Bio
If you’re having trouble with a material jam, worn-out parts, or lost productivity, Paul is the one to call. He can use his 25+ years of experience in manufacturing to find the right solution to your rotary valve troubles, suggest improvements, and help keep your equipment in ship shape.
Experience
- More than 25 years of manufacturing experience
- Specializes in technical support and troubleshooting
Paul has been featured in
- Why Do Rotary Airlocks Leak, and When is it a Cause for Concern? (April 18, 2023)
Written by Paul
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![A yellow envelope with a question mark on the cover inside a box]()
BlogQuiz: Do you know these valve spare parts?
What are the most critical parts of a rotary airlock valve, when do you need to replace them, and why? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
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Blog‘Fix me!’ 5 signs your valve needs attention
Find out how to diagnose and troubleshoot a rotary airlock valve that makes too much noise, stops rotating, or shows any of these other symptoms.
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BlogHow 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.
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BlogPlease don’t do these 5 things to your rotary valve
Seriously, just don’t do them. We’ll explain why you should avoid these 5 practices to keep your valve’s performance strong, ensure it always runs safely, and maximize its lifespan.
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BlogHow 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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BlogWhy 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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BlogHow 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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![Tablet with video image of a technician assembling a rotary airlock valve.]()
BlogHow 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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Blog4 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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BlogHow 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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![A Rotary Airlock Valve Quiz by ACS Valves]()
BlogQuiz: 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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![Screens showing how to remove a rotary valve endplate]()
BlogHow to: Remove a rotary valve endplate
Learn how to remove the endplate from a standard rotary airlock valve
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![ACS Valves February 2020 Blog Header]()
BlogAre 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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BlogYes, 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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BlogUnchain your rotary valve with direct drives
Direct drive valves eliminate unnecessary parts to keep workers safe and minimize downtime
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BlogAvoid 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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BlogFlex or fixed? The difference between two rotor tip types
Find out which rotor tip type is right for your process
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![Rotary valve on a spooky backdrop with books and candle]()
BlogSigns 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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Blog3 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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BlogWhy you should stop using packing glands
Say goodbye to packing. And hello to glandless, sleeve-style shaft seals.
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Outboard bearings are mounted on the outside of a rotary valve’s housing, while inboard bearings sit on the inside of the endplates. Because they’re located closer to the seal, inboard bearings are typically associated with more frequent repairs and a greater risk of contamination. Outboard bearings leave a gap between the seal and bearings, which makes them safer and more reliable in the long run.
Relevant for: General, Technical Support -
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While we understand the temptation for a quick fix, we definitely don’t recommend hitting your valve with hammers, wrenches, or whatever tools you have on hand. It only damages the valve and doesn’t help with material blockage. If you need help improving material flow, speak to one of our valve experts for recommendations specific to your application.
Relevant for: Technical Support, Difficult Products -
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When it comes to material shearing, the first thing we tend to look at is fill capacity. Factors like your material shape and size, equipment specifications, and conveying speed influence the right fill capacity to prevent jamming and shearing. Optional accessories like adjustable shear protectors, often recommended for materials like plastic pellets and sawdust, can be useful to help things keep flowing smoothly. A valve expert can give you more specific guidance based on your application.
Relevant for: Difficult Products -
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At ACS Valves, each rotary airlock valve is manufactured with a team of engineers, machinists, welders, millwrights, and other qualified specialists. The valve housings are cast locally using 65% US steel, while the internal parts are CNC machined for precision and reliability.
Relevant for: Manufacturing -
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That depends on the problem, but common valve repair and maintenance procedures include lubricating parts, adjusting chains, and replacing the rotor, bearings, or shaft seals. Check your ACS Valves instruction manual for more specific guidance and call us if you need help.
Relevant for: Technical Support