K-Tron to Introduce Premier Pneumatics Rotary Valves at K-Show, October 24-31, Hall 10, Booth A74

SALINA, KANSAS, USA -(October 7, 2007)- The K-Tron Process Group will introduce Premier Pneumatics brand rotary valves to the European market for the first time in Booth A74, Hall 10, at the K-Show in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 24-31, 2007.

K-Tron will show Heavy Duty (HD), Maximum Duty (MD) and Quick-Clean (QC) Aerolock™ rotary valves but also offers Light Duty (LD) and Blow-Through (BT) models, to complete a full line including over 150 styles and sizes. Premier Aerolock™ rotary valves are available with many options including round or square inlet/outlet configurations providing 152.4 mm [6 in] through 508 mm [20 in] openings. Standard materials of construction include cast iron or stainless steel housings and end plates with carbon steel or stainless steel rotors. The housing and end plates can be coated with chrome, Teflon®, tungsten carbide, Nedox® or other specified material for greater wear resistance. Five seal arrangements covering general purpose, high temperature to severe service applications are offered. Premier Aerolock™ rotary valves have recently met CE certification and ATEX 3D classifications for use to the European market.

The Premier Pneumatics Heavy Duty (HD) Aerolock™ rotary valve is engineered for heavy duty industrial service and high volumetric efficiency at up to 15 PSI pressure differential and temperatures up to 224°F. When used in a conveying system, the pressure differential limit is 12 PSI. The HD has an eight-blade, open end rotor that maintains a minimum two-blade labyrinth seal to minimize air leakage. The eight-blade rotor is available with flat or relieved tips. Relieved tips reduce rotor drag on materials that tend to build up on housing and the design reduces pressure points that cause extrusion of materials molded or shaped by pressure. In addition to flat and relieved tips, the rotor is available with hubs, which are useful in shielding the seal and bearing areas from the material being handled. Reduced displacement and staggered pocket designs are also available. The HD is available with four seal types: T3 – a general all purpose, maintenance-free Teflon® seal, Lip – an economical seal for non-abrasive materials, Air purge – for severe service applications and the G5 – a durable and hardy all purpose seal.

The (MD) Aerolock™ rotary valve is engineered for heavy to severe industrial service with pressure differentials up to 20 PSI and/or temperatures of plus 250°F. The unit is designed to withstand the severe shock loads and elevated temperatures consistent with continuous, 24-hour service. The MD has a ten-blade, open end rotor that maintains a minimum three-blade labyrinth seal to minimize air leakage. The ten-blade rotor is available with flat or relieved tips and rotor choices include open-ended, hubbed, reduced displacement and staggered pocket designs. The MD is available with four seal types: T3 – a general all purpose, maintenance-free Teflon® seal, Packing gland – a self-adjusting seal, Air purge – for severe service applications and the G5 – a durable and hardy all purpose seal.

The (QC) Aerolock™ rotary valve is engineered for contamination-sensitive industry applications where frequent disassembly and cleaning is required and offers 24-hour service. It is also excellent for use with abrasive materials. Without disengaging the rotary valve from the system, it can be easily disassembled and cleaned by one person using a hand-held wrench. This exposes the rotor, end plates and housing chamber for easy cleaning without disturbing the seals or bearings.  Upon reassembly, the original clearances are maintained without adjustment. Available in five sizes from 6 to 357 mm [14 in] and designed to handle pressure differentials to 12 PSI, the QC Aerolock™ comes standard with a 10-blade stainless steel rotor for maximum labyrinth seal and wear life.  The rotor is equipped with relieved tips to prevent material buildup on the housing. The QC is available with four seal types: T3 – a general all purpose, maintenance-free Teflon® seal, Packing gland – a self-adjusting seal, Air purge – for severe service applications and the G5 – a durable and hardy all purpose seal.

A complete line of accessories is available for Premier Aerolock™ rotary valves: outlet adapters, maintenance slide gates, sight glasses, outlet guards, surge hoppers, floor support stands, flanged transitions and custom transitions allowing an easy fit into an existing facility.

Since the October 2006 acquisition of Premier Pneumatics of Salina, Kansas, K-Tron has opted to use the Premier Pneumatics brand name for all of its pneumatic conveying lines. Along with Premier Aerolock™ rotary valves, K-Tron will also introduce to the European market, the Premier Series 2400 receivers at the K-Show. The Premier model P10 and P30 vacuum receivers (formerly sold under the PCS brand name) will be also displayed. The P-Series receivers are designed to convey delicate materials and free flowing to poorly flowing powders.