Salt Mine Operation Sees Improvement With Rotary Valve Alternative
The Problem
Platypus (right) and Armadillo (left) Vacu-Valve
A New York salt mine had some serious issues with salt dust corroding the rotary valves transporting the dust to downstream collectors. Consequently, rotary valves required constant maintenance. Maintenance cycles necessitated frequent shut-downs of the system, expensive repairs, and man-hour losses.
The Solution and Measurable Results: A Rotary Valve Alternative
After doing some research, the company decided to try Aerodyne’s Vacu-Valve as a replacement for their corroded rotary valves. Vacu-Valves have a neoprene sleeve that reduces the impact of corrosive material and offer easy maintenance and part replacement. A second version of the valve, the Armadillo Vacu-Valve, fits the situation particularly well. Armadillos have a solid flange on the bottom of the device for stability, and the surrounding steel cage helps protect it against the environment in the salt mine. During a trial period, quick and easy replacement of Vacu-Valve sleeves reduced the amount of downtime and man-hours needed for regular maintenance. Later, the facility permanently installed several Armadillos throughout their facility.
Vacu-Valve Trickle Valves
The open-construction Platypus and the closed-construction Armadillo trickle valves are a highly economical tool for managing dust discharged from bag filters or cyclones under negative pressure. Their fitted duckbill sleeve adjusts to the desired system vacuum so that built up material can be discharged continuously. Additionally, they don’t require any controls, lubrications, or power supply. These valves can be implemented in applications with high temperatures or abrasive materials, and are typically available at a fraction of the cost of the rotary airlock valves they replace–which this salt mine can attest to.
