Filter by topic

Articles for Conveying Systems

Name: ACS Valves
Address: 611 Argyle Street North, Caledonia, Ontario, N3W 1M1, Canada
Telephone: 1-905-765-2004
Price range: $

Aug 08, 2024 by Nena Dallas

Tips for conveying recycled plastic flakes
3 minute read
Read our plastic flake conveying tips to maintain healthy material throughput, minimize product waste, and prevent contamination.
Jul 11, 2024 by Brittany Dollimore

8 questions you should ask a rotary airlock supplier
4 minute read
Before you commit to a new rotary airlock valve supplier, make sure their team can answer these questions about valve design, safety features, customer support, and more.
Jun 20, 2024 by Brittany Dollimore

7 energy-saving tips for your processing plant
4 minute read
Bulk material processing takes a lot of energy! While you recharge with a coffee, read our tips to save energy in your plant.
May 10, 2024 by Brittany Dollimore

Quiz: Conveying pet food with rotary airlocks
6 minutes to complete
Do you know how to choose the best rotary valve features for pet food conveying? Our quiz will test your knowledge.
Mar 13, 2024 by Brittany Dollimore

How to choose a rotor for your valve’s application
5 minute read
Does your rotary airlock valve need a standard rotor or something more specific? Find out which rotor type you should choose based on your dry bulk material.
Jan 17, 2024 by Brittany Dollimore

5 tips for more efficient mineral processing
5 minute read
With its unique material properties and complex material handling systems, mineral ore is tricky to convey. Keep these tips in mind to optimize your process.
Dec 07, 2023 by Megan Thompson

What were this year’s top rotary valve topics?
2 minute read
In 2023, our readers were most interested in OSHA safety, the valve quoting process, cement conveying, and dust collection systems.
Nov 16, 2023 by Greg Thompson

Quiz: Do you know these pneumatic conveying terms?
7 minutes to complete
Let’s go beyond rotary airlock valves to test your pneumatic conveying smarts. Find out if you know the definitions of these common terms.
Oct 06, 2023 by Greg Thompson

5 ways our conveying knowledge benefits your line
3 minute read
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.
Sep 20, 2023 by Greg Thompson

Extra, extra: Read all about our conveying equipment
3 minute read
Though we specialize in rotary airlock valves, we also provide some extra conveying equipment.
Sep 13, 2023 by Terri Shipstone

How do I keep plastic pellets intact in conveying?
4 minute read
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.
Jun 06, 2023 by Nena Dallas

A micro blog for a micro valve
2 minute read
The Micro-Ingredient Valve fits into the palm of your hand – and plays nicely with test systems and metering equipment.
May 10, 2023 by Terri Shipstone

One base design, two classic valves, endless customization
2 minute read
Learn how our two most popular rotary airlock valves are designed and configured to offer performance, efficiency, and high ROI.
May 02, 2023 by Wayne Beveridge

All about rotary valves for gypsum plants
3 minute read
Learn which rotary airlock valves work best in a gypsum drywall processing plant.
Mar 15, 2023 by Megan Thompson

How do I get a rotary valve quote?
4 minute read
Everything you need to know about requesting a quotation for a rotary airlock or feeder valve.
Dec 07, 2022 by Megan Thompson

New year roundup: Our most-read blogs of 2022
2 minute read
This year, 4 topics were most popular with readers: Rotary valve sizing, NFPA compliance, endplate removal, and drop-in replacements
May 24, 2022 by Megan Thompson

Why configuration matters: Tips from a rotary airlock pro
4 minute read
Customization stories from an ACS rep with decades of experience in rotary airlock valve design
Mar 23, 2022 by Nena Dallas

Mill more flour, corn and oat products with efficient valves
4 minute read
Boost productivity in your mill with rotary airlock valves for grains, flour and similar materials
Jan 17, 2022 by Megan Thompson

What do I really need to know about rotary valve sizing?
3 minute read
Rotary airlock valves are sized depending on the material and application, but some general rules apply
Dec 07, 2021 by Megan Thompson

Year in review: Our top blogs of 2021
2 minute read
Our most popular stories of the year cover topics like airlock leakage, air purge kits, common flow issues, and material characteristics
Nov 10, 2021 by Nena Dallas

Your rotary valve accessory guide
3 minute read
These are the main types of accessories that boost efficiency, longevity and safety in your rotary airlock valve
Aug 18, 2021 by Megan Thompson

Choosing a rotary valve: 3 more things to consider
3 minute read
Find out how energy efficiency, NFPA safety and maintenance cycles impact your choice of rotary airlock valve
May 19, 2021 by Megan Thompson

Eat up these health food conveying tips
4 minute read
A healthy conveying line needs these key components for efficient food processing
May 07, 2021 by Greg Thompson

Check out the Multi-Port Valve, our latest invention
3 minute read
This one-of-a-kind rotary valve features multiple compartments for added efficiency in high-volume applications
Mar 29, 2021 by ACS Valves

Quiz: Material flow dos and don’ts
6 minutes to complete
Check out these common material flow scenarios in valves, hoppers and silos to see if you know the solution
Feb 18, 2021 by Terri Shipstone

Know your material: 8 characteristics defined
4 minute read
Understand these bulk material characteristics and how they affect your choice of rotary valve and other equipment
Jan 22, 2021 by Megan Thompson

5 best practices for cannabis processors
3 minute read
New to the cannabis industry or just looking for some efficient processing tips? ACS has you covered
Dec 08, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Readers’ picks: Top 4 ACS blogs of 2020
2 minute read
As Earth finishes another rotation around the sun, our valves keep revolving around you. Here are our top blogs of 2020
Nov 05, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Find your fit: Valves for cannabis and health food applications
4 minute read
Niche applications such as cannabis and alternative health food processing work best with specially configured Quick-Clean valves
Aug 17, 2020 by Megan Thompson

I’m ordering a new rotary valve. Do I need an air purge kit?
3 minute read
Air purge kits supply compressed air to the rotary valve to prevent wear and extend longevity
Jul 16, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Don’t overstuff your pockets and 3 other material flow tips
3 minute read
Get the best material flow rate (and production efficiency!) by adjusting these key characteristics
Jun 09, 2020 by Wayne Beveridge

Avoid sticky situations with a rotary airlock feeder
3 minute read
The Aero-Flow feeder valve mixes material with pressurized air to prevent premature wear and boost consistency
Aug 27, 2019 by Megan Thompson

4 things to know about the ACS Valves team
3 minute read
We’re smart. We save you money. We do it fast. We’re here to help.
May 16, 2019 by Megan Thompson

How to size a pressure blower package
3 minute read
Convey dry bulk materials efficiently with the right pressure blower size and configuration
Mar 18, 2019 by Megan Thompson

Meet the new Iris Gravity Valve
2 minute read
Introducing an iris valve for manual control in gravity-flow applications
Nov 21, 2018 by Megan Thompson

6 critical spare parts for your conveying system
3 minute read
Keep your pneumatic conveying system running smoothly at all times with these essential spare parts
Jun 29, 2018 by Megan Thompson

Equipping your rotary valves for feed and grain applications
3 minute read
An overview of the features you’ll need for easy cleaning, minimal buildup and a more efficient process overall
May 22, 2018 by Megan Thompson

The ABCs of NFPA Valve Compliance
5 minute read
Key terms for your education on NFPA safety
Apr 24, 2018 by Megan Thompson

NFPA guidelines: Replacing your uncompliant parts
3 minute read
Stay safe and compliant with these rotary valve replacement tips
Mar 26, 2018 by Greg Thompson

Pressure and vacuum blower packages: What's the difference?
4 minute read
Prepare to have your mind blown
May 30, 2017 by Greg Thompson

The ultimate guide to valve rotor types
3 minute read
Give your material some TLC and keep your rotors lasting long. Here's a guide on which rotor works best for your application.
Jan 03, 2017 by Greg Thompson

How to use the same machinery for any material type
4 minute read
Replace your one-trick pony rotary valve with one that does it all

FAQs for Conveying Systems

Q.
My conveying line handles dusty materials like cement or sand. How effective are rotary valves at minimizing dust leakage?

A.
Rotary valves can be very effective at minimizing leakage when properly configured by an expert.

As a general recommendation to prevent dust leakage, valves should be equipped with ACST-4 shaft seals and an outboard bearing design. You should also check rotor-to-housing tolerances often, as enlarged tolerances can also cause leaks.
Q.
How do I calculate rotary valve capacity?

A.
Capacity is the volume of material your rotary valve can handle per rotation. The calculation involves the rate of conveying, material bulk density, valve efficiency, and RPM of your rotor. We can help you with the math, but if you're just looking for a valve sizing recommendation, you can use our handy calculator tool.
Q.
Which rotary valve should I choose?

A.
It depends! Do you want a valve with an easy-to-clean design? A valve with multiple ports for split conveying lines? Maybe a valve for heavy-duty applications, for corrosive material, or for metering small batches?

We could go on, but the best way to determine which valve you need is to speak with an ACS Valves rep. Give us the details and we’ll help you choose a rotary valve that’s optimized for your needs.
Q.
How much do rotary valves cost?

A.
Because rotary valves come in so many different types and sizes, we don’t list prices online. Please contact an ACS Valves rep to request a quote. We’re happy to walk you through exactly what you need and why.
Q.
What are the different types of rotary airlock valves?

A.
There are so many! Our standard CI Series valve is popular with its efficient construction and plenty of customization options. But there are dozens of other options, and they depend on:

1. Your application (e.g., construction, pet food, or cannabis processing?)
2. Your material (e.g., cement, plastic, or flour?)
3. Your system (bulk material, dust collector, or pneumatic conveyor?)
4. Your desired valve type (airlock with metering, metering/feeding, or airlock?)
You could go even further down the rabbit hole and customize valves with different rotors, coatings, and accessories for maximum efficiency. The easiest approach is to contact an ACS Valves rep to discuss your options — we’ll only recommend what your process actually needs.
Q.
What is a rotary valve used for?

A.
A valve is a transfer point in your material handling system, moving bulk solids from containers (think bins, hoppers, and silos) to the conveyor below. It may also move material from one container to another.

Valves can be used to provide a pressurized seal between those points, help control the flow of material, or both. Basically, they help you move material efficiently and safely, preventing product loss.
Q.
What is the difference between rotary valves, rotary airlocks, and rotary feeders?

A.
This is a great question because they’re also called airlocks (or rotary airlock valves, or rotary airlock feeders) — just to make it extra confusing. The catch-all term is rotary valve, which is what we use most often.

The exact term changes depending on how the valve is used. Anything with the word “airlock” in the name is used to maintain a pressure differential between two separate compartments. Feeders are more about controlling the rate of material flow from one place to the next. If a valve does both, you would call it a rotary airlock feeder.

At ACS Valves, we have a lot of multifunctional rotary valves that can serve any of these roles, as well as more specialized valves for airlock or feeding/metering purposes. If you’re not sure what you need, give us a call and we’ll help you figure it out!
Q.
Do I need an airlock or a feeder?

A.
That depends on you. Do you need to control the rate of material flow (feeder), maintain a pressure differential between compartments (airlock), or a combo of both (airlock feeder)?

Not sure? That’s okay — give us some details about your process needs, and we’ll make a recommendation.
Q.
Why use a shear pin sprocket with sawdust or wood fines?

A.
Sometimes the rotation of the rotor is reduced due to an overload of material, or larger pieces of material being fed through the valve, jamming in the clearances. In this case, shear pin sprockets will shear the pin on the sprocket, reducing the risk of damage to the rotor.
Q.
My valve is losing too much air, what could be the problem?

A.
Too much clearance between the rotor, endplates and or housing can result in air loss. Measure the rotor to endplate and rotor to housing clearances to confirm that they are an NFPA compliant 0.0079 inches. If the clearance is larger than this, it might be time to replace your rotor, rotary valve, or have it sent back to ACS for a repair or evaluation. Make sure to stick to a maintenance schedule and check your clearances at least every three months.
Q.
What is this capped pipe that is sticking out of the side of my valve?

A.
The capped pipe is called a housing vent port. Rotor pockets can sometimes contain a volume of pressured air, which can impede material flow into the airlock inlet, reducing your efficiency. Also, in conveying systems that run at 6 PSI and higher, large releases of air up the return side of the airlock can cause pulsing in the material flow into the conveying line. Using a vent helps solve both of these issues, and is also helpful in improving your fill efficiency.
Q.
Why do we recommend a shear protector for pellets, flakes or beads?

A.
Shear protectors reduce the flow of material at the valve's inlet. Reduced flow allows for better pocket fill and also reduces the risk of product jams in your housing clearances–ultimately protecting your product from damage.

SEE ALL FAQS

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT

Go ahead, make your valve

Put your own spin on our customizable valves to get the best valve for your application, material and industry.

Learn more

LATEST BLOG

Fail-safe food safety tips for rotary valves

The regulatory landscape is always changing, but there are surefire steps you can take to keep your valves and conveying systems free of contamination.

Filter by topic

Articles for Conveying Systems

Tips for conveying recycled plastic flakes

8 questions you should ask a rotary airlock supplier

7 energy-saving tips for your processing plant

Quiz: Conveying pet food with rotary airlocks

How to choose a rotor for your valve’s application

5 tips for more efficient mineral processing

What were this year’s top rotary valve topics?

Quiz: Do you know these pneumatic conveying terms?

5 ways our conveying knowledge benefits your line

Extra, extra: Read all about our conveying equipment

How do I keep plastic pellets intact in conveying?

A micro blog for a micro valve

One base design, two classic valves, endless customization

All about rotary valves for gypsum plants

How do I get a rotary valve quote?

New year roundup: Our most-read blogs of 2022

Why configuration matters: Tips from a rotary airlock pro

Mill more flour, corn and oat products with efficient valves

What do I really need to know about rotary valve sizing?

Year in review: Our top blogs of 2021

Your rotary valve accessory guide

Choosing a rotary valve: 3 more things to consider

Eat up these health food conveying tips

Check out the Multi-Port Valve, our latest invention

Quiz: Material flow dos and don’ts

Know your material: 8 characteristics defined

5 best practices for cannabis processors

Readers’ picks: Top 4 ACS blogs of 2020

Find your fit: Valves for cannabis and health food applications

I’m ordering a new rotary valve. Do I need an air purge kit?

Don’t overstuff your pockets and 3 other material flow tips

Avoid sticky situations with a rotary airlock feeder

4 things to know about the ACS Valves team

How to size a pressure blower package

Meet the new Iris Gravity Valve

6 critical spare parts for your conveying system

Equipping your rotary valves for feed and grain applications

The ABCs of NFPA Valve Compliance

NFPA guidelines: Replacing your uncompliant parts

Pressure and vacuum blower packages: What's the difference?

The ultimate guide to valve rotor types

How to use the same machinery for any material type

Go ahead, make your valve

Fail-safe food safety tips for rotary valves

Newsletter