Bulk Solids and Controlling their Flow

Bulk Solids are classified as loose, dry materials such as minerals, crushed stone, sand, sugar, chemicals, starches, plastic resins and even recycled plastic. The non-mineral coal, a sedentary rock containing carbon, is also classified as a Bulk Solid. These materials need to be moved in mass quantity, in their free-flowing form. Conveying and bulk material handling systems are needed, worldwide, to accomplish this. These systems consist of various levels of control throughout the operation of these material handling systems. Besides moving and conveying the bulk solids, various gates or valves are used in the process. These include diverter gates or valves, slide gates, clam gates, hopper or bin doors, all which must be opened or closed, fully or partially, in the process.

RACO Electric Actuators play a key role in controlling the material flow. They are the method to supply and transmit the energy required to automatically open and close these gates or valves in the process. Their durable, reliable and long lasting operation is vital in moving these Bulk Solids 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How Electric Actuators Optimize Bulk Material Handling Diverter Gates

Electric actuators have brought about a significant shift in the performance and reliability of Diverter Gate applications. Unlike traditional mechanical systems, electric actuators offer precise and consistent control over the gate movements, their opening and closing speeds, and the positioning of the gate or valve. This precision ensures optimal amounts of bulk solid materials are moved, or diverted optimally during the process.

Moreover, electric actuators are capable of real-time adjustments through their controls, adapting to varying environmental conditions or adjusting to varying material consistencies. The electric actuator improves the efficiency of the overall process while extending the lifespan of the gate, drivetrain components, and the actuator itself.

Key Benefits of Using RACO Electric Actuators on Diverter Gates and Valves

The integration of electric actuators into controlling bulk solids flow within the material handling process has many benefits. Utilizing an electric actuator system over pneumatic or hydraulic actuators reduces the component count for an installation. This can save space, many times reduce cost, improve overall system maintenance and reduce downtime. RACO electric actuators are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. Unlike mechanical systems that are prone to wear and tear, electric actuators are more durable and are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions. This translates to lower maintenance costs and less operational downtime.

Electric actuators are a much better solution, environmentally as well, for food grade diverter gate applications, especially when compared to any hydraulic actuator, which inherently comes with hydraulic fluids and dirty oils, associated piping, and seals which are prone to leaks.

Industrially, when controlling the flow of any bulk solids, material consistency can often change and create overload conditions for the diverter gates. RACO electric actuators have overload protection built in to deal with these conditions. This overload protection prevents excessive wear and tear on the gate, the couplings, and even the actuator itself.

For Coal Conveyor Diverter Gate applications, RACO electric actuators can be supplied with Explosion Proof motors and intrinsically safe connections. Also, mechanical limit switches can be used in these mining applications.

Ongoing Support and Innovations in Diverter Gate Actuation Technology

RACO Electric Actuator technology is always evolving. Being able to connect to a user’s network via input and output signals, allows for real time control of the actuator. This enhances the automation and connectivity of the gate to the overall bulk material handling process, all of which is critical for long term, successful operation. Diverter gates are not always easily accessible, therefore remote control is necessary as well as being able to monitor the actuator/gate in the real time operation. Electronic positioning devices can also be incorporated for feedback.

RACO can also assist with the sizing and selection of the most suitable electric actuator for the diverter gate application. Looking at the size and weight of the gate, the force/thrust needed, ideal stroke lengths, stroke speeds, the electrical needs, and the actuator package for the ambient, environmental conditions. Additionally, Overload Protection provides for safe operation of the diverter gate and protects the actuator itself so as to extend the overall life of the hardware. Ongoing advancements in RACO electric actuator technology promise to further enhance the performance, reliability, and efficiency of these types of applications