Case Study #2- Sand Blasting
AKO Pinch Valves stand up to
severe Sand Blasting
Regular AKO aluminum body pinch valves are used throughout
the Clay Cross foundry of Biwater Industries. Supplied
in standard form with a polyester powder coated finish,
the present valves have so far endured more than five
years of continuous exposure to the most physically
aggressive environment it is possible to imagine.
In their sand foundry Biwater produce chemically bonded
sand molds to cast pipe fittings in the range 12 to
28 inch diameter. Six sand mixers are supplied with
sand routed through 4 inch diameter pinch valves, with
sand from the sand reclamation system.
Each pinch valve passes up to 10 tons per hour of sand.
The sand reclamation system in which the pinch valves
work is part of the reclamation system integral to Biwater's
environmental program. The abrasive friction of the
recycled sand will wear out any valve liner. The AKO
pinch valves have abrasion resistant natural rubber
sleeves, which are replaced approximately every 9 months.
AKO pinch valves have been used in this plant for over
18 years now.
Several years ago the older cast-iron body valves were
replaced with the newer aluminum body styles, for the
safety and convenience of the customer's employees.
Lighter weight means easier handling of the valves,
which are mounted at various levels. When removing a
valve for sleeve replacement, the total process downtime
is about 20 to 30 minutes.
Biwater opted for pinch valves because of their utter
simplicity and reliability. There are no slides, gates,
balls or bearings to clog with sand. In this hostile
environment most valves, regardless of type, will need
frequent rebuilding - and AKO pinch valves offer greatly
reduced costs in this respect, since a new rubber sleeve
is dramatically less expensive than reground butterfly
seal, gate seat or knife blade. In addition, the 4 inch
pinch valve means a true 4 inch bore, since there are
no intrusive elements into the flow of sand. Sand transfer
and mixing can therefore be carried out on a more consistent
basis.
Externally, the paint finish has protected the AKO
pinch valve very effectively, with no visible damage
after 5 years of service.
For more information on AKO pinch valves and accessories
please call +614.873.8995 |
