Blow-Thru Rotary Airlock Valve for Pneumatic Conveying Feed Systems
Bulk material handling systems that rely on pneumatic conveying require specialized rotary valves capable of feeding material directly into pressurized air streams without excessive air loss or flow disruption. The Prater Blow-Thru Rotary Airlock Valve is engineered specifically for this purpose, enabling consistent feeding of free-flowing powders and granules into pneumatic conveying lines.
Unlike conventional drop-through airlocks, the blow-thru design introduces conveying air directly through the valve housing, allowing material to be discharged efficiently into the conveying pipeline. Larger vane pockets increase volumetric capacity, enabling the rotor to handle up to roughly 50% more material per revolution while operating at lower speeds that reduce wear and improve long-term reliability.
Constructed with heavy-duty cast iron or stainless steel components, precision-machined rotors, and sealed bearings, the valve is designed to maintain tight clearances and consistent air sealing even under continuous industrial operation.
This configuration makes the Blow-Thru Rotary Airlock Valve an effective solution for processing industries where powders, pellets, and granulated materials must be transferred efficiently into pneumatic conveying systems while minimizing pressure loss and maintenance requirements.
Request a Custom Quote
Share your requirements, and our engineers will deliver a customized recommendation with pricing and lead times.
FEATURES:
- Cast Iron Rotary valve Construction
- Universal flanges allows for custom drilled flanges to your pattern
- (2) Sealed outboard bearings – lubricated for life
- (2) Prater exclusive, Self-adjusting packing gland assemblies
- Eight-blade rotors standard (choice of speed)
- Sizes 8 and 10 inches
BENEFITS:
- Cast Iron Rotary valve Construction
- Universal flanges allows for custom drilled flanges to your pattern
- (2) Sealed outboard bearings – lubricated for life
- (2) Prater exclusive, Self-adjusting packing gland assemblies
- Eight-blade rotors standard (choice of speed)
- Sizes 8 and 10 inches
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a blow-thru rotary airlock differ from a drop-through rotary valve?
A blow-thru airlock introduces conveying air directly into the valve body, so material is pushed into the conveying pipeline. In contrast, drop-through airlocks discharge material by gravity into the conveying line below the valve.
Why are larger vane pockets important in blow-thru airlocks?
Larger vane pockets increase the material volume carried per rotor revolution. This allows the valve to feed more material while operating at lower rotor speeds, which reduces wear and improves overall efficiency.
What types of materials are best suited for blow-thru rotary airlocks?
Blow-thru valves are typically used for free-flowing powders, granules, crystals, or pellets that must be fed consistently into pneumatic conveying systems.
How does a blow-thru airlock help maintain conveying system pressure?
The precision-machined rotor and tight rotor-to-housing clearances minimize air leakage while transferring material between areas operating at different pressures, preserving conveying system efficiency.
When should a blow-thru rotary valve be selected instead of other airlock types?
Blow-thru valves are typically selected when a system requires direct feeding into pressurized pneumatic conveying lines where gravity discharge airlocks cannot maintain stable material transfer.
NOT SURE WHAT SIZE AIRLOCK YOU NEED?
Try our Airlock Size Recommendation Tool: answer a few simple questions and we’ll provide a recommendation on what size airlock to use.
