Self-cleaning rotary valve for FLSmidth
A Longstanding Innovator in Cement Production
FLSmidth Cement, a global leader in supplying technology and services to the cement industry, has been shaping the industry for over 140 years. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, FLSmidth is driving the green transition by introducing advanced, energy-efficient solutions for cement production.
Challenge: Securing Performance in a Game-Changing Green Technology
In its latest innovation, FLSmidth introduced a groundbreaking clay calcination technology that reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 65% compared to traditional cement production methods. However, to ensure the success and reliability of this process, minimizing air leakage and handling sticky raw clay materials posed significant challenges.
A critical point in the process involves feeding raw clay into a hot gas stream leading to a “drier-crusher”, where the clay must be dried and crushed into fine particles. This required an exceptionally durable and reliable rotary valve solution that could handle:
- Large volumes of sticky clay
- Extreme temperatures (up to 400°C)
- Strict air-tightness requirements
Solution: A Tailored Self-Cleaning Rotary Valve by PAM
To meet these complex demands, FLSmidth partnered with PAM to co-develop a custom rotary valve designed specifically for the new clay calcination system. Through close collaboration, PAM delivered a large, self-cleaning rotary valve with the following specifications:
- Inlet/Outlet dimensions: 1250 x 800 mm
- Total height: 2300 mm
- High-temperature performance: Up to 400°C differential
- Innovative self-cleaning design and hot air injection to ensure continuous and trouble-free operation.
This bespoke valve solution provided the robustness and stability needed to secure a critical step in the process.
Results: Reliable Operation, Minimal Leakage
With PAM’s self-cleaning rotary valve, FLSmidth achieved:
- Air leakage reduction from 37% to only 10–12%
- Stable and continuous clay processing even under demanding conditions
- Improved operational reliability, significantly contributing to the efficiency of the green cement process
This collaboration not only fulfilled FLSmidth’s technical requirements but also enabled smoother, more sustainable cement production.
What FLSmidth Says
“FLSmidth has used PAM rotary valves for critical operations in our cement plants for over 30 years. PAM rotary valves are chosen because of their robust design and high operational reliability. In recent years, we’ve also partnered with PAM to leverage their innovation capabilities to develop highly specialized process equipment for our latest technologies.”
— Anders P. Olsen, Global Product Manager, FLSmidth Cement
At FLSmidth we used PAM rotary valves for critical operations in our cement plants for over 30 years. PAM rotary valves are chosen because of their robust design and high operational reliability.
In recent years, we’ve also partnered with PAM to leverage their innovation capabilities to develop highly specialized process equipment for our latest technologies.
We (Stiesdal SkyClean) can highly recommend a cooperation with PAM, also when technical limitations must be challenged.
On our way through the project, we found PAM’s great innovative power and flexible design department particularly useful, where technical solutions changed with PAM’s intervention.
The challenges we had initially on our project have been made significantly easier because of the cooperation with PAM.
PAM works relentless to ensure their delivered product meets all the criteria required and to ensure the quality is seamless. They are joy to work with.
The PAM solutions most noticeable difference for our operation is how it has improved the efficiency with our storing and loading systems, and ultimately how this has added cost saving benefits to our meal handling operations.
I selected PAM because of their innovative and professional approach to the challenges. Their competencies were further supported by their demonstrated ability to adapt and provide me with a fantastic solution, for both storing and transporting meal.
PAM helped us designing a new product suitable for our production and the collaboration was excellent all way through, PAM is a very flexible and competent partner to work with.
PAM is good at communicating – they revert quickly on inquiries and this way the dialogue easily becomes very close.
Request assistance
Do you want to learn more about how PAM can assist you on your bulk handling ? Please submit the information requested, and you will be contacted by one of our consultants shortly.
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