New Valve Solution Overcomes Pneumatic Slide Valve Problem

Phil Black - PII Editor 02/12/2015

274 1 minute read

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Orchard Valley Foods (OVF) approached Mucon to provide a valve solution which would overcome problems experienced with their existing pneumatic Slide valves

The existing Slide valves were difficult to clean, as they had many surfaces where debris material could be lodged, so making the cleaning regime a long and difficult task for the operators. In addition, the two small cylinders located on either side of the valve tended to jam during either the opening or closing process. This resulted in reduced productivity and increased down time while the matter was addressed.

In an on-site meeting with Mucon Technical Sales Engineers and (OVF) staff a Mucon valve demonstration made it simple for the production and engineering staff to see how the design and functionality of the Mucon SD-P Slide valve could easily eradicate the problems associated by the incumbent Slides valves on site

Suitably impressed and confident that Mucon sales staff understood their previous frustrations, a decision was made to purchase believing the equipment chosen would be the solution they needed.

Two SD-P pneumatic valves were installed six months ago. Both the Production and Engineering Managers have stated that since installing the Mucon products they have had no issues. As originally promised the SD-P Slide valves;

•   Do not jam
•   Are quick and easy to clean
•   Increased productivity
•   Reduced downtime.

Sam Tozer, Site Engineer at Orchard Valley Foods commented, “the design and functionality of the Mucon valves have surpassed our original expectations. The moving orifice design on the slide blade fits perfectly in our set up and as there are no extra surfaces for product ‘hang up’, making cleaning very easy”.

“If or when the opportunity arises to replace other valves on site or expand our facilities, we would certainly look to use Mucon products again”.