Articles for NFPA

Apr 07, 2025 by Brittany Dollimore

Why keep spare valve parts on the shelf?

Stock extra rotary airlock valve parts on the shelf to reduce downtime, protect other important components, and keep your facility safe.

Feb 19, 2025 by Megan Thompson

What’s new in the NFPA 660 combustible dust standard?

NFPA 660: Standard for Combustible Dusts and Particulate Solids (2025) is now in effect. Find out what the changes mean for your processing plant.

Sep 09, 2024 by Megan Thompson

Is my rotary valve NFPA compliant?

Learn the requirements for an NFPA compliant rotary airlock valve and find out why compliance is so important.

Jun 20, 2024 by ACS Valves

6 ways to save time on rotary valve maintenance

Maintenance is non-negotiable, but it doesn’t have to cost hours of downtime. See our best tips for saving time on rotary airlock valve inspections, cleaning, and maintenance.

Apr 15, 2024 by Paul Bowman

How to: Check rotor-to-housing tolerances

Keep your rotary airlock valve compliant with NFPA guidelines and maintain strong performance by checking your rotor-to-housing clearances regularly.

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.

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.

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

Feb 13, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Need a rotary valve safety guide?

We published some comprehensive rotary valve safety guidelines in Powder & Bulk Solids

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

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?

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

Jan 14, 2019 by Megan Thompson

Why choose a valve on rails?

Valves on rail systems deliver better ROI in several applications

May 22, 2018 by Megan Thompson

The ABCs of NFPA Valve Compliance

Key terms for your education on NFPA safety

Apr 24, 2018 by Megan Thompson

NFPA guidelines: Replacing your uncompliant parts

Stay safe and compliant with these rotary valve replacement tips

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Apr 28, 2016 by ACS Valves

NFPA Safety: It's Not Just About the Airlock

On-demand one hour webinar on NFPA Safety.

Feb 26, 2016 by Megan Thompson

ACS deconstructs deflagration

Understanding the dangers of deflagration can help you better prevent plant fires and explosions.

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.