Troubleshooting Diaphragm Valves Used In Dust Collector Systems

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Troubleshooting Diaphragm Valves Used In Dust
Collector Systems The diaphragm valve acts rather
like a one-way gate for air or gas. The valve is
located in the outlet pipe of a dust collector
system, typically just before the dust
collectors air preheater. The diaphragm is
designed with a flexible metal plate that spans
the valve and sits inside a chamber. When
pressure on one side of the plate increases, it
compresses the plate against the wall of the
chamber, changing the diameter and closing off
flow through the valve.
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• What is a Diaphragm Valve?
• A diaphragm valve is a device used to shut off
  and control the flow of gases or liquids. They
  are typically found in dust collector systems for
  the purpose of preventing dust from escaping.
• How does a Diaphragm Valve Operate?
• A diaphragm valve is a type of gate valve that is
  actuated by a moving part called a wafer.
  Opening and closing the valve is accomplished by
  pressing down on the wafer in one direction,
  which causes the other side to open up. The
  pressure differential across the two sides of
  the diaphragm moves the wafer. The diaphragm is
  placed between opposing pressure sides of the
  valve. The pressure side on one side of the
  diaphragm will force the wafer to move downwards,
  allowing for flow in that direction. When a
  diverter is installed on a gate, this allows
  operation as a ball valve.
• How do you Troubleshoot a Diaphragm Valve Used in
  Dust Collector Systems?
• Diaphragm valves used in dust collector systems
  work to control the flow of air, which helps to
  maintain a consistent air supply.
• To troubleshoot this type of valve
• Use a screwdriver to press on top of the lid and
  release the seal. You should be able to see if
  there is any debris or other contamination in the
  valve cavity.
• Make sure that the electrical connections to the
  valve are in good condition and that the valve
  is not in contact with any other object (base,
  pipes, etc).
• Check for an obstruction in the piping. If there
  is an obstruction, it will cause a restriction
  in airflow
• Check an actual leak with your eye or for bubbles
  on the vacuum gauge. If you don't see anything,
  reconnect the vacuum line and tighten any

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• connections. If a leak is found, disconnect the
  valves upstream and downstream of it
• Measure the inside diameter of the pipe and
  compare it with what is listed on the valve's
  specifications. If it does not match, you need to
  either replace or rebuild your valve to properly
  fit with your piping system.
• Conclusion
• It was found that the majority of the valves were
  malfunctioning due to a problem with their
  diaphragm. In cases like this, it is important to
  have the valve replaced. Get Diaphragm from
  industry expert like Diaphragm Direct that offers
  FDA certified with USP Class VI Approval variety
  of diaphragms.