These side-by-side diverters allow Vigo Importing Co., Tampa, FL, to convey nearly 20,000 pounds of rice per day from two storage hoppers to six packaging stations.
Diverter Valves
Importer improves efficiency of rice-conveying system
For many years, the Vigo Importing Co. of Tampa, FL (www.vigoalessi.com) conveyed cleaned rice from its storage hoppers to the packaging area through a hose-switching station. This setup was both labor-intensive and inefficient because it required a worker to stop production (shut off the blower) in order to disconnect and/or reconnect hoses between two destination lines.
However, in April 2004, Vigo replaced the hose-switching station with two Wye Line Diverters from Salina Vortex Corp., Salina, KS (785-825-7177/www.vortexvalves.com).
Anthony Risso, plant manager at Vigo, says the diverters have increased efficiency, while lessening the need for labor and eliminating problems that result from the misconnection of hoses (such as cross-contamination of different product types).
Location and Operation
The diverters are installed side by side. Each diverter is set up to handle one type of rice (long whole grain or short grain) and move it to three packaging areas, where it is either packed as is or further processed to become a rice mix.
The diverters have increased capacity of the conveying system and simplified its operation. Rather than spending time changing hoses, a worker simply pushes a button to change the destination of the rice.
Two adaptations were made to the diverters to ensure proper installation:
The straight leg was placed opposite the air cylinder (rather than adjacent to the cylinder as on the standard model) for easier installation into existing piping.
Ferrule-type fittings were placed on all inlets and outlets to allow easy removal of the valves for occasional system washdown.
Jim Camillo, editor
Reprinted from the First Quarter 2006 Issue of MILLING JOURNAL.
