Powder/Bulk Solids is one of the leading resources for the dry processing and solids handling industry. Each month it focuses on a particular area of the processing business.
The June issue of the magazine is devoted to Valves, Gates & Airlocks. “Industry Insight”, a featured guest column, is written by a processing professional who has specialized knowledge and experience about the magazine’s featured subject. Gemco Valve’s President, Jim Lenihan was invited to be this month’s columnist. Since Powder/Bulk Solids features news about operational and technological advancements and innovations, Jim chose to write about how to customize valve and retractable sleeve combinations to address the challenges presented in material transfer where containment is crucial.
Material Transfer Using Valves and Retractable Sleeves
In continuous processing material transfer methods are typically fixed operations, with mechanical and pneumatic conveying covering most applications. However batch processing of powders presents its own unique challenges especially under those circumstances where containment is critical such as transferring low-density, air-sensitive, high-value, potent, or toxic powders.
From the most benign products like sugar or flour to active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) that are extremely potent, the issues surrounding safe and effective containment and transfer are many: worker exposure to irritants, housekeeping and cleaning due to dusting, increased equipment maintenance because of contamination, poor product flow and bridging often caused by under-designed connections, and material loss from spillage are but a few of the potential material transfer problems that occur. Solutions for these issues range from a sock or sleeve that is attached to the outlet of the valve allowing product to dump under gravity into an open hopper, to split butterfly valves with a vacuum system used to keep dusting at nanogram levels.
However, for most power and bulk solids applications, an automated full port valve with a retractable sleeve is an economical and effective method of resolving these issues. Automation of the connection process, with direct status feedback, leads to more consistent and dependable material transfer while mitigating the possibility of operator error.
Powder/Bulk Solids provides information on new technology, products, equipment, systems and services as well as news, editorial reviews on equipment and services, technical features, case histories, company profiles, and test facility applications. It is used by engineers, plant/process management, and corporate administrators who are actively searching for information on new products, systems, and services.
