When conveying pet food, why is it important for valve housings to have smooth surfaces?
Correct! A housing should be cast with smooth surfaces to prevent contamination.
Not quite. A housing should be cast with smooth surfaces to prevent contamination.
In some lower-quality castings, the valve housing may have several cracks and crevasses, which are prime spots for material to build up and cause contamination or flow issues. It’s important to have a smooth housing cast in high-quality stainless steel.
If you convey multiple products, what’s a good way to boost efficiency?
That’s right! A valve with a rail system makes it easier to swap between ingredients.
Actually, a valve with a rail system boosts efficiency by making it easier to swap between ingredients.
This is because a rail system provides fast, tool-free access to the rotary valve’s internals, which can drastically cut downtime spent on maintenance and cleaning. For that reason, Quick-Clean valves are often used for switching between materials.
Which type of rotor is best for conveying pet food?
Yes! Rotors with U-shaped vanes are usually recommended.
No, rotors with U-shaped vanes are usually recommended.
That’s because U-shaped vanes are smooth, meaning there are no cracks where material can build up. They both improve flow and minimize the chance of contamination.
How do you choose a valve coating for pet food conveying?
Yes! Sanitation and material characteristics (such as the tendency to stick, smear, or pack) are key considerations in pet food.
No. Sanitation and material characteristics (such as the tendency to stick, smear, or pack) are the key considerations in pet food.
The best configuration for your valve and coatings depends on a variety of application-specific factors. Pet food tends to involve materials that may be prone to sticking, buildup, or abrasion, and sanitation is often a key concern, so these are good places to start.
How did it go?
Did our quiz teach you anything new about rotary airlocks for pet food conveying, or did you ace every single question? Either way, our valve experts are happy to help you choose the right configuration.
