Nebraska Patent of the Month – February 2023
Cyclonaire Corporation, a recognized leader in the engineering and manufacturing of pneumatic conveying equipment, has recently been granted a patent for their diverter valve design.
The company regularly conducts research and development as they strive to advance the industry, developing value-based solutions for bulk material transfer applications, railcar unloading, locomotive track sanding systems, dust collection and aeration systems.
In bulk material handling, material may be conveyed from a rail care or material hopper to another receptacle. During this process, diverter valves are used to regulate and direct the material flow. Unfortunately, traditional diverter valves require cleaning between material types and are known to have short life spans as they cannot withstand abrasive materials.
Cyclonaire Corp’s design is designed to resist abrasive wear caused by the friction and velocity of the bulk material flowing through the valve. Its operational life is prolonged and the seal, located between the diverter disc and an outlet wall of the housing, does not allow bulk material to escape to the atmosphere, while being protected from direct contact with the flow of material in the valve housing.
The valve features an enlarged, frusto-conically shaped inlet housing, which stores a supply of conveyed bulk material that acts autogenously, protecting the walls of the housing from abrasive wear. The seals used to prevent the escape of bulk material particles during operation are protected from abrasion by being located behind the rotating diverter disc. The valve is completely enclosed, preventing any form of external bulk material leakage of the system in the event of a seal failure.
Cyclonaire’s invention addresses and overcomes the drawbacks of conventional devices. The valve is more efficient, has a longer operational life, and reduces dust and debris escaping from the system. Its innovative design provides better protection for seals and makes it easier to change flow positions without the need to evacuate the valve body. The Cyclonaire Corporation has once again demonstrated its ability to provide cutting-edge solutions for bulk material handling systems.
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