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 |
