Properly designing rotary valves

Compact practical checklist

Practical Checklist: Rotary Valves

The 10 most important points that frequently lead to air leakage, wear and tear or incorrect conveying in practice.

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Guidance for Design, Replacement, or Evaluation

How can I tell if a lock is incorrectly designed?
What information do I really need before making a decision?
Where do typical problems arise—long before they become apparent?

Why this checklist was created

Rotary valves are considered robust, standard components – and are therefore often underestimated. However, in practice, it repeatedly becomes clear that problems rarely arise from the component itself, but rather from incomplete or incorrect assumptions during the design process.

Typical consequences include:

Leakage and unstable processes
Excessive wear
Unnecessary downtime
Subsequent modifications or replacements

This checklist summarizes the most important influencing factors that should be clarified before making a decision – regardless of the manufacturer.

Typical situations where the checklist is helpful

Spare part or repair?

The airlock is basically functional, but is showing increasing problems.
> Which points are critical before a decision is made?

New system or modification?
The process data is known – but not fully evaluated.
> Which parameters are frequently overlooked?

Recurring malfunctions?
Blockages, air leaks, or wear occur regularly.
> Where are the possible causes hidden from the obvious?

What is this checklist good for?

The checklist does not replace detailed design – but it helps you ask the right questions before problems arise.

You can identify early on which process information is truly relevant.
You can avoid typical miscalculations regarding throughput, pressure, or bulk material.
You can evaluate existing systems in a structured way.
You can create a better basis for discussion with engineering, purchasing, and external partners.

Who will find a checklist useful?

The checklist is aimed particularly at:

- Maintenance personnel who want to assess or improve existing systems
- Technicians and engineers involved in planning or project development
- Purchasers who want to better support technical decisions
- Operators who want to systematically categorize recurring problems

It is intentionally not a sales document or a product overview, but rather a practical guide.

Overview: Which topics are covered?

- Bulk material properties and their effects
- Throughput, rotational speed, and sealing effect
- Pressure differentials and leakage air
- Materials, temperature, and process conditions
- Maintenance and safety aspects

You will receive the complete checklist by email.