Valve for Transporting Coffee Beans and Ground Coffee

A leading global B2B supplier of tea, coffee and extract ingredients and solutions with operations across four continents are using AKO UK’s Pinch Valves to transfer roasted coffee beans and ground coffee.

There are a total of 9 Pinch Valves on site. The tea and coffee manufacturer were using Pinch Valves by an alternative manufacturer prior to switching to AKO’s products. The Facilities Coordinator for the beverages company told AKO that they had issues with the previous valves fitted as they would not release and return to the open position as they needed them to. Also, the lead time of the original valves was too long. The facilities coordinator said:

To further suit this coffee application, the company liked the model and design of AKO’s Pinch Valve, and wanted to use a valve that would control the flow as well as prevent damage to the product. AKO’s Pinch Valves are working well and they are happy.

Pinch Valve used within this application – VMC80.02X.50G.30LX

VMC model, air operated, food quality natural rubber sleeve, aluminium body, stainless steel BSP threaded end connections.

How does the Pinch Valve assist with this application?

The valves help the plant control flow within the system. Being able to control the flow of fluids, gases, or powders in a variety of different industries, aiding the transportation and flow of coffee beans and granules is no problem for a Pinch Valve.

The Pinch Valves’ flexible rubber hose or sleeve inside the enclosed body squeezes tightly closed, shutting off the flow of coffee beans and granules without damaging them. When the valve is opened by releasing the amount of compressed air used to keep the sleeve closed, it allows the coffee beans and granules to pass through.

A further insight into the Coffee application using valves

The system was installed at this beverage manufacturing company when the plant was built, and the choice to use Pinch Valves was chosen by the planners over 25 years ago.

The valves are positioned over head, and are normally open. The roasted beans and ground coffee are not extremely hot in temperature when passing through the valves, but warm. 6 BAR of compressed air pressure is used to close the valves, giving a 100% tight seal.

Furthermore, the AKO Pinch Valve also fully opens 100% with no dead spots or wear spots. This was a major factor for the company, as the previously installed valves by an alternative manufacturer were not opening fully. As well as not allowing as much product to pass through the opening, with the inner rubber sleeve partially closed, this can also cause wear on the sleeve as the product rubs it as it travels through, wearing the sleeve quicker.

Sleeve Replacement

With the sleeve being the only wearable part of these Pinch Valves used for handling coffee beans and granules, the beverages manufacturer are onto a winner. No additional gaskets, seals, rings etc will need replacing, like other conventional valves. This gives the Pinch Valve an excellent Total Cost of Ownership.

The length of time that the sleeves are needed to be replaced within this coffee application is not yet known as the company have only just recently switched Pinch Valve manufacturer to AKO UK. The Facilities Coordinator told AKO that his engineers informed him that the sleeves inside the AKO Pinch Valves look easier to replace. They have kept one spare sleeve per valve on site as a replacement, if and when needed.

Finding the right valve for your application

The Facilities Coordinator did an internet search based on the 80mm thread size required, and found AKO’s product spec information. He discovered he could choose different inlets and outlets for end connections.

With AKO’s extensive product range, and thousands of happy customers, we are bound to offer a Pinch Valve to suit your requirements. Please feel free to get in touch today to discuss your project or application and our sales team will be happy to assist you.