Megan Thompson

President & COO of ACS Valves

Though she has a sparky personality, Megan’s knowledge of NFPA codes helps facilities like yours prevent fires and explosions. She can give you the best tips to keep workers safe.

Articles written by Megan Thompson

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.
Apr 14, 2023 by Megan Thompson

Quiz: What do you know about deflagrations?
6 minutes to complete
Deflagrations are a type of subsonic combustion, and they can pose a hazard to your processing facility. What do you know about them?
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.
Feb 09, 2023 by Megan Thompson

Airlocks for dust collection systems: The basics
4 minute read
Everything you need to know about rotary airlock valves for dust collector applications
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
Jun 20, 2022 by Megan Thompson

Quiz: Workplace safety statistics to know
6 minutes to complete
See if you can guess these key stats from OSHA, NFPA, and other workplace safety organizations
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
Apr 22, 2022 by Megan Thompson

What is an NFPA compliant valve?
3 minute read
Find out if your rotary airlock valve is configured for optimal safety and NFPA compliance
Feb 10, 2022 by Megan Thompson

Can I replace my old valve with an ACS model?
3 minute read
Find out how easy it is to get a drop-in replacement rotary airlock valve for any manufacturer
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
Sep 23, 2021 by Megan Thompson

Quiz: What do you know about bulk material characteristics?
6 minutes to complete
Material characteristics impact the way bulk ingredients flow through your rotary valve and conveying line. Can you ace our quiz about them?
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
Jun 10, 2021 by Megan Thompson

Why should I keep a historical maintenance log?
3 minute read
Tracking maintenance helps you protect workers, keep equipment in good condition, and comply with NFPA regulations
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
Apr 15, 2021 by Megan Thompson

Cleaning sucks! See 5 ways the Quick-Clean rotary valve speeds it up
3 minute read
The Sanitary Quick-Clean rotary airlock valve makes cleaning faster and easier with these 5 key features
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 18, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Quiz: Are you up to speed on rotary valve safety?
5 minutes to complete
Take the quiz to see if you’re well-versed in the best rotary valve safety practices
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
Sep 18, 2020 by Megan Thompson

I missed the DHA deadline! What happens now?
4 minute read
The deadline for dust hazard analyses (DHAs) has passed, but you can still take steps to stay compliant with NFPA 652
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
May 20, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Why we recommend ACST-4 shaft seals for valves
3 minute read
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?
6 minutes to complete
Industrial facilities need to conduct Dust Hazard Analyses (DHAs) by September 7, 2020. What do you know about the process?
Mar 30, 2020 by Megan Thompson

COVID-19 update: Keeping the supply chain strong and safe (Mar. 30)
2 minute read
You can count on us to implement safe practices and keep you supplied with rotary valves and accessories
Feb 13, 2020 by Megan Thompson

Need a rotary valve safety guide?
1 minute read
We published some comprehensive rotary valve safety guidelines in Powder & Bulk Solids
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.
Jul 12, 2019 by Megan Thompson

Feed your brain with these food and beverage trends
4 minute read
Another ADM speaker dishes about the state of the food and beverage industry
Jul 11, 2019 by Megan Thompson

Meet two new ACS sales reps!
1 minute read
Sales reps Herb and Trisha will represent ACS in Kansas and partial Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa
Jun 24, 2019 by Megan Thompson

The sticking point: Examining flow issues in bins, hoppers and silos
3 minute read
An ADM speaker sheds light on powder and bulk solid flow patterns
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
Apr 24, 2019 by Megan Thompson

Pop Quiz: NFPA Valve Compliance, Part 2
5 minutes to complete
Here’s another test of your NFPA rotary valve knowledge. Are you ready?
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
Jan 14, 2019 by Megan Thompson

Why choose a valve on rails?
2 minute read
Valves on rail systems deliver better ROI in several 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
Oct 22, 2018 by Megan Thompson

Check out these 4 valve maintenance tips we published
1 minute read
We covered four critical rotary valve maintenance tips in an article for Processing Magazine
Aug 23, 2018 by Megan Thompson

Don’t take your rotary airlock skydiving and six other useful tips
3 minute read
Keep your personnel safe from job hazards with these valve operation tips and tricks
Jul 30, 2018 by Megan Thompson

Step up your valve game: Options for a more efficient process
3 minute read
Optimize your conveying system with these rotary valve extras
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
Oct 04, 2017 by Megan Thompson

OSHA is sweeping combustible dust under the rug
4 minute read
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.
Feb 28, 2017 by Megan Thompson

Protect your workers from toxic chemicals
4 minute read
Breathing in toxic fumes won't give you superpowers. Here's a list of ways to avoid overexposure to toxic chemicals in your plant.
Jun 24, 2016 by Megan Thompson

Everything you need to know about NFPA 652
4 minute read
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
3 minute read
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.
Feb 26, 2016 by Megan Thompson

ACS deconstructs deflagration
3 minute read
Understanding the dangers of deflagration can help you better prevent plant fires and explosions.