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About air valve diverter

Types of air valve diverter

There are several kinds of air valve diverters manufactured, suited to different process functions. Further understanding each kind helps one select the appropriate diverter based on operational needs.

  • AIRLOCK Diverters

    An airlock diverter ensures the sealing of a system part with airflow and minimizes cross-contamination between sections. Commonly found in pneumatic conveying systems, airlock valves allow material transfer while controlling air passage. Meeting sanitation requirements in food processing or pharmaceutical companies calls for this diverter.

  • Pinch valves

    They are mainly for handling slurries, solids, and other difficult-to-handle materials in pneumatic conveyance systems. Pinch diverters employ a flexible tube or hose that is pinched to stop flow and released so that the medium flows. This property enables them to control the flow of abrasive materials without damaging the valve.

  • Inflatable bag valves

    The valves utilize inflatable bags that permit flow and inflation to block it. When inflated, the bag creates a seal that prevents material from passing through. Toggle-inflatable diverters are suited for handling powders and granules in pneumatic systems to control material segregation.

  • Blade diverter valves

    In blade diverter valves, a blade or plate redirects the flow of materials within a conveyor system. This helps achieve separation between two or more materials or between a material and air. Adjustable diverter blades enable the return of material flow in the direction desired.

  • Rotating drum diverters

    In rotating drum diverters, a cylindrical drum with inlet and outlet ports directs the flow of pneumatically conveyed materials. Internal vanes or baffles within the drum help segregate or combine the flow of materials. A rotating drum changes the direction of material streams within the conveying system.

  • Piezoelectric diverters

    A piezoelectric diverter pneumatic valve uses piezoelectric ceramics, which change shape when voltage is applied to them, to control airflow. The precise, rapid on/off metering capabilities of piezoelectric valves make them essential in applications for accuracy and high performance in pneumatic systems.

Material & Durability of air valve diverter

The durability of valve diverter pneumatics depends on the material used in its construction, as well as its capability concerning system demands and operating environment. The materials chosen are crucial for the APP's applications of various industrial uses.

  • Stainless steel

    Stainless steel is widely used in air valve diverters considering its high corrosion resistance, strength, and long life span. This nonferrous alloy consists of iron, chromium, and nickel, providing elevated temperature and moisture resistance. Because of this durability, stainless steel diverters are ideal for industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater treatment that have harsh conditions.

  • Aluminum alloys

    Furthermore, aluminum alloy diversters offer a favorable blend of strength and weight. Compared to base metals, these allow for better energy efficiency since the materials are lighter without compromising on strength. Moreover, it is non-corrosive Because of its resistance to oxidation. Aluminum diverters find use in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries where weight is a critical factor.

  • Rubber and elastomers

    It provides flexibility and sealed properties by using rubber and elastomers in inflatable bag valves and piezoelectric diverters. The materials can withstand the tearing action as well as compressed air and are resistant to different chemicals. Elastomer diverters are frequently applied in agriculture, plastics, and mining industries that involve pneumatic conveyance of powders, granules, and other materials.

  • High-strength plastics

    Diverters constructed from advanced-grade, high-strength plastics such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, or PTFE exhibit tremendous resistance to chemical corrosion. These plastics block and endure wear by abrasive materials. Because of their lightweight and non-metallic properties, plastic diverters are suitable for chemical processing, paper and pulp, and wastewater treatment that contains highly corrosive substances.

  • Cast iron

    Cast iron has been used in blade and toggle diverters for its strength and wear resistance. With its high resistance to abrasion, this material is ideal for conveying heavy particles or granular materials. Some industries that operate with dry bulk materials, such as agriculture, mining, and grain handling, use them.

Commercial use cases of air valve diverter

AVDs are utilized in a variety of commercial settings where the efficient transfer of materials and the control of airflow are essential to process. Here are some industries and applications in which pneumatic valve diverters play a critical role:

  • Food and beverage industry

    Pneumatic bag valves play an important role in the food processing sector, ensuring that raw materials, including flour, sugar, grains, and additives, are transported accurately. They help maintain the flow of these materials through pipes, which helps improve the system's efficiency and the reliability of material handling. Also, they assist in avoiding product contamination by segregating materials during conveyance.

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing

    A pneumatic valve diverter is instrumental in moving powders, granules, and other materials used to make drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. The diverters guarantee precise material transfer between processes, contributing to the reliability of formulations and mixtures. Because of the government's regulations on cleanliness and safety in this industry, stainless steel and other hygiene-maintaining material diversters are extensively used.

  • Chemical processing

    An air valve diverter also has a huge influence on the movement of liquids, gases, and solids in the chemical processing sector. Chemical powders, pellets, and other materials are moved and mixed using them. The AVDs are created using materials like high-strength plastic and rubbers that can stand up to abrasive materials and chemical exposure. AVDs help protect the environment and system components from cross-contamination by directing the flow of potentially hazardous materials.

  • Mining and metallurgy

    Mining operations employ pneumatic diverters for the transport of dry bulk substances such as ores, coal, and mineral sands. The diverters aid dust control, material separation, and the efficient routing of substances through processing facilities. Blade and toggle diverters are abundant in these environments because they can withstand heavy use and endure abrasive elements.

  • Plastic and polymer industry

    Material A pneumatic valve diverter is used in the plastics and polymer industry during the conveyance of powders and granules. They assist in the separation of different materials, such as additives and resins, ensuring homogeneous mixtures. They are made to order using inflatable bags and elastomer components to prevent the conveyance of abrasive or chemically active substances.

  • Grain and agriculture

    Agricultural facilities and grain handling operations use pneumatic diverters to move and store grains, seeds, and feedstuffs. The diverters control the flow of dry bulk materials through pipes and help avoid cross-contamination and help preserve material quality. They are produced from sturdy materials such as stainless steel and cast iron that are made to withstand the rigors of agricultural applications.

How To Choose air valve diverter

Choosing the correct pneumatic valve diverter for an application involves considering several factors that affect performance, durability, and efficiency. The following criteria help guide the selection process:

  • Material compatibility

    Any pneumatic valve diverter material that is compatible with the transported medium and the operating environment must be chosen. For example, a diverter made of stainless steel or silicone rubber is ideal for handling corrosive chemicals. In an agro-industrial setup where they work with dry bulk materials, Stainless steel and cast iron are used in pneumatic valve diverters for high durability.

  • Operating conditions

    The diverter's operating pressure, temperature, and airflow must be within acceptable levels for optimal performance. It is important since not all valve types can operate at high pressure or in extreme temperatures. Similarly, the diverter size must be compatible with the pipeline to ensure proper fitting and performance.

  • Flow control and directionality

    The flow control should be considered when choosing a pneumatic valve diverter. This involves determining how efficiently the diverter will direct the systems' materials. Some diverters, like blade and toggle valves, provide precise flow control. Others, like inflatable bag valves, have more flexibility. The preferred control precision for material flow requires a thorough understanding of these functions.

  • Ease of maintenance

    Regular maintenance of pneumatic valve diverters is vital to ensure their continued high performance. Maintenance requirements and ease of access must also be factored in when selecting a AVD. For example, some models are easier to disassemble, and replacing components is easier than in others. This helps minimize downtime for maintenance operations.

  • Application-specific requirements

    Diverter type should also meet the specific operational needs of the applications it will be used in. In the conveyance of dry bulk materials, pneumatic blade diverters are useful, while airlock vales are useful for conveying materials in food processing. Note any diverters that must be installed in limited space for easy access and maintenance.

Q&A

Q1 What is an air valve diverter?

A1. An air valve diverter is a device that directs airflow in specific channels within pneumatic systems. It controls the movement of bulk materials such as powders and granules.

Q2 How does an air valve diverter work?

A2. The pneumatic valve diverter receives airflow, then uses mechanisms like blades or inflatable seals to redirect the air to specific outlets. This helps achieve the desired separation between products.

Q3 What industries benefit from using air valve diverters?

A3. The manufacturing, agricultural, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and chemical processing industries benefit significantly from air valve diverters.

Q4 What are the key factors in selecting an air valve diverter?

A4. Material compatibility, operating conditions like pressure and temperature, flow rate, environment factors like humidity and temperature, and maintenance ease while considering the diverter's purpose impact the selection process.

Q5 What materials are used to manufacture air valve diverters?

A5. Pneumatic valve diverters are manufactured using materials specific to the environment they will be used in. These include stainless steel, cast iron, high-strength plastics, and aluminum alloys.