Some powders can be hugely aggressive when flowing through flexible connectors, causing excessive wear and tear. Some products are naturally abrasive, and then there are instances where the flow of product enters a flexible transition at an angle, or at a particularly high velocity, and this constant flow over time can damage your flexible connectors.
The good news is that there are ways to redirect the flow of the product slightly to significantly reduce or even eliminate contact with the connector walls and, in turn, extend the life of your connectors.
The most appropriate flow correction method depends on several factors, such as the space available and the pipe size, but most significantly, the flow velocity.
We recommend four standard methods of achieving flow correction (or 'flow-control') when using the BFM® fitting system – and here’s a summary of the key methods:
Method 1: Larger Diameter BFM® Spigot vs Pipe |
Method 2: Smaller Diameter at Top, Tapering to Larger Diameter at Bottom |
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This is the simplest option, where you flare out the top pipe and make the diameter of the BFM® spigot at the point of the inlet larger than the pipe feeding the product in. This means you can still use a standard, straight connector, but the product falls through without making contact with the sides. This method is particularly suited to low-velocity/gravity-fed product flows. |
This option utilizes our tapered connectors with a smaller diameter at the product inlet, tapering out to a larger diameter at the bottom outlet. This again means the inward flow of the product is narrower than the walls of the body of the connector, so it falls through without making contact with the sides of the connector. This method is also ideally suited to low-velocity/gravity-fed product flows. |
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Method 3: Flow Ring Extending Down Inside the Connector |
Method 4: Flow Ring Finishes Before Spigot Cuff |
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Select a spigot diameter the same as your inlet pipe, but add an Insert, or ‘flow correction ring’, inside the spigot that extends down past where the cuff of the connector sits.* This directs the flow of the product into the centre of the spigot to ensure minimal wall contact by the product. This method is suited for both high and low-velocity applications. |
Similar to method 3, however, the flow-correction ring on the inside of the inlet BFM® spigot ends before the cuff of the connector. This again helps direct the powder flow inwards and away from the wall of the connector but is suitable for any diameter spigot and doesn’t impact connector replacement. Ideal for high-velocity flow product. |
* IMPORTANT NOTE: When using Method 3, you must ensure that the gap between the flow correction ring and the edge of the spigot cuff (dimension 'A' shown below is big enough to allow for connector replacement. We recommend that this is a minimum of 75 mm on each side. |
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The ideal solution for your specific flow correction requirement will also depend on a number of factors, including the product being transported, flow rate and production/cleaning cycles, amongst other things.
Contact your local Authorized Distributor to discuss the best solution for your specific application and requirements.