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Pinch valves in the production of sand casting moulds

A manufacturer of high-quality tripods for TV cameras uses AKO pinch valves from the VF series to dose the sand in the production of casting moulds. The previously used butterfly valves were replaced with pinch valves more than 25 years ago and since then the producer has not had any reason to complain about a single AKO pinch valve!

It is well known that cameras used to produce TV shows are a little larger than standard cameras intended for home users. Despite their size, they still need to be manoeuvrable and easy to control. Special tripods are used for this purpose.

The pipeline system used to transport the sand for the casting moulds was fitted with pinch valves by the plant constructor to replace the previously used butterfly valves. The foundry now purchases its spare parts and complete valves directly from AKO Armaturen.
The previously installed butterfly valves constantly suffered from blockages that unintentionally stopped the transport of the media. Therefore, the company was looking for an alternative solution and found the ideal one from AKO Armaturen.


Do you require reliable valves for the production of your casting moulds?
Pinch valves from AKO mean that downtimes or faults are a thing of the past!

 

The pinch valves installed in the pipelines are used to control the transport of the sand required for the production of casting moulds. To also enable the valves to dose the media during this task and ensure that the valve remains closed in the event of a loss of the compressed air supply, the valves were also fitted with safety arrangements (protection circuits) and proportional pressure regulator valves.

The pinch valves from AKO Armaturen are all fitted with sleeves made out of abrasion-resistant natural rubber. Despite the abrasive properties of the sand, the high-quality compound used for the sleeves enables a service life of up to 5 years before it needs to be replaced due to wear. The other valve components can be reused. It is not necessary to replace the entire valve when fitting a new sleeve.

"Pinch valves are really easy to maintain and operate"

Pinch valves from AKO have been used at this plant for more than 25 years and the company has not needed to replace a single valve or any individual components to date. The production manager is completely satisfied with the installed AKO pinch valves.

AKO pinch valves used for the production of casting moulds
AKO pinch valves control the transport of sand in a foundry
Pinch valves from AKO used as control valves for the transport of casting sand in a foundry
Pinch valves from AKO in the production of casting moulds
VF050.03X.31.30LA pinch valves control the sand for producing casting moulds

Requirements:

  • A valve that is less susceptible to blockages than the previously used butterfly valves.
  • Fail-safe solution → the valves must remain closed in the event of a loss of the compressed air supply.
  • Not susceptible to the abrasive properties of the casting sand.

Goals achieved:

  • Blockages or problematic adhesions are prevented due to the constriction-free flow of the medium and dead space-free design.
  • Safety arrangements (protection circuits) and proportional pressure regulator valves were installed to keep the valve closed in the event of the loss of the compressed air supply and to allow the flow rate to be adjusted.
  • A sleeve made out of an abrasion-proof compound was fitted that is resistant to abrasion from the conveyed medium.

Medium:
Sand with additives and binding agents

Processing temperature:
25–40 °C (77–104 °F)

Opening and closing cycles:
Approx. 60 per day

Operating pressure:
Approx. 2.5 bar

Control pressure:
Approx. 5.0 bar

Experience with pinch valves:
More than 25 years

Valve configuration:
Nominal size: DN 50
Series: VF
Housing: Aluminium (painted white)
Connections: Flange, aluminium (painted white)
Sleeve: Natural rubber, abrasion-resistant

Additional options:
Safety arrangement (protection circuit)
Proportional pressure regulator valves

Valve designation:
VF050.03X.31.30LA

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