• A.

    To ensure the best possible lifecycle, safety, and performance in chemical processing environments, rotary valves should be inspected and maintained regularly. Keep spare parts on the shelf to minimize downtime, particularly rotors, shaft seals, and bearings. These are all essential in preventing leakage and ensuring reliable flow of chemical ingredients.

    Relevant for: Technical Support, Reliability, Chemical
  • A.

    Leakage can happen when rotary valve parts wear down, particularly with abrasive or corrosive chemicals. The most important parts to check and maintain regularly are rotors, shaft seals, and bearings. Anti-corrosive coatings such as XTR-Coat can prevent rotor-to-housing tolerances from wearing down too quickly, which is a key aspect of preventing leakage. Four-lobed shaft seals last longer and have a more reliable seal. Finally, outboard bearings have a longer service life and lower risk of failure.

    Relevant for: Difficult Products, Safety, Chemical
  • A.

    A rotary valve’s housing is typically made from cast iron or various grades of stainless-steel, but when you process highly abrasive chemicals, internal coatings can add a much-needed layer of protection that extends the valve’s lifespan. XTR-Coat is an excellent choice for its strong resistance to corrosion and abrasion, as well as its non-stick surface. For even more abrasive materials like silica sand, a tungsten coating offers the best durability.

    Relevant for: Difficult Products, Durability, Chemical
  • A.

    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, Chemical, Construction, Food, Pet Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics, Plastics
  • A.

    The key to storing a valve is to keep it covered in a warm, dry, and clean location to prevent condensation and contamination. For long-term storage, the valve should be kept in a temperature-controlled facility with a weatherproof covering. Check this blog or your valve manual for more detailed instructions.

    Relevant for: General, Technical Support, Chemical, Construction, Food, Pet Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics, Plastics
  • A.

    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, Chemical, Construction, Food, Pet Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics, Plastics
  • 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.

    Relevant for: Conveying Systems, NFPA, Safety, Chemical, Construction, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics
  • 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.

    Relevant for: Difficult Products, Safety, Chemical
More Questions?

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