EMOD™ - Dome-Shaped Valve

The operation of Rieco's EMOD™ - Dome-Shaped Valve is a sophisticated, yet efficient process that ensures precise control over material flow. Here is a concise breakdown of the operational steps:

• Initialization: The valve starts in either a fully open or fully closed position. In the closed state, the dome is in place, blocking material flow, while in the open state, the pathway is clear for material to pass through.
• Seal Inflation (Closing Phase): When the valve needs to be closed, compressed air is introduced into the inflated seal system. This high-pressure air causes the seal to expand around the dome’s periphery, creating a robust and airtight seal that prevents the passage of materials and the escape of gases.
• Maintaining Closed Position: With the inflated seal securely in place, the valve remains in a closed position. The material is effectively blocked, and the system remains sealed and leak-proof.
• Seal Relaxation (Opening Phase): To transition the valve to an open position, the compressed air is released from the seal system. This causes the seal to relax and a controlled gap to be re-established around the dome.
• Opening the Valve: With the seal relaxed and the gap re-established, the actuator (either linear or rotary) is activated to move the dome to an open position. This opens the path for materials to pass through the valve.
• Position Control (Optional): The valve can be controlled not only in fully open or fully closed states but also in intermediate positions. This is facilitated by an integrated positioner, which receives signals to adjust the valve to a desired position, allowing for precise control of material flow.
• Repeat Cycle: After the material has passed through or when the need to stop the flow arises again, the cycle repeats, starting from either the closing or opening phase as required.

Rieco's EMOD™ operates by utilizing compressed air to inflate or relax a seal, which in conjunction with an actuator, controls the position of the dome, and thereby the flow of material through the valve. This design allows for full open, full close, and finely controlled intermediate positions, making it a versatile solution in various material handling applications.