Filter by topic

Articles for Safety

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

Sep 18, 2025 by Brittany Dollimore

5 more things you should never do to your valve

We care about our rotary valves and our customers. To keep things safe and efficient, we’re following up with more tips on what NOT to do to a valve. Ever.
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.
Dec 03, 2024 by ACS Valves

A day in the life of a valve

Ever wondered what goes on in the everyday life of a rotary airlock valve? Let’s see — there's turning, spinning, and a whole lot of nothing. Our valve will tell you all about it.
Nov 04, 2024 by Terri Shipstone

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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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 13, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Need a rotary valve safety guide?

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

FAQs for Safety

Q.
My facility handles grain-based pet foods. Are there any rotary valves or features designed to mitigate the risk of dust explosions?

A.
Yes. If your facility generates combustible dusts, these safety features are non-negotiable (and unlike other vendors, ACS Valves does not charge extra for them). According to NFPA rules, a compliant rotary valve has metal tips on the rotor assembly, outboard bearings, and rotors with eight vanes or more. Some options will depend on your exact application, but a valve expert can guide you in the right direction.
Q.
How can rotary valves help food industry processors meet safety and sanitation standards?

A.
Rotary airlock valves can be specified with features that support food safety and sanitation goals. We often recommend stainless-steel materials of construction, special coatings, and valves designed on a rail system for easy disassembly and cleaning.
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.
My process involves caustic or acidic chemicals. Which rotary valve options are best to ensure a long lifespan and minimal risk of corrosion?

A.
Corrosive materials can damage the rotary valve’s internal parts over time, including the rotor-to-housing tolerances. We recommend a coating called XTR-Coat to minimize the effects of acidic, abrasive, or corrosive materials. Its durability prolongs the lifespan of your valve and parts, and its compliance with FDA and USDA regulations also makes it an excellent choice in many food-grade applications.
Q.
How can rotary airlocks prevent contamination in pet food conveying?

A.
Whether you’re conveying ingredients for medicated pet foods, kibble with allergen control, or any pet food that must adhere to strict food safety guidelines, it’s important to prevent cross-contamination between batches. Make sure your valve is designed with outboard bearings and reliable shaft seals that are easy to replace.

To quickly wipe away residual product that may harbor bacteria, choose a Quick-Clean design, which allows you to open up the valve without tools for fast and easy cleaning. You might also consider sanitary materials and coatings, such as stainless-steel and XTR-Coat.
Q.
Why do I need to check rotor-to-housing tolerances?

A.
Rotor-to-housing tolerances, or clearances, are the distance between your rotor tips and valve housing. Because they wear down over time, you should measure them as part of your regular maintenance routine. Increased tolerances leave a bigger gap for material to leak through, which prevents the valve from working effectively. This can lead to issues with material flow, NFPA compliance and safety, and overall efficiency. Check them often!