Client:
Athletic sportswear manufacturer
Quantity:
Size:
6 in. (152 mm)
Application:
This Vortex Gravity Vee Diverter is part of a proprietary plastic resin extrusion
system. The extruder line forms TPU resins into sheets of plastic materials. The client is using a Gravity Vee Diverter to divert plastic resins from a large drying hopper into an additive feeder. As the TPU resins pass through the valve, they are characterized as a “hot, dry material.” Normally, the valve is being used to feed resins into the extruder system (outlet 1). If resins remain in the drying hopper after an extrusion run is complete, the valve can be used to divert materials into a Gaylord box for storage (outlet 2). One example for why TPU resins would be placed in temporary storage is to prevent over-drying. This can occur if resins remain in a drying hopper and the extrusion line is idle for even a short time. Once the extruder line resumes operations, the stored resins are reintroduced into the process.
Features:
- Diverter body constructed from 6061-T6 aluminum.
- Blades & material contact areas constructed from 304 stainless steel.
- Diverter’s bonnet seals, end seals, side seals, roller spacers & bonnet blade guides are constructed from PET polymer.
- Bonnet seals are “live loaded” using compressed silicone rubber backing.
- Valve is rated for continuous service in material temperatures no greater
than 250° F (122° C). - Outlet legs offset 60° from vertical.
- Diverter features CAM-adjustable rollers, removable bonnet access panels &
replaceable bonnet seals. The purpose of each feature is to allow easy,
in-line maintenance. - Round transition piece at the diverter’s inlet & at both outlet legs. Transition
pieces are constructed from 304 stainless steel.
Results:
The client installed this Vortex Gravity Vee Diverter in early 2016. Today, they continue to be satisfied with the diverter’s performance. The diverter has required no replacement parts since it was installed.
The client’s end product is athletic sportswear. TPU has many applications, including sporting goods; textile coatings; outer cases of mobile electronics; laptop keyboard protectors; power tools; medical devices; inflatable rafts; automotive components; window tinting; wire and cable jacketing; hoses and tubes; adhesives; and more. TPU pellets are also used to create comfort cushioning and soles for footwear.
