Trickle Valves from Aerodyne

Aerodyne Vacu-Valve® Platypus and Vacu-Valve® Armadillo

Featuring the Platypus trickle valve and Armadillo trickle valve.

The open-construction Platypus and the closed-construction Armadillo trickle valves are the most economical ways to manage dust discharged from bag filters or cyclones under negative pressure. The fitted duckbill sleeve adjusts to the desired vacuum, and material is continuously discharged. It requires no controls, lubrication or power supply, and easily handles abrasive materials. This trickle valve can be used in higher temperature applications as well. The Vacu-Valve® dust discharge trickle valve is available at a fraction of the cost of the rotary airlock valves it replaces.

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About

The Vacu-Valve operates based on the equilibrium between the vacuum in the system above it, the particulate size, shape, mass and physical characteristics. The sleeve forms an airlock when exposed to negative pressure above it. The vacuum must be less than -16″ W.C. to pass solids. Solids will build up in the Vacu-Valve as the vacuum and sleeve friction resist, letting the particulate out. The force of gravity and weight of built-up particulate force the particles down through the sleeve until they fall out of the bottom. Fine particles with a spherical shape (ex. sand) work best. Flow rates vary based on the particulate characteristics and operating conditions. Contact an Aerodyne representative to see if this valve will work for your application. Available in 8″ and 10″ flange size.

Inexpensive
No power source needed
Carbon or stainless steel
Stocked and normally can ship 2-3 business days after order
Silicone High Temperature Sleeve is heat resistant to temperatures up to 500°F
Suitable for non-explosive applications

Armadillo 8RCN (enclosed) and Platypus 8RN (open) depicted above.

Animated Demo

Operation

How Does a Trickle Valve Work?

A vacuum operated trickle valve is an alternative to a rotary valve in some applications (see our rotary valve alternative case study). This non-powered automatic valve has a duck-bill rubber sleeve that is held closed by the negative pressure of a dry material handling system. As collected material builds up above the valve, the sleeve is forced open and material is discharged from the hopper. The valve then re-closes automatically.

The trickle valve operates without power and controls, requires no lubrication, and it is a fraction of the cost of the rotary airlock valves it typically replaces. The valve is available with a variety of sleeve materials to suit various application requirements.

The Aerodyne Vacu-Valve® Platypus and Vacu-Valve® Armadillo are examples of vacuum operated trickle valves that provide an economical way to manage dust discharged from bag filters or cyclone dust collectors under negative pressure.

A vacuum operated valve is suitable for continuous discharge applications that have dense, free-flowing material such as sand, coffee, and many industrial powders.

Sleeve Options

Trickle Valve Sleeve Options

Neoprene – The standard neoprene duck bill sleeve is recommended for most non-abrasive to slightly abrasive dusts and powders. This sleeve is recommended for operating temperatures up to 200°F.

White Nitrile – The newly improved White Nitrile duck bill sleeve is chemical and caustic resistant as well as abrasive resistant. The white coloring of the sleeve is the perfect solution to applications involving solid white dust, eliminating the possibility of dark specs which may contaminate a finished product.

VHT Chemical Resistant – The VHT duck bill sleeve is heat resistant in temperatures up to 400°F/200°C and offers excellent resistance to aggressive fuels and chemicals.

Silicone – High temperature Silicone sleeve suitable up to 550°F.

Case Studies