Rotary valves are commonly found in pneumatic conveying systems and can act as safety devices to isolate different process steps, such as airlocks, flame barriers, and explosion propagation valves. They are also used for metering applications, such as loading pneumatic conveying pipelines or filling of FIBCs. Designing and manufacturing rotary valves beyond the commonly used sizes requires specific knowledge and large machining centers. Large rotary valves are utilized for high throughputs or handling oversized and lumpy particles, particularly in the petrochemical and chemical industries.
Using Rotary Valves in Petrochemical Industries
Rotary airlock valves play a critical role in petrochemical industries by providing reliable control over the transfer of bulk solids such as catalysts, resins, polymers, or additives within processing plants. In these environments, maintaining process integrity is essential due to the presence of hazardous materials and strict safety regulations. The robust construction of such airlocks ensures, that they can withstand abrasive or corrosive substances often encountered in petrochemical applications.
In addition to their basic function as metering devices for powders and granules, these valves help maintain pressure differentials between various process zones—such as reactors, storage silos, pneumatic conveying lines, or dust collection systems—thereby preventing unwanted gas leakage that could pose safety risks or lead to product contamination. Their precise operation allows for accurate dosing and consistent feed rates into reactors or mixers.
Furthermore, rotary airlock valves used in petrochemical plants are often designed with features such as explosion-proof motors, high-temperature seals, wear-resistant coatings on their internal surfaces, and easy-clean access for maintenance. These enhancements ensure long-term reliability under demanding conditions typical of petrochemical production facilities. By integrating advanced rotary valve technology into their processes, petrochemical companies can achieve improved operational efficiency while meeting stringent environmental and safety standards. With in-house development and production, Gericke RotaVal has extensive experience manufacturing valves up to sizes of 600 by 1200 mm, often with special coatings.
