AKO PINCH VALVES · VACUUM CONVEYING
A brewery uses AKO VMC Series pinch valves with vacuum support to move diatomaceous earth from delivery and storage silos to beer-filtration equipment.
Application result
In the documented brewery installation, DN80 and DN100 VMC Series valves control diatomaceous earth in continuous operation. The valves are installed from the vacuum unloading and storage system through distribution to the filtration process, with configurations selected for vacuum service, food-processing requirements, and the desired fail position.
THE PROCESS PROBLEM
Fine filtration media must move reliably under vacuum
Diatomaceous earth—also called kieselgur, diatomite, or celite—is used as a filtration aid. In the documented brewery process, vacuum piping unloads the dry material from silo tankers and transfers it into stationary silos before it is distributed to individual filtration systems.
The plant required valves that would reduce blockage risk, tolerate continuous operation, support cleaning procedures, and maintain the specified closed position if the compressed-air supply was lost.
INSTALLED SOLUTION
VMC Series valves with AKOVAC and centralized safety controls
The documented configuration uses stainless-steel VMC Series valves with flanged AISI 316L product connections and light-colored food-grade natural-rubber sleeves. AKOVAC vacuum support compensates for negative pressure so the sleeve can maintain the intended open flow path.
Safety arrangements were also centralized to keep the valves closed after loss of compressed air. The case includes both horizontal and vertical installations with cycle frequency varying by valve location.
- Series
- AKO VMC
- Nominal sizes
- DN80 and DN100
- Housing
- Stainless steel 1.4408
- Connections
- Flanged stainless steel 1.4404 / AISI 316L
- Sleeve
- Light-colored food-grade natural rubber
- Installation
- Horizontal and vertical
- Reported cycles
- 15 per day to 20 per week, depending on location
- Additional options
- AKOVAC and safety arrangement
SELECTION GUIDANCE
What to verify for vacuum-conveyed powders
- Vacuum level: normal and maximum negative pressure, including startup and upset conditions
- Material: particle size, abrasiveness, moisture, fluidization behavior, and dust characteristics
- Valve location: tanker unloading, conveying line, silo outlet, separator vessel, or process feed
- Configuration: valve series, nominal size, sleeve compound, connection material, and installation orientation
- Controls: available air supply, AKOVAC arrangement, normal state, fail position, and cycle rate
- Process standards: cleaning method, food-contact requirements, and any hygienic or area-classification requirements
COMMON QUESTIONS
Vacuum-conveying pinch valve FAQ
Why does a pinch valve need vacuum support?
Negative pressure can contract the flexible sleeve and restrict the open flow path. For suitable applications, AKOVAC or a correctly engineered bypass arrangement compensates for that pressure condition.
Can one vacuum-control unit support multiple valves?
Centralized vacuum-compensation arrangements can support multiple pinch valves. The actual layout, response, valve count, piping, and operating sequence still need engineering review.
Does this brewery configuration fit every powder-handling system?
No. It is a documented example. Valve size, sleeve, body, connections, vacuum arrangement, controls, cleaning, and certifications must be selected for the actual material and process conditions.