Aerodyne Airlock Valves
The Alternative to Rotary Valves!
Aerodyne manufactures a variety of airlocks for dust collectors. Airlocks are required on dust collectors for the dust collector to operate correctly. If an airlock is not mounted on the dust collector, air will leak in (vacuum system) or blow out (pressure system). If air is leaking in, this will lower the airflow being collected at the pickup points and it could increase the chances of dust re-entrainment. If air is blowing out, dust will be blown out of the collector causing a mess on the floor around it.
Aerodyne Vacu-Valve® Platypus and Vacu-Valve® Armadillo
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.
See complete product information about the Aerodyne Vacu-Valve® Platypus and Vacu-Valve® Armadillo.
Aerodyne GatorGate™ Double-Dump Valve
The GatorGate Double-Dump valve feeds and moves chunky or fibrous material that would jam ordinary rotary valves and is durable enough to move abrasive material. The GatorGate valve uses tandem gates to maintain proper pressure above and below the valve and has a reinforced closure mechanism to prevent air seepage. This double flap valve can be configured to operate using air or electricity and requires little maintenance.
See complete product information about the Aerodyne GatorGate™ Double-Dump Valve.
Aerodyne High Capacity Rhino Rotary “R” Valve™
The Aerodyne High Capacity Rhino Rotary “R” Valve is designed for continuous discharge of free-flowing, low-abrasive dry solids in gravity flow or low-pressure systems. Widely used in applications such as the bottom of dust collector hoppers, the Rhino Rotary “R” Valve’s steel plate construction gives it a distinct advantage in quality and flexibility over cast valves.
See complete product information about the Aerodyne High Capacity Rhino Rotary “R” Valve™.
Mighty Whopper Valve™
The Aerodyne Mighty Whopper Valve is designed for continuous discharge of highly-abrasive dry solids in gravity flow or low-pressure systems. Widely used in applications such as the bottom of dust collector hoppers in the insulation industry, the Mighty Whopper Valve’s steel plate construction and robust rotor gives it a distinct advantage over standard rotary valves.
See complete product information about the Aerodyne Mighty Whopper Valve™.
KG Valve
A knife gate valve is used to control flow in a bulk-material handling system, either in the line of flow or at the point of discharge. Using a linear motion, a blade advances until the passage is closed, or it withdraws until the passage is open. In the closed position, the knife gate valve is designed to seat tightly and prevent the loss of positive or negative pressure of the system. The system must be able to tolerate a loss of pressure when the valve is in the open position.
See complete product information about the Knife Gate Valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airlock valve for a dust collector and why is it needed?
Think of an airlock valve as a one-way guard for your dust collector. Its main job is to let the collected dust drop out of the hopper without messing up the airflow or pressure inside the system.
Dust collectors need perfect airflow to suck up dust properly. Without a tight airlock seal at the bottom, your entire system gets disrupted:
- For Vacuum Systems: Outside air gets sucked inside, destroying your suction power and blowing the dust right back into the system instead of letting it drop.
- For Pressure Systems: Dirty air and dust get blasted out of the hopper, leaving a massive, hazardous mess all over your factory floor.
The Bottom Line: Whether your system pulls a vacuum or pushes pressure, you need a reliable airlock valve to keep your suction strong, your plant clean, and your operations running efficiently.
What types of airlock valves are available for dust collectors?
Not all dust is the same, and neither are the valves used to handle them. The right choice depends on your budget, your system’s pressure, and how tough or abrasive your materials are.
Here are the most common types we build to keep your system running smoothly:
- Trickle Valves (Vacu-Valve® Style): These are non-powered, budget-friendly valves. They use the system’s own vacuum and gravity to drop dust automatically. Perfect if you want to save on electricity and maintenance.
- Double Dump Valves: These use tandem heavy-duty flaps. They are the go-to choice if you are moving large, chunky, fibrous, or highly abrasive materials that would normally jam other valves.
- Rotary Airlock Valves: These are motor-driven feeders that constantly spin to keep dry bulk solids moving out of the hopper without stopping.
- Knife Gate Valves: These use a sharp, sliding blade to completely shut off airflow or isolate pressure. Great for bulk material handling when you need a tight, reliable shutoff.
What are the benefits of a Vacu-Valve® compared to a traditional rotary airlock?
The biggest difference comes down to simplicity, power, and maintenance.
A traditional rotary airlock relies on an electric motor and spinning metal rotors to push dust through. On the other hand, the Aerodyne Vacu-Valve® is completely non-powered—it uses your system’s existing vacuum and natural gravity to drop dust automatically.
Here is a quick breakdown of why switching to a Vacu-Valve® saves you time and money:
- Zero Electricity Costs: Since the Vacu-Valve® doesn’t use a motor, it runs on absolutely zero power. Traditional rotary valves consume electricity every second they operate.
- No Maintenance Headaches: Traditional valves have gearboxes, bearings, and lubrication points that need regular servicing. The Vacu-Valve® has no moving mechanical parts, meaning no greasing, no maintenance checkups, and fewer breakdowns.
- Handles Abrasive Dust Better: Rotary valves experience heavy metal-on-metal wear, especially with abrasive dust. The Vacu-Valve® uses a tough, flexible sleeve sealing instead of hard metal rotors, eliminating internal metal friction and lasting much longer in high-wear environments.
