Frequently Asked Questions - Food industry

Standard rotary valves can be time-consuming to maintain because they require tools to disassemble. Quick-cleaning models speed up the cleaning process by making it easy to access the valve’s internals. In the case of a Quick-Clean Valve with RotorRail, for example, you just need to turn a handle and slide out the rotor, which is set up on a rail system. It only takes a minute before you can start cleaning.

In terms of options and accessories for the food processing industry, food-grade coatings and materials such as stainless-steel, Lectrofluor, and XTR-Coat are the best at preventing contamination. Rotors with U-shaped vanes reduce material packing and make cleaning easier. The valve itself must be properly welded and finished to ensure the surfaces are smooth and durable, which means there will be no cracks or crevasses for bacteria to build up.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Not all rotary valves are designed to be interchangeable between ingredients, but ACS Valves has options for plants with split conveying feeds or multiple ingredients. The Multi-Port valve is one to consider, since it features multiple separate compartments in a single valve, making it easier to convey materials from different lines into a single valve. Many of our customers also use the Quick-Clean valve to convey multiple ingredients, because it can be cleaned and sanitized quickly thanks to its rail-based design.

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.

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.