All Articles
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Nov 16, 2023 by Greg Thompson
Quiz: Do you know these pneumatic conveying terms?
Let’s go beyond rotary airlock valves to test your pneumatic conveying smarts. Find out if you know the definitions of these common terms.
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Oct 18, 2023 by Paul Bowman
How to: Renew rotor tip clearances
Follow these simple steps to check clearances and adjust the blades on a rotor with adjustable tips.
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Oct 06, 2023 by Greg Thompson
5 ways our conveying knowledge benefits your line
Rotary valves connect many different components of the entire conveying line. Because we understand systems from top to bottom, we help your line stay productive in five key ways.
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Sep 20, 2023 by Greg Thompson
Extra, extra: Read all about our conveying equipment
Though we specialize in rotary airlock valves, we also provide some extra conveying equipment.
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Sep 13, 2023 by Terri Shipstone
How do I keep plastic pellets intact in conveying?
For the best end product, it’s important to keep plastic pellets in a uniform shape and size. Learn the best rotary valve configurations and tips to prevent issues.
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Aug 14, 2023 by Alicia Simon
Quiz: OSHA safety for rotary valves
Are you aware of the most common safety concerns associated with rotary valves? If not, don’t worry. Our quiz will teach you how to prevent accidents.
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Aug 10, 2023 by Greg Thompson
Protect your product: How outboard bearings keep valves safe
Why do we recommend outboard versus inboard bearings for rotary valves? It’s all about protecting your investments and your plant.
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Jul 17, 2023 by Paul Bowman
Why is my rotary valve making noise?
If your rotary airlock valve is making squeaking or squealing noises, there are a few possible culprits at work. Check our troubleshooting guide to fix the issue.
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Jul 11, 2023 by Paul Bowman
How are rotary valves tested for safety?
To set you up for success, the ACS Valves team puts rotary airlock valves through some really rigorous tests.
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Jun 20, 2023 by Paul Bowman
How to: Reassemble a rotary valve
Just finished with maintenance? Follow these 8 steps to put your rotary airlock valve back together.
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Jun 06, 2023 by Nena Dallas
A micro blog for a micro valve
The Micro-Ingredient Valve fits into the palm of your hand – and plays nicely with test systems and metering equipment.
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May 15, 2023 by Paul Bowman
4 valve inventions that benefit your process
With our expertise in conveying systems, ACS Valves developed 4 rotary valve upgrades to help make your job easier.
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May 10, 2023 by Terri Shipstone
One base design, two classic valves, endless customization
Learn how our two most popular rotary airlock valves are designed and configured to offer performance, efficiency, and high ROI.
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May 02, 2023 by Wayne Beveridge
All about rotary valves for gypsum plants
Learn which rotary airlock valves work best in a gypsum drywall processing plant.
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Apr 14, 2023 by Megan Thompson
Quiz: What do you know about deflagrations?
Deflagrations are a type of subsonic combustion, and they can pose a hazard to your processing facility. What do you know about them?
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Mar 15, 2023 by Megan Thompson
How do I get a rotary valve quote?
Everything you need to know about requesting a quotation for a rotary airlock or feeder valve.
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Feb 09, 2023 by Megan Thompson
Airlocks for dust collection systems: The basics
Everything you need to know about rotary airlock valves for dust collector applications
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Jan 16, 2023 by Terri Shipstone
How do I configure a valve for conveying cement?
In a heavy-duty setting, durability and reliability are key. These coatings and options help rotary valves handle cement and construction materials
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Dec 07, 2022 by Megan Thompson
New year roundup: Our most-read blogs of 2022
This year, 4 topics were most popular with readers: Rotary valve sizing, NFPA compliance, endplate removal, and drop-in replacements
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Nov 14, 2022 by Paul Bowman
How to: Clean a Quick-Clean Rotary Valve
Quick-Clean rotary valves are designed for fast, tool-less cleanup — just follow these steps to get it done
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Oct 17, 2022 by Terri Shipstone
Valves for sugar, spice, and all things nice
Fine, powdery materials like sugar can get your equipment into sticky situations. These rotary valves help prevent build-up and corrosion
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Sep 16, 2022 by Paul Bowman
Quiz: How are rotary valves manufactured?
Do you know how to tell if a rotary airlock valve is manufactured for quality, efficiency, and safety? Take the quiz to find out.
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Aug 23, 2022 by Paul Bowman
How to: Remove a rotary valve endplate
Learn how to remove the endplate from a standard rotary airlock valve
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Jul 20, 2022 by Terri Shipstone
Will your valve be trapped in shipping limbo? Here are 6 reasons not to worry
The ACS Valves team shares 3 ways it helps customers get their orders quickly, as well as 3 ways you can plan ahead
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Jun 20, 2022 by Megan Thompson
Quiz: Workplace safety statistics to know
See if you can guess these key stats from OSHA, NFPA, and other workplace safety organizations
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May 24, 2022 by Megan Thompson
Why configuration matters: Tips from a rotary airlock pro
Customization stories from an ACS rep with decades of experience in rotary airlock valve design
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Apr 22, 2022 by Megan Thompson
What is an NFPA compliant valve?
Find out if your rotary airlock valve is configured for optimal safety and NFPA compliance
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Mar 23, 2022 by Nena Dallas
Mill more flour, corn and oat products with efficient valves
Boost productivity in your mill with rotary airlock valves for grains, flour and similar materials
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Feb 10, 2022 by Megan Thompson
Can I replace my old valve with an ACS model?
Find out how easy it is to get a drop-in replacement rotary airlock valve for any manufacturer
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Jan 17, 2022 by Megan Thompson
What do I really need to know about rotary valve sizing?
Rotary airlock valves are sized depending on the material and application, but some general rules apply
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Dec 07, 2021 by Megan Thompson
Year in review: Our top blogs of 2021
Our most popular stories of the year cover topics like airlock leakage, air purge kits, common flow issues, and material characteristics
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Nov 10, 2021 by Nena Dallas
Your rotary valve accessory guide
These are the main types of accessories that boost efficiency, longevity and safety in your rotary airlock valve
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Oct 14, 2021 by Nena Dallas
Rotary valves with niche appeal
Some airlock valves are built with a specific application in mind, and that’s what makes them great!
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Sep 23, 2021 by Megan Thompson
Quiz: What do you know about bulk material characteristics?
Material characteristics impact the way bulk ingredients flow through your rotary valve and conveying line. Can you ace our quiz about them?
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Aug 18, 2021 by Megan Thompson
Choosing a rotary valve: 3 more things to consider
Find out how energy efficiency, NFPA safety and maintenance cycles impact your choice of rotary airlock valve
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Jul 21, 2021 by Nena Dallas
Here’s how we configure rotary airlock valves
Rotary valves, like hot dogs, have lots of customization options. Learn how we do it at ACS
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Jun 10, 2021 by Megan Thompson
Why should I keep a historical maintenance log?
Tracking maintenance helps you protect workers, keep equipment in good condition, and comply with NFPA regulations
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May 19, 2021 by Megan Thompson
Eat up these health food conveying tips
A healthy conveying line needs these key components for efficient food processing
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May 07, 2021 by Greg Thompson
Check out the Multi-Port Valve, our latest invention
This one-of-a-kind rotary valve features multiple compartments for added efficiency in high-volume applications
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Apr 15, 2021 by Megan Thompson
Cleaning sucks! See 5 ways the Quick-Clean rotary valve speeds it up
The Sanitary Quick-Clean rotary airlock valve makes cleaning faster and easier with these 5 key features
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Mar 29, 2021 by ACS Valves
Quiz: Material flow dos and don’ts
Check out these common material flow scenarios in valves, hoppers and silos to see if you know the solution
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Feb 18, 2021 by Terri Shipstone
Know your material: 8 characteristics defined
Understand these bulk material characteristics and how they affect your choice of rotary valve and other equipment
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Jan 22, 2021 by Megan Thompson
5 best practices for cannabis processors
New to the cannabis industry or just looking for some efficient processing tips? ACS has you covered
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Dec 08, 2020 by Megan Thompson
Readers’ picks: Top 4 ACS blogs of 2020
As Earth finishes another rotation around the sun, our valves keep revolving around you. Here are our top blogs of 2020
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Nov 18, 2020 by Megan Thompson
Quiz: Are you up to speed on rotary valve safety?
Take the quiz to see if you’re well-versed in the best rotary valve safety practices
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Nov 05, 2020 by Megan Thompson
Find your fit: Valves for cannabis and health food applications
Niche applications such as cannabis and alternative health food processing work best with specially configured Quick-Clean valves
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Sep 18, 2020 by Megan Thompson
I missed the DHA deadline! What happens now?
The deadline for dust hazard analyses (DHAs) has passed, but you can still take steps to stay compliant with NFPA 652
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Aug 17, 2020 by Megan Thompson
I’m ordering a new rotary valve. Do I need an air purge kit?
Air purge kits supply compressed air to the rotary valve to prevent wear and extend longevity
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Jul 16, 2020 by Megan Thompson
Don’t overstuff your pockets and 3 other material flow tips
Get the best material flow rate (and production efficiency!) by adjusting these key characteristics
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Jun 18, 2020 by Terri Shipstone
Stand up to corrosion with the XTR Series valve
The XTR Series rotary airlock valve comes fully armored with a corrosion-resistant, food-grade coating
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Jun 09, 2020 by Wayne Beveridge
Avoid sticky situations with a rotary airlock feeder
The Aero-Flow feeder valve mixes material with pressurized air to prevent premature wear and boost consistency
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May 20, 2020 by Megan Thompson
Why we recommend ACST-4 shaft seals for valves
Shaft seals are some of the fastest rotary valve parts to wear out. We’ll tell you which seal type has the most longevity and why
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Apr 21, 2020 by Megan Thompson
Quiz: What do you know about DHAs?
Industrial facilities need to conduct Dust Hazard Analyses (DHAs) by September 7, 2020. What do you know about the process?
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Apr 03, 2020 by Nena Dallas
Layer up: An overview of coating types for rotary valves
The coating on your rotary airlock valve affects factors like material capacity, lifespan and overall performance
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Mar 30, 2020 by Megan Thompson
COVID-19 update: Keeping the supply chain strong and safe (Mar. 30)
You can count on us to implement safe practices and keep you supplied with rotary valves and accessories
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Feb 17, 2020 by Paul Bowman
Are rotary airlocks supposed to leak?
The answer is yes… and no. Airlocks aren’t infallible, but there are ways to minimize leaks and keep air flow consistent
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Feb 13, 2020 by Megan Thompson
Need a rotary valve safety guide?
We published some comprehensive rotary valve safety guidelines in Powder & Bulk Solids
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Jan 14, 2020 by Paul Bowman
Yes, you actually do need to check your rotor clearances
Measure your valve’s rotor-to-housing tolerances regularly to stay NFPA compliant and maximize material flow
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Dec 13, 2019 by Wayne Beveridge
Certifiably awesome: 3 qualifications you need to make a high-quality valve
Certified machinists, welders and millwrights play integral roles in the rotary valve manufacturing process
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Nov 22, 2019 by ACS Valves
Seriously, don’t buy a cheap valve
Quality machining, customization and aftermarket support add value to your rotary valve purchase
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Oct 24, 2019 by Paul Bowman
Unchain your rotary valve with direct drives
Direct drive valves eliminate unnecessary parts to keep workers safe and minimize downtime
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Sep 13, 2019 by Paul Bowman
Avoid rotary valve jams with adjustable shear protectors
Adjustable shear protectors prevent jamming, keep materials intact and maintain an efficient fill capacity
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Aug 27, 2019 by Megan Thompson
4 things to know about the ACS Valves team
We’re smart. We save you money. We do it fast. We’re here to help.
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Jul 12, 2019 by Megan Thompson
Feed your brain with these food and beverage trends
Another ADM speaker dishes about the state of the food and beverage industry
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Jul 11, 2019 by Megan Thompson
Meet two new ACS sales reps!
Sales reps Herb and Trisha will represent ACS in Kansas and partial Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa
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Jun 24, 2019 by Megan Thompson
The sticking point: Examining flow issues in bins, hoppers and silos
An ADM speaker sheds light on powder and bulk solid flow patterns
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May 16, 2019 by Megan Thompson
How to size a pressure blower package
Convey dry bulk materials efficiently with the right pressure blower size and configuration
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Apr 24, 2019 by Megan Thompson
Pop Quiz: NFPA Valve Compliance, Part 2
Here’s another test of your NFPA rotary valve knowledge. Are you ready?
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Mar 18, 2019 by Megan Thompson
Meet the new Iris Gravity Valve
Introducing an iris valve for manual control in gravity-flow applications
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Feb 21, 2019 by Paul Bowman
Flex or fixed? The difference between two rotor tip types
Find out which rotor tip type is right for your process
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Jan 14, 2019 by Megan Thompson
Why choose a valve on rails?
Valves on rail systems deliver better ROI in several applications
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Dec 19, 2018 by Jeff Kolmer
3D design: The next big thing in manufacturing tech
Here’s why ACS engineers think 3D rendering is the manufacturing tech trend to watch
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Nov 21, 2018 by Megan Thompson
6 critical spare parts for your conveying system
Keep your pneumatic conveying system running smoothly at all times with these essential spare parts
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Oct 22, 2018 by Paul Bowman
Signs your valve is haunted (or needs repairs)
Is your rotary valve sending you these spooky warning signs? It may be time to repair or replace it
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Oct 22, 2018 by Megan Thompson
Check out these 4 valve maintenance tips we published
We covered four critical rotary valve maintenance tips in an article for Processing Magazine
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Sep 26, 2018 by ACS Valves
Quiz: Test Your Valve Maintenance IQ
Are you up to speed on the best rotary valve maintenance procedures?
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Aug 23, 2018 by Megan Thompson
Don’t take your rotary airlock skydiving and six other useful tips
Keep your personnel safe from job hazards with these valve operation tips and tricks
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Jul 30, 2018 by Megan Thompson
Step up your valve game: Options for a more efficient process
Optimize your conveying system with these rotary valve extras
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Jun 29, 2018 by Megan Thompson
Equipping your rotary valves for feed and grain applications
An overview of the features you’ll need for easy cleaning, minimal buildup and a more efficient process overall
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May 22, 2018 by Megan Thompson
The ABCs of NFPA Valve Compliance
Key terms for your education on NFPA safety
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Apr 24, 2018 by Megan Thompson
NFPA guidelines: Replacing your uncompliant parts
Stay safe and compliant with these rotary valve replacement tips
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Mar 26, 2018 by Greg Thompson
Pressure and vacuum blower packages: What's the difference?
Prepare to have your mind blown
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Feb 20, 2018 by ACS Valves
Pop Quiz: NFPA Valve Compliance
How well do you know the NFPA rules as they relate to rotary valves?
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Jan 23, 2018 by ACS Valves
Can your rotary valve fit in your bread box?
What does it mean to have one valve to rule them all? It means you can fit our valves into pretty much any space. Such as: a canoe, a fishing tackle box, and a cooler for your carefully selected beer.
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Dec 20, 2017 by ACS Valves
Are your valves compliant with NFPA?
Not sure how to check the tolerance on your rotary valves to stay NFPA compliant? We've got a video for that. Check it out in this month's blog.
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Nov 24, 2017 by Nena Dallas
What coatings mean for your valves
When your valve needs to weather a material storm, layering it up with a coating can help it keep moving. Here's how.
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Oct 04, 2017 by Megan Thompson
OSHA is sweeping combustible dust under the rug
Preventing dust explosions should be at the top of your agenda when planning plant safety, and we have the low-down on how to do just that.
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Aug 31, 2017 by Terri Shipstone
Here are some fail-safe food safety processes
Mystery ingredients in our food usually have us saying product recall instead of bon appetit! And it's up to your processes and machinery to ensure people enjoy what you've prepared for them.
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Jul 26, 2017 by Greg Thompson
Ways to save energy in your production process
Unlike a six-year-old boy on a sugar bender, we at ACS like to encourage stable energy practices that keep hyperactivity and surges at bay (and keep your costs low)
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Jun 29, 2017 by Nena Dallas
Tips for conveying recycled plastic flakes
To avoid any giant plastic blobs from breaking your equipment, here are our tips for conveying recycled plastic flakes.
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May 30, 2017 by Greg Thompson
The ultimate guide to valve rotor types
Give your material some TLC and keep your rotors lasting long. Here's a guide on which rotor works best for your application.
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Apr 25, 2017 by Nena Dallas
How to increase the life expectancy of your machinery
That rickety old valve has broken down again, and you're tired of replacing it all the time. Here are some tips on how to ensure your valves last longer and give you less downtime.
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Mar 20, 2017 by Nena Dallas
An ACS crash course on seal types for rotary valves
When your shaft seal needs replacing, use this as your go-to guide on which one works best for your application.
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Feb 28, 2017 by Megan Thompson
Protect your workers from toxic chemicals
Breathing in toxic fumes won't give you superpowers. Here's a list of ways to avoid overexposure to toxic chemicals in your plant.
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Jan 30, 2017 by Terri Shipstone
How to keep up with the specialized pet food industry
It's high time those precious pups get the human-quality food they've been digging out of garbage bins for decades. Here's how to ensure you can keep up with specialized pet food demands in your manufacturing processes.
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Jan 03, 2017 by Greg Thompson
How to use the same machinery for any material type
Replace your one-trick pony rotary valve with one that does it all
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Nov 28, 2016 by ACS Valves
How to get high-grade woodchip fuel
How much wood can a woodchip heating system burn to ensure efficient output? That depends on the process leading up to a woodchip being fed into the fuel system. Read our blog for more.
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Oct 25, 2016 by ACS Valves
How to prevent corrosion and cross-contamination in your rotary valves
Even the smallest bit of rust from corroded machinery can damage your end product. Here's how to keep your product looking great.
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Aug 02, 2016 by Terri Shipstone
Is your food manufacturing process safety-certified?
When it comes to food safety practices, how do you know you're certifying with the right regulatory bodies and handling your equipment properly?
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Jun 24, 2016 by Megan Thompson
Everything you need to know about NFPA 652
The NFPA has a new standard for combustible dust across all commodity-specific manufacturing industries worldwide. Find out what the standard includes and how to make your plant compliant.
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May 25, 2016 by Megan Thompson
What you need to know about isolation devices
An explosion in your machinery doesn't have to lead to a plant-wide disaster. Read about ways to reduce the spread of flames with properly designed isolation devices and rotary airlock valves.
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Apr 28, 2016 by ACS Valves
NFPA Safety: It's Not Just About the Airlock
On-demand one hour webinar on NFPA Safety.
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Mar 22, 2016 by Paul Bowman
3 things to consider when selecting a rotary valve
Some of us work better under pressure, while others like a longer, more drawn out process to stay in control. The same goes for materials as they pass through a conveying system.
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Feb 26, 2016 by Megan Thompson
ACS deconstructs deflagration
Understanding the dangers of deflagration can help you better prevent plant fires and explosions.
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Dec 21, 2015 by Terri Shipstone
Will it clean? ACS Valves gets real messy — and then real clean!
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Nov 26, 2015 by Nena Dallas
Why you shouldn't size your airlocks for 100% pocket fill
Using the same methods to size all of your feeder valves is a recipe for inefficiency
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Oct 26, 2015 by Mike Rozon
Six things manufacturers should know about the TPP
How the TPP affects manufacturing plants and workers
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Jun 02, 2015 by ACS Valves
Q&A with ACS
You asked. We answered.
Our live webinar on May 14, Understanding Airlocks, concluded with a lively Q&A session. In case you missed it, here are the questions you asked, along with our answers.
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May 21, 2015 by Nena Dallas
How to convey sticky material with a blow-through
Conveying sticky material? Harness the efficiency of a blow-through valve, without the premature wear!
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Mar 26, 2015 by ACS Valves
Why airlocks leak and how to minimize leakage
Leakage happens. Find out to manage and minimize it.
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Dec 04, 2014 by Nena Dallas
Why valve coatings matter
Though sometimes treated like an afterthought, coatings are an important feature in your rotary valve.
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Nov 11, 2014 by ACS Valves
Why you can't afford an unreliable valve
We'll give you 7 good reasons.
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Sep 26, 2014 by Alicia Simon
You are not stuck with your old valve
Just because you invested in a rotary valve once, doesn't mean you have to stick with the same manufacturer moving forward.
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Aug 21, 2014 by Terri Shipstone
[VIDEO] Make cleaning suck less
Cleaning is the worst. Make it a bit better. Watch this video to learn how.
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Jul 18, 2014 by ACS Valves
A new website for your convenience
Welcome to our newly renovated space! Feel free to look around.
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Jun 04, 2014 by Greg Thompson
Aero-Flow for pneumatic conveying of dense materials
Designed specifically for pneumatic conveying of dense materials, such as: fine powders used in chemical and pharmaceutical processing, food and bakery processing, plastics, and milling, the Aero-Flow Series of rotary feeders from ACS Valves provides highly efficient, air-assisted, material introduction to pneumatic conveying systems.
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Jun 04, 2014 by Paul Bowman
Why you should stop using packing glands
Say goodbye to packing. And hello to glandless, sleeve-style shaft seals.
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Jun 04, 2014 by ACS Valves
An interview with our valve
Our CI Series valve was interviewed by Plant Services magazine.
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May 13, 2014 by ACS Valves
Immediate results for WOW. Long-term savings for ROI.
The MD Series of rotary feeder valves provides those involved in bulk material handling process engineering, production supervision, and equipment maintenance, a material metering valve that immediately contributes tangible operating efficiency advantages, and long-term production and maintenance savings.
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May 13, 2014 by ACS Valves
Making hard-to-convey materials much easier
Get optimal bulk density and throughput of hard-to-convey materials that can easily over-aerate and reduce material feed efficiency.
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May 13, 2014 by ACS Valves
Need more pocket-fill capacity? More CFM?
SD Series of rotary valves is designed to provide increased bulk material throughput efficiency in feeding and metering applications
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May 13, 2014 by ACS Valves
How to get 3x more material throughput
Find out how our CDC-CI Series handles very high-volume material throughput.