manufacture of monolithics for the steel and other industries. Types of dry powders may include chemical powders, plastic powders, ceramic powders, talc, dust, pigments, spices, flour, pharmaceutical powders, and any other bulk powder products – all of which AKO Pinch Valves handle with ease and do not cause any clogging or blockages in the line.

Pinch Valve used within this application – VF100.03X.31.30LA

VF model, air operated, aluminium body, aluminium flanges PN10/16 with mild steel bushing contact parts, natural rubber sleeve.

This pinch valve type is available in a range of different sizes from 40mm / 1 1/2″ up to 300mm / 12″.

Media: Inert dry powders, sands etc.

Temperature of media: Ambient

Pressure of media: Approx 2 BAR (Fluidised powders from pressurised tankers)

The Pinch Valves are normally closed.

Amount of cycles per day: 1 per day.

Amount of air used to close the Pinch Valves: 5 BAR

The engineers have been using AKO Pinch Valves for this inert powder application for 5 years. The valves were required by their customers process, and are essential products for fulfilling silo safety requirements to prevent over pressure rupture. (Read more about silo safety with our article Pinch Valves vs Butterfly Valves).

AKO asked the engineer on site – What is your overall satisfaction with the AKO Pinch Valve for inert powders?

“The pinch valves for inert dry powders have been trouble free with extremely low maintenance. The rubber sleeve is replaced very rarely.”

The replacement sleeve for these particular Pinch Valves is product code M100-03X. The sleeves are easily and quickly replaced using AKO’s fitting kit and lubricant paste, by following AKO’s assembly instructions.

The following accessories are mounted onto the Pinch Valves for inert dry powders to control them;

• Solenoid Valves
• Pressure Switches
• Regulators