Rotary valves are essential components for discharging and conveying bulk solids, isolating pressure differentials, and serving as flame and explosion barriers in hazardous areas. With over fifty years of experience, the UK-based Gericke RotaVal is a leading company in this field. As part of the Gericke group of companies, they combine the expertise of a dedicated rotary valve manufacturer with global experience from numerous successful powder processing and bulk handling installations.
Designing and manufacturing rotary valves beyond the commonly used sizes requires specific knowledge and large machining centres. Large rotary valves are utilised for high throughputs or handling oversized and lumpy particles, particularly in the petrochemical and chemical 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.