Pneumatic Air-Lock Valve

The pneumatic air-lock valve is a critical piece of equipment in industrial material conveying systems that combines air-lock sealing and metered discharge functions. Driven by a pneumatic actuator to operate the valve plate/rotor, it enables continuous or intermittent material conveying while blocking air flow between the pipeline and the external environment, thereby maintaining system negative pressure stability. It is widely used in the handling of dust and granular materials in industries such as building materials, chemical processing, and power generation.

Core Operating Principle

Using compressed air as the power source, the solenoid valve controls the pneumatic actuator (cylinder/pneumatic motor) to drive the valve plate, rotor, or slide plate assembly inside the valve:

1. Discharge Mode: Upon receiving a signal, the pneumatic mechanism opens the valve plate or rotates the rotor. Material falls from the inlet into the valve chamber by gravity and is discharged through the outlet as the assembly operates.

2. Air-Lock Mode: After material discharge, the actuator returns to its original position, closing the valve plate or sealing the rotor clearance, blocking the air passage between the pipeline and the outside to prevent negative pressure loss, dust leakage, or air backflow.

3. Precise Flow Control (Optional): Some models support adjustment of pneumatic pressure or actuation frequency to achieve precise control of discharge rate.

Key Technical Features

1. Excellent Sealing Performance: Utilizes cemented carbide sealing faces, elastic seals, or clearance-fit rotor-housing designs. Achieves high air-lock efficiency with low air leakage rate (typically ≤3%), ensuring negative pressure stability in dust collection and pneumatic conveying systems.

2. High Degree of Automation: Can be integrated with PLC control systems and level sensors for remote control, automatic start/stop, or intermittent discharge, reducing manual intervention.

3. Adaptable to Harsh Operating Conditions: Key components such as the housing and rotor are manufactured from wear-resistant cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic-lined materials, offering high-temperature resistance and abrasion resistance. Suitable for dusty and granular materials (e.g., cement, fly ash, mineral powder, etc.).

4. Compact Structure & Reliable Operation: Small footprint, easy installation and maintenance, rapid pneumatic response, low failure rate, and long service life.

5. Uniform Discharge: By adjusting the actuation frequency or rotor speed, metered discharge can be achieved within the range of 6–100 m³/h to meet various process requirements.

Technical Parameters